Data Scientist - Operations Research

The Data Scientist - Imaging Research role is based within the Institute for Data Science in Oncology, a multidisciplinary program at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center focused on applying data science and emerging technologies to improve safety, quality, and access in clinical care and operations. This role supports the Institute's surgical data science program, including translational research in image-guided surgery, with close collaboration among data scientists, engineers, and clinicians.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. In this environment, the Data Scientist - Imaging Research contributes to the development and clinical translation of advanced imaging, image analysis, and registration methods. The Data Scientist - Imaging Research works closely with surgeons and scientific collaborators across UT MD Anderson, with primary areas of impact including orthopaedic surgery and neurosurgery. The Data Scientist - Imaging Research plays a key role in advancing computational approaches that support innovative, data-driven surgical care.

The ideal candidate has an advanced academic background in science or engineering with hands-on experience in scientific software development and image analysis. This individual brings practical expertise in optimization, computer vision, and machine learning or deep learning methods applied to medical imaging, along with experience working with complex medical image datasets. Strong programming skills, statistical rigor, and the ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders are essential for success in this collaborative research environment.

Why Us?

This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to mission-driven research that advances image-guided surgery and improves patient care through innovation in data science and medical technology. UT MD Anderson supports professional growth through collaboration with world-class clinicians and researchers while promoting a balanced and supportive work environment focused on meaningful scientific impact.
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

Algorithm Development & Research
Develop algorithms for image analysis, including segmentation and registration
Develop and implement machine learning and deep learning algorithms for image-guided surgery research
Apply optimization, computer vision, and image analysis techniques to complex image registration problems
Define and compute key model performance metrics
Design and conduct rigorous laboratory and clinical experiments to test hypotheses and validate models

Collaboration & Clinical Translation
Collaborate and consult with surgeons, engineers, and data scientists to define and resolve analytical problems
Work in multidisciplinary research related to systems engineering, technology development, and data-intensive surgical methods
Support translational research in image-guided surgery, orthopaedic surgery, and neurosurgery
Communicate with research and clinical stakeholders to share findings and best practices

Data Analysis & Software Development
Design, develop, and implement research algorithms and software solutions
Analyze and interpret large medical imaging datasets to identify trends and patterns
Work with medical image datasets, PACS, and hospital information systems
Provide ongoing support for existing software systems as they evolve

Reporting, Presentation & Professional Engagement
Communicate results clearly in written and oral formats for technical and non-technical audiences
Present research findings at internal and external meetings and scientific conferences
Prepare final reports in required formats by established deadlines
Stay current with advances in image-guided surgery, image analysis, and optimization techniques
Learn new methods and support others in the adoption of emerging techniques

EDUCATION

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

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Required: 3 years Scientific software or industry development/analysis experience. or
• Required: 1 year Required experience with Master's degree. or
• Required: With PhD, no experience required.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Required: Demonstrated experience with computing or programming using Python, Matlab, R, C++, Java, and or SQL, experience with machine learning and deep learning methods including neural network design, experience with statistical analysis, familiarity with modern object-oriented programming languages such as Python, C++, and or Java, experience with open source image analysis, image guidance, and optimization packages such as 3D Slicer, VTK, ITK, and IGT Link, experience with large scale mixed-integer linear programming, experience working with medical image data sets, PACS, and hospital information systems, ability to communicate results clearly in written and oral formats, ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, and ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously
Preferred: Background knowledge and experience in optimization and computer vision, experience with medical image datasets and image analysis techniques including segmentation and registration, experience with open source scientific computing and machine learning libraries such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, pandas, scipy, and scikit, experience with database languages such as SQL, and experience in image-guided surgery research including surgical tracking and navigation systems and related open source libraries

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.