Research Scientist - BWH Rheumatology

General Summary

The research scientist in the Clinical Sciences in the Division of Rheumatology will join the lab of Dr. Katherine Liao. The research scientist will work closely with Dr. Liao to oversee management of lab projects with a focus on patient-oriented studies involving recruitment and studies conducted as part of the VERITY Bioinformatics Core. General roles include overseeing and participating in patient recruitment, as well as collaborative projects between the Core and other collaborators both within and outside of BWH. The research scientist will also oversee coordination of patient recruitment, data and analyses (clinical focus on rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease), application of bioinformatics and statistical pipelines supported by the Core as well as design and oversee analyses for clinical research for a broad range of conditions. They will also oversee training and management of the research staff.

Primary Responsibilities

Responsibilities include working closely with the team including fellows, analysts, to oversee the conduct of projects by the team ranging from patient recruitment studies to analyses in large databases studies, assist with oversight of Core resources such as code books and data mappings, preparing tables and figures for reports, and overseeing statistical analyses ranging from summary statistics to applying machine learning approaches.

The position requires the ability to develop an in-depth understanding of our research questions as well as the data and data structures. Willingness to learn new skills and ability to work in a team setting is essential.

The position includes coordinating and carrying out study-related activities such as designing data collection instruments and programming study databases, organizing, and maintaining various meetings/agendas, assisting with hiring and training of new staff, as well as creating, managing, and maintaining several internal review board protocols. The role also includes learning how to apply existing lab bioinformatics pipelines. The role includes contributing to grant proposals, manuscripts, publications and abstracts, as well as reports and presentations.

Qualifications

Master's degree or higher in an analytic field, such as biostatistics, statistics, or epidemiology is required; PhD is preferred

At least two years of relevant work experience is required

Experience working with R programming language is required and essential to the position

Experience working in Excel

Previous experience in project management in the area of patient recruitment is preferred

Skills, Abilities, Competencies Required

Must have interpersonal skills to interact effectively with persons of all levels

Excellent problem solving, analytical and communication (written and verbal) skills

R programming language is required

SAS programming language is preferred (SAS BASE, STAT, MACRO)

Knowledge of computerized data entry programs such as MS Access

Must be able to prioritize and organize work responsibilities in order to meet deadlines

Must possess a great deal of integrity to maintain confidentiality

Must demonstrate accuracy in maintaining data

Must be able to make independent judgments under general supervision for the above mentioned job duties and responsibilities

Knowledge of SQL programming languages preferred but not required

Experience implementing machine learning algorithms preferred but not required

Evidence of potential for scientific creativity, original thought

Able to exercise independent judgment and leadership

Able to work on complex, large projects

Able to determine project objectives and approach

Ability to work independently as well as being a team player

Strong attention to detail