Assistant Data Scientist spatial and single-cell omics

The Institute for Data Science in Oncology (IDSO) is a signature priority program aimed at transforming the patient experience, enhancing quality of life and accelerating scientific breakthroughs via advanced, data-driven approaches to cancer care.

One of the five focus areas IDSO has prioritized is Focus Area 2 - Single Cell Spatial Omics to Unveil Cancer Complexity, which is co-led by Dr. Linghua Wang, a Professor in the department of Genomic Medicine at MD Anderson Cancer Center and a recognized computational biologist and leader in single-cell spatial research in cancer. Our goal is to build a world-class data science hub for single-cell and spatial omics studies to accelerate the discovery and translation of cancer research at MD Anderson and beyond.

About the Role

The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and enthusiastic Data Scientists with a strong computational background and expertise in programming and bioinformatics pipeline development. The successful candidate will lead the development and optimization of spatial multi-omics pipelines for commonly employed platforms, all-encompassing spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, genomic, microbiome, antigen receptor profiling, tissue and molecular imaging, and other related omics platforms. The candidates will also be responsible for providing regular updates and organizing efforts for advancing pipeline development. Dr. Linghua Wang and her group will provide guidance and support, assisting the candidates in brainstorming workflow decisions and optimizing the pipeline development process.

Responsibilities

Technical

• Participate in the design, development, and optimization of single-cell and spatial omics data analysis pipelines and computational frameworks.
• Benchmark computational methods and toolkits to ensure best practices and excellence in data processing and analysis.
• Ensure scalability and efficiency of the pipelines to process, analyze, and integrate large and complex datasets.
• Conduct rigorous testing and validation of computational tools to ensure accuracy and reproducibility.
• Participate in the design, development, and optimization of interactive web portals for effective data exploration and visualization.

Collaboration and Communication

• Meet with teams and collaborators regularly to discuss projects, communicate results, and provide computational expertise. Effective collaboration is a strong component of this role.
• Design, develop, and lead firsthand training workshops and seminars.

Research and Publication

• Assist with code submission and distribute analytical methods and codes to the scientific community.
• Assist with manuscript and grant preparation and presentations, and present at lab meetings, departmental and institutional seminars, and appropriate scientific conferences.

Other Duties

• Attend collaborator meetings and team working group meetings, efficiently manage projects to ensure timely completion while optimizing the use of resources.
• Stay up to date with relevant technologies, methods, and literature; systematically gather information.

Qualifications

Education

• Required: Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Computational Biology, or related field.
• Preferred: Master's Degree in a related field.

Experience

• Required: None.
• Preferred: Experience with spatial and single-cell omics.

Skills

Soft Skills

• Must be honest, highly motivated, reliable, responsible, and well-organized.
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to multi-task and a willingness to learn new methods and technologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and interdisciplinary team environment (strong plus).
• Possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze complex issues and develop effective solutions.

Core Competencies

• Drive: Serve as a leader whether in a formal leadership role or not; tackle problems, move past setbacks and hardships, and do not lose sight of goals. (Self-Confidence, Analytical Thinking, Innovative Thinking, Technical Expertise)
• Professionalism: Set the example for others and consistently model MD Anderson's values and service standards; communicate effectively in a variety of ways. (Inspire Trust, Oral Communication, Written Communication)
• Emotional Intelligence: Maintain awareness of your own emotions and the emotions of those around you; use nonverbal cues and feelings to engage others in a general and responsive way. (Active Listening, Teaming, Self-Reflection)
• Coachability: Engage in relentless learning; constantly ask questions and stay curious; understand that the organization constantly evolves, and you should as well. (Develop Oneself, Adaptability)

Benefits

• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
• 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.

Pay

Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 68,500
Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 85,500
Maximum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 102,500
FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay

Schedule

Employment Status: Full-Time
Employee Status: Regular
Work Week: Days
Work Location: Hybrid Onsite/Remote

Additional Information

Requisition ID: 182874
Fund Type: Soft
Pivotal Position: Yes
Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes

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.