Associate Data Scientist

The Department of Health Services Research conducts the highest quality health services research with the ultimate aims of optimizing health care delivery and improving outcomes for the prevention and treatment of cancer.

MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The primary purpose of the Health Services Research Associate Data Scientist position is to develop and maintain mathematical, and simulation models related to research conducted in Health Services Research, develop optimization algorithms, computer code, perform statistical analysis and prepares reports, often associated with modeling cancer disease progression and medical decision making.

The ideal candidate will experience mathematical modeling, computer programming and data analysis.

Salary: Minimum $88,000 - Midpoint $110,000 - Maximum $132,000

Work Location: Texas Medical Center

Why Us?

This position offers the opportunity to directly support meaningful cancer research while developing advanced skills in modeling, simulation, and data science. You will contribute to work that improves patient outcomes and healthcare delivery, while benefiting from a supportive environment that values continuous learning, collaboration, and work life balance.

• 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.

Responsibilities

Mathematical Modeling

• Develop mathematical and optimization models to support cancer-related research.

• Implement optimization algorithms to solve analytical models to optimality.

• Validate analytical models using data from national and regional cancer registries and clinical trials.

• Maintain and update models to reflect evolving clinical practices.

• Learn and apply new optimization and approximation methods for efficient model solving.

Simulation Modeling

• Build microsimulation or Monte Carlo simulation models of disease progression and cancer care processes.

• Validate simulation models using observational registry data and clinical trial data.

• Maintain and update simulation models as clinical standards evolve.

Data Analysis & Management

• Perform basic and advanced statistical analyses under guidance from statistical analysts.

• Assist faculty with the development of statistical methods for risk assessment and prediction.

• Manage datasets from national and regional cancer registries, clinical trials, medical billing systems, national surveys, and large claims databases including IBM MarketScan, Optum Clinformatics, and Medicare.

• Coordinate multiple concurrent projects efficiently.

Research, Training & Reporting

• Conduct literature reviews and learn relevant medical terminology.

• Support selection of study design, cohort definition, data analysis, and interpretation of results.

• Present at monthly lab meetings and assist in training trainees to use models and code.

• Prepare tables, figures, text summaries, memos, and components of scientific manuscripts.

Computer Programming

• Develop computer code for data analyses, mathematical models, and simulation models using Julia, R, and Python.

• Create and maintain online code repositories using GitHub.

EDUCATION

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

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Required: Two years Scientific software or industry development/analysis.
• Preferred: Prior mathematical modeling, computer programming and data analysis experience.

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.

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.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.

Additional Information

• Requisition ID: 178514
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Days
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 88,000
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 110,000
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 132,000
• FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
• Fund Type: Soft
• Work Location: Hybrid Onsite/Remote
• Pivotal Position: Yes
• Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes

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