The Research Data Scientist reports to the Director of Research at LUCOM and is responsible to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and expertise in their discipline that supports the biomedical or clinical sciences required for the educational processes and procedures to train osteopathic medical students. The Staff-member is expected to aid in conducting and supporting research and contribute to securing extramural research funding. This role will include involvement in data acquisition and wrangling, statistical analysis, data visualization and the development machine learning models. The individual in this role will be involved in mentoring medical students, residents, and faculty where appropriate.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU’s mission.
- Provide insight into the instruction of medical students, trainees, and faculty served by the department while providing mentorship and motivation for learning, research and scholarly activity in laboratory experiences, and research opportunities.
- Support computational and epidemiologic research efforts within the Center for Research to support faculty in multiple departments at the COM, including the Division of Clinical Informatics.
- Engage in the development of research design, selection of statistical methods, data analysis, and writing manuscripts.
- Provide mentoring to students, with Department leadership, towards research study design, data analysis, and interpretation of statistical analyses.
- Support the preparation of grant proposals and academic evaluative reports, with the aim to secure research funding.
- Actively participate in and support student engagement in research and scholarly activity.
- Demonstrate the highest standard of professionalism and ethical behavior.
- Other duties as assigned by the Dean or his/her designee.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Does position directly or indirectly supervise other employees? YES NO
Does position supervise subordinate supervisors? YES NO
If yes, please list the subordinate supervisors (names and titles) reporting to this position.
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How many employees are indirectly overseen by this position through subordinate supervisors?
Select the number of indirectly supervised employees.
Does this position directly oversee non-supervisory personnel? YES NO
If yes, how many non-supervisory personnel are directly overseen by this position?
Select the number of directly supervised employees.
Does position interact with individuals/entities outside the company? YES NO
If yes, please describe:
Staff are expected to maintain positive and ongoing relationships with internal as well as external partners, for the purpose of leveraging relationships and resources for the benefit of the students, the advancement of scientific knowledge, research and scholarly activity, as well as to advance the mission and vision of the COM.
In particular, this role will involve dynamic collaborations with colleagues at other institutions on the national and international level.
QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Master’s degree in data science/clinical informatics or another related quantitative field (e.g. physics, chemistry, engineering, math, statistics, etc.) preferred.
- Demonstrated experience in a quantitative discipline (i.e. structural equation modeling, decision tree modes, or survival modeling), measurement fields (i.e. classical measurement theory, Rasch model, or item response theory), or mixed methods.
- Professional experience working with electronic health record and/or public health data is preferred.
- Demonstrated experience and skills with Python or R programming languages.
- Preferably, 1-3 years’ academic experience in research or scholarly activity at a national recognized facility.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Demonstrate ability to mentor and motivate students and peers.
- Demonstrate time management skills.
- Demonstrate a depth of knowledge in one or more of the medical, psychological, social, or spiritual disciplines required for the education of medical students, the practice of medicine, and the advancement of medical knowledge and research.
ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB
Communication and Comprehension
- Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated information.
- Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.
- Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University to a variety of business and community customers and associates.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Excellent computer skills.
- Ability to contribute to a team environment and contribute expertise at appropriate times while recognizing each team member’s strengths and contributions.
- Engage in “listen first” communication style to ensure that everyone is heard so the best decision can be reached.
- Ability to show respect to colleagues and to work in a collegial manner.
- Ability to work as a group leader and group member, possessing the characteristics of a team player.
Problem Solving
- Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.
Physical and Sensory Abilities
- Occasionally required to travel to local and campus locations.
- Frequently required to sit for extended periods to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard.
- Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.
- Occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the building.
- Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds.
Other Requirements
- Up to 20% work away from campus and travel.
- Attendance at events representing the COM, both within and outside of the University setting.
- Experience with scholarly publication and research.
- Ability to prepare grant proposals and academic evaluative reports.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work Environment
The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled office setting. It is well lighted and the noise level is moderate.
Driving Requirements
Use of one’s personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) is required for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position. Proof of a valid Virginia driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance is required.