University of Southern California

Associate Data Scientist

Healthcare
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS/MS in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience
  • Strong programming skills in Python and SQL with experience in ML frameworks like PyTorch
  • Full stack development experience with technologies such as JavaScript and Node.js
  • Proven experience in deploying LLM applications, including workflow orchestration
  • Familiarity with data governance, security protocols, and testing methods for AI implementations

Responsibilities

  • Build AI workflows that implement multi-step tasks using APIs
  • Integrate and normalize various data modalities to support workflows
  • Implement reliability mechanisms for traceability and output validation
  • Design and refine AI workflows and agents to improve healthcare applications
  • Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to develop measurable AI-driven solutions

Benefits

  • Collaborative work environment with a focus on clinical innovation
  • Access to advanced technologies and research opportunities
  • Engagement with a multidisciplinary team of experts
  • Opportunities for professional development and learning
  • On-site role at the USC Health Science Campus, fostering community and team dynamics
Full Job Description
USC Institute of Urology is seeking an Associate Data Scientist. In this role, the Associate Data Scientist will support the design, development, testing, and deployment of agentic AI workflows within a healthcare environment. Based in the AI Center at the USC Institute of Urology, they will collaborate with a cross-disciplinary team of clinicians, researchers, and engineers to translate clinical and operational needs into practical, AI-driven solutions. Responsibilities include contributing to multi-step, API-driven workflows, integrating multi-modal data sources, and ensuring system reliability and traceability. The role focuses on building scalable, production-ready systems that enhance clinical operations, support research initiatives, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. The successful candidate will be motivated, pro-active, resourceful, and detail-oriented. The position requires excellent organizational and communication skills with the ability to be decisive and adaptable. Candidates should have experience with agentic artificial workflows as well as a strong understanding of governance and security protocols for deploying AI solutions. Required Qualifications: •  BS/MS in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent practical experience. •  Strong Python, SQL programming skills, GitHub, and experience with ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, etc). •  Full stack software development, experience with JavaScript, Node.js, QT, or similar •  Demonstrated experience building and deploying LLM applications beyond prototypes, including tool/function calling, workflow orchestration, structured outputs, and validation. •  Experience implementing grounding/retrieval and reliability evaluation (test cases, regression checks, monitoring) and familiarity with security and privacy best practices for sensitive data. Preferred Qualifications: • Experience integrating structured and unstructured data to support workflow automation and incorporating multimodal inputs where applicable. • Multi-step workflow design with escalation and human-in-the-loop safeguards. • Agentic AI workflow implementation and design of AI Agents (n8n, LangChain, LangGraph, AutoGen, CrewAI, or similar). • Cloud deployment, secure operations (AWS/Azure/GCP), APIs. • Multi-agent systems / planning / Reinforcement Learning fundamentals. • Lightweight fine-tuning or adaptation experience. Essential job duties include, but are not limited to: •  Build AI workflows that execute multi-step tasks through APIs and internal databases. •  Integrate and normalize multiple data modalities to support workflow execution. •  Implement RAG and grounding controls to support traceability and reduce unsupported outputs. •  Design, troubleshoot and refine Agentic AI workflows and AI Agents to augment current healthcare applications. •  Collaborate with clinicians, researchers, and operational stakeholders to translate needs into safe, testable, and measurable deliverables Follows established USC and department policies, procedures, objectives, performance improvement, attendance, safety, environmental, and infection control guidelines, including adherence to the workplace Code of Conduct and Compliance Plan. This position is on-site and employee must report to work at the USC Health Science Campus in Los Angeles, CA when scheduled. Work hours and on-site days may be subject to change depending on business needs. The annual budgeted salary range for this position is $99,823.75 - $113,589.23. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations. Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree Addtional Education Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 2 years Minimum Skills: Experience using statistical computer languages (e.g., R, Python, SQL) to manipulate data and draw insights from large data sets. Experience working with and creating data models and data architecture, and using data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, ArcGIS, D3.js). Knowledge of current data modeling tools and various machine-learning techniques and algorithms (e.g., clustering, decision-tree learning, artificial neural networks). Experience scripting and programming in several languages with common data science toolkits. Proficient use of query languages (e.g., SQL, MDX) and experience working with relational (e.g., MySQL, SQL Server, Oracle, Snowflake, Redshift) and non-relational (e.g., Mongo, NoSQL) databases. Knowledge of applied, statistical concepts and techniques skills (e.g., distributions, statistical testing, regression). Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to provide both detailed information and summaries to management-level individuals and groups. Experience developing customer relationships and delivering customer-focused service. Proven problem-solving and decision-making skills, and the ability to uncover root cause and evaluate different solution options. Preferred Education: Bachelor's degree In Applied Mathematics Or Computer Science Or Statistics Or in related field(s) Preferred Experience: 4 years Preferred Skills: Experience in data science, analytics, IT, cognitive engineering, or related fields. Demonstrated interest in data science and artificial intelligence, and experience in open domain (e.g., GitHub). Published writing on artificial intelligence and/or data science. Ability to write high-quality Python code. Familiarity with unit testing, source control and code review. If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this  USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser: https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$151551.htmld

About University of Southern California

The University of Southern California (USC) is a private research university located in Los Angeles, California. It was founded in 1880 and is the oldest private research university in California. USC offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in a wide range of fields, including business, law, engineering, medicine, and the arts. The university is known for its strong athletic programs, particularly in football and basketball. USC has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. The university has a total enrollment of approximately 47,000 students, including 28,000 undergraduate students.
Learn more about University of Southern California
Size
28,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1880

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at University of Southern California

More Healthcare Jobs

Find similar Associate Data Scientist jobs: