The Department of Health Services Research conducts the highest quality health services research with the ultimate aims of optimizing health care delivery and improving outcomes for the prevention and treatment of cancer.
The primary purpose of the Health Services Research Associate Data Scientist position is to develop and maintain mathematical, and simulation models related to research conducted in Health Services Research, develop optimization algorithms, computer code, perform statistical analysis and prepares reports, often associated with modeling cancer disease progression and medical decision making.
The ideal candidate will experience with Markov decision processing or Monte Carlo simulation/modeling.
Salary: Minimum $88,000 - Midpoint $110,000 - Maximum $132,000
Work Location: Texas Medical Center
Work Schedule: Onsite 2 - 3 days and as business needs.
Responsibilities
Mathematical Modeling
• Develop mathematical and optimization models to support cancer-related research.
• Implement optimization algorithms to solve analytical models to optimality.
• Validate analytical models using data from national and regional cancer registries and clinical trials.
• Maintain and update models to reflect evolving clinical practices.
• Learn and apply new optimization and approximation methods for efficient model solving.
Simulation Modeling
• Build microsimulation or Monte Carlo simulation models of disease progression and cancer care processes.
• Validate simulation models using observational registry data and clinical trial data.
• Maintain and update simulation models as clinical standards evolve.
Data Analysis & Management
• Perform basic and advanced statistical analyses under guidance from statistical analysts.
• Assist faculty with the development of statistical methods for risk assessment and prediction.
• Manage datasets from national and regional cancer registries, clinical trials, medical billing systems, national surveys, and large claims databases including IBM MarketScan, Optum Clinformatics, and Medicare.
• Coordinate multiple concurrent projects efficiently.
Research, Training & Reporting
• Conduct literature reviews and learn relevant medical terminology.
• Support selection of study design, cohort definition, data analysis, and interpretation of results.
• Present at monthly lab meetings and assist in training trainees to use models and code.
• Prepare tables, figures, text summaries, memos, and components of scientific manuscripts.
Computer Programming
• Develop computer code for data analyses, mathematical models, and simulation models using Julia, R, and Python.
• Create and maintain online code repositories using GitHub.
EDUCATION
Required: Bachelor's Degree Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Computational Biology, or related field.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Required: Two years Scientific software or industry development/analysis.
Preferred: Prior experience with Markov decision processing or Monte Carlo simulation/modeling.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
