Data Scientist

The Stankovic Laboratory at Stanford University School of Medicine seeks a highly motivated research scholar with expertise in data science, epidemiology, and computational analysis of large-scale electronic health record (EHR) data. The individual will join a dynamic, interdisciplinary team in the Stanford Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, with access to the university's rich ecosystem of data science, epidemiology, and computational health resources. Mentorship will emphasize both technical skill development and career advancement. Opportunities for co-authorship, conference presentations, and cross-disciplinary collaborations are abundant.

Data Scientist to be with some independence, consult with investigators to refine research questions, define hypotheses, design studies and devise analysis plans. Work with senior statistician(s) to implement analysis plan and publish findings. Present results orally to clinical investigators. Provide guidance to clinical investigators on design and analysis issues.

Include with Application

1. Cover letter describing your background, programming experience, and research interests.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Contact information for three references.
4. (Optional but encouraged) A link to a GitHub repository, portfolio, or example of prior analytic work demonstrating programming or data analysis skills.

Data Scientist Duties include*:

• Design study. Extract, manage, and analyze large-scale EHR data within secure data environments (e.g., N3C Enclave and Cosmos). Implement epidemiologic study designs (e.g., retrospective cohort, target trial emulation, propensity-score matching).
• Develop and implement protocol for quality control. Develop reproducible code in Python and/or R for data wrangling, analysis, and visualization.
• Create analytic files with detailed documentation.
• Select appropriate statistical tools for addressing a given research question. Conduct and interpret statistical analyses including regression, survival, and longitudinal models.
• Implement data analysis through statistical programming.
• Present results for investigators using graphs and tables.
• Summarize findings orally and in written form. Contribute to grant proposals and new analytic frameworks.
• Participate in the preparation of papers for publication. Collaborate on manuscript writing, figure preparation, and presentation of findings for ongoing projects in the lab.
• Consult with investigators on appropriate statistical approaches to data analyses; assist in study design and proposal development.
• Mentor collaborators in areas of experimental design, quality control, and statistical analysis. Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration with hearing and balance researchers, physicians, and epidemiologists.
• Develop oral and written dissemination of findings for conference presentations and peer-reviewed journal articles.
• Devise methods for identifying patterns and trends in available information sources using a variety of qualitative and quantitative techniques. Determine and recommend additional data collection and reporting requirements.

* - Other duties may also be assigned.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's or PhD degree in a quantitative or biomedical field such as Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Biomedical Informatics, or related discipline.
• Strong proficiency in Python and/or R for data analysis and statistical modeling.
• Experience with EHR, large-scale health data (OMOP, PCORnet, or similar), or real-world databases (e.g., Optum, IQVIA, Merative, Medicare/Medicaid, etc.)
• Understanding of epidemiologic study design, bias, and confounding.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proficiency in English.
• Commitment to reproducible and transparent research practices.
• Interest in collaborative science.

Preferred:

• Experience working with Spark/PySpark, SQL, or cloud-based analytic environments.
• Familiarity with propensity-score matching, survival analysis, or causal inference methods.
• Prior exposure to biomedical or neuroscience applications (hearing or sensory research not required).

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):

Master's degree in biostatistics, statistics or related field and at least 3 years of experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):

• Proficient in at least two of R, SAS, SPSS, or STATA.
• Skills in descriptive analysis, modeling of data, and graphic interfaces.
• Outstanding ability to communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated excellence in at least one area of expertise, which may include coordinating studies; statistical methodology such as missing data, survival analysis, statistical genetics, or informatics; statistical computing; database design (e.g., expertise in RedCAP or MySQL); graphical techniques (e.g., expertise in Illustrator).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

• Frequently perform desk based computer tasks, seated work and use light/ fine grasping.
• Occasionally stand, walk, and write by hand, lift, carry, push pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.

* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

May work extended or non-standard hours based on project or business cycle needs.

WORK STANDARDS:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, ;/li>

The expected pay range for this position is $115,103 to $134,261 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website ( provides detailed information on Stanford's extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.