Data Science Researcher

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary range for this position: $60,906 to $77,047, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

About the role

Working under general supervision, the Data Science Researcher will support the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the Solar Durability and Lifetime Extension Research Center by planning and conducting data-driven research activities related to materials durability, degradation science, and environmentally exposed technologies. This role will develop data analysis pipelines, perform statistical analysis, manage complex data structures, and contribute to technical reports, progress summaries, and scientific manuscripts for submission to academic journals and conference proceedings. This is a one-year term-funded position expected to continue for one year contingent on project needs, funding availability, and satisfactory performance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct data science research to support Solar Durability and Lifetime Extension Research Center projects in materials durability, degradation science, and environmentally exposed technologies; develop and maintain data analysis pipelines, perform statistical and computational analyses, manage and create complex datasets, and present data using advanced statistical programming languages such as R and Python. (70%)
• Coordinate research activities with faculty, staff, and student researchers to support timely completion of project goals; track progress against project milestones, maintain research documentation, participate in project planning and team meetings, and assist with implementation planning efforts for events, workshops, symposia, or other programmatic requirements to implement research initiatives. (20%)
• Prepare and support dissemination of research products by conducting literature reviews, summarizing technical findings, contributing to technical reports, progress updates, presentations, posters, conference proceedings, and draft manuscripts, and ensuring research outputs are reviewed, documented, and released in accordance with project requirements and award guidelines. (9%)
• Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)

Contacts

• Department: Solar Durability and Lifetime Extension Research Center Faculty Director and associated faculty members, staff, postdoctoral scholars.
• University: Great Lakes Energy Institute staff, Materials Science and Engineering faculty and staff, limited contact with other university leadership, staff, and faculty as needed.
• External: Research collaborators at partner Universities, National Laboratories, and Industry.
• Students: Graduate and undergraduate students, high school students participating in research.

Supervisory Responsibilities

No direct supervisory responsibility. May provide task direction, training, and project coordination for student researchers or other project personnel participating in supported research activities.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in statistics, data science, materials science, engineering, or a related quantitative field required and 2 to 3 years of experience, or a Master's degree in statistics, data science, materials science, engineering, or a related quantitative field required and 0 years of experience. Prior experience in research data analysis, statistical modeling (such as applied regression, longitudinal data analysis, and experimental designs), data curation, and database management are highly preferred.

Skills

• Understanding of common practice and procedures within the field of data science and statistical analysis.
• High proficiency in statistical programming languages, specifically R and SAS, and advanced usage of Google and Office Suite products.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate and reliable data recording, data curation, project administration, and note-taking.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with a proven track record in scientific writing and research presentation.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize tasks, and meet strict project deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work closely with colleagues and lead multi-disciplinary research teams.
• Ability to interpret, summarize, and communicate quantitative findings to research collaborators.
• Willingness and ability to learn new techniques, machine learning tools, and materials data science procedures as needed.
• Ability to demonstrate successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.

Working Conditions

General laboratory and office environments. This position may have contact with or exposure to computing clusters, environmental exposure chambers, characterization tools, or other specialized laboratory equipment. If laboratory safety training, personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, lab coat, and protective eyewear is required, it will be provided where applicable. Limited travel to academic conferences and site visits.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare
• Retirement plans
• Tuition assistance
• Paid time off
• Winter recess

Schedule

This is a one-year term-funded position expected to continue for one year contingent on project needs, funding availability, and satisfactory performance.