Research Scientist - Data Science, AI & Digital Health

About the Job

This fifth-level Research Professional serves as a senior individual contributor and recognized content expert in data science, artificial intelligence and digital health research. The position independently leads and advises on highly complex, system-level research projects and portfolios, working with faculty leaders with particular emphasis on aligning study design, analytic strategy, and real-world research operations.

Position Overview

The role functions as a strategic and methodological partner to faculty investigators, providing advanced guidance on when, how, and why data science and digital health methods should be applied—rather than serving as a primary analyst or system implementer. The incumbent integrates across disciplines and roles to translate research aims into executable, data-driven studies that advance learning health system sciences, working under general supervision with the authority to make daily operations decisions.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Data Science & Digital Health Expertise

  • Apply advanced data science, computational modeling, and digital health knowledge to shape research questions, hypotheses, and analytic approaches, rather than executing routine analyses.
  • Evaluate appropriateness, strengths, and limitations of analytic methods, data sources, and digital tools in relation to study aims and operational constraints.
  • Interpret analytic outputs in scientific and operational context, translating results into insights and recommendations for investigators and stakeholders.
  • Leverage, rather than replicate, and coordinate the work of biostatisticians, analysts, and informatics staff and faculty.
  • Contribute substantively to grant applications and manuscripts as a methodological and design co-author.

• Bridging Study Design and Study Operations

  • Serve as the primary integrator between faculty vision and operational execution for data-enabled studies. Lead integration of data science and digital health considerations into study design at the concept, proposal, and protocol stages.
  • Advise faculty on tradeoffs among rigor, feasibility, scalability, and resource requirements in real-world research environments.
  • Ensure coherence among research questions, data availability, analytic plans, and implementation workflows. Anticipate and resolve mismatches between protocol intent and day-to-day research operations.
  • Collaborate with study staff, analysts, informatics teams, and health system partners to operationalize complex designs.
  • Guide development of reusable workflows and approaches that support multiple studies.
  • Support project management primarily or working collaboratively with staff.

• People Management

  • Provide leadership for staff and foster a professional, diverse and equitable working environment within the center for people from all backgrounds, communities, and identities, where staff are empowered and accountable.
  • Directly oversee and manage CLHSS data scientists (2), who will be matrixed to assigned research projects based on skills and expertise, to meet defined project deliverables.
  • Develop staff capacity and set goals aligned with overall center strategies.

• Strategic Consultation & Portfolio Leadership

  • Provide consultative expertise to CLHSS leadership, faculty, and project teams on data science and digital health strategy.
  • Shape the Center’s approach to data-enabled research by identifying emerging methods, technologies, infrastructure needs, as well as grants and other funding opportunities.
  • Influence research direction and quality across data science portfolio (multiple concurrent projects) without formal supervisory authority.
  • Represent CLHSS as a subject-matter expert in institutional and cross-unit initiatives.
  • Galvanize engagement with data science staff and faculty collaborators through varied approaches to build a pool of expertise supporting active projects, incubation of ideas, and joint pursuit of funding.

• Communication, Reporting & Knowledge Translation

  • Produce high-level reports, presentations, and guidance documents addressing complex technical and methodological issues.
  • Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Support dissemination of findings through scholarly publications and presentations.

About the Department

Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.

About the University

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $122,000 - $138,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment: 100% Appointment
Work Location: Hybrid; 20% in person
Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional Information

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.