[Hiring] Data Scientist @State of Washington

Role Description

This home-based (remote) position is open to Washington residents and those living in Oregon and Idaho only.

As a Data Scientist, you will work within the Linkage and Integrated Data Analysis (LIDA) Unit within the Center for Health Statistics (CHS). The LIDA Unit develops advanced data linkage methods that improve the quality, accuracy, and usability of public health data used to support research, surveillance, and decision making across Washington State.

In this role, you will apply advanced statistical modeling, machine learning, and analytical judgment to solve complex data linkage problems that don't have readily available solutions. You will independently research, evaluate, and recommend approaches for integrating large, complex datasets, reasoning through tradeoffs between methods, anticipating downstream data quality and equity implications, and building the automated pipelines needed to put those solutions into production. You'll also serve as a technical expert, collaborating with epidemiologists, informaticists, data scientists, and public health partners to think through some of the Center's most challenging analytical questions.

Your work will strengthen the systems used to connect vital records and other health data, providing reliable information that helps identify health trends, improve data quality, and support evidence-based public health decisions that protect and improve the health of people across Washington.

Qualifications

• Seven (7) years of experience developing, analyzing, or implementing advanced data science, machine learning, statistical modeling, or data engineering solutions using large and complex datasets.
• A bachelor's degree in data science, computer science, statistics, biostatistics, mathematics, informatics, public health informatics, epidemiology, engineering, or another closely related technical, quantitative, or scientific field; AND Five (5) years of experience developing, analyzing, or implementing advanced data science, machine learning, statistical modeling, or data engineering solutions using large and complex datasets.
• Experience using Python/R to develop or evaluate machine learning models, automate data processing, or analyze large and complex datasets.
• Experience using SQL to extract, transform, integrate, and analyze large datasets.
• Experience developing, implementing, or evaluating machine learning or data linkage models.
• Experience developing or maintaining automated data processing or analytical pipelines.
• Experience evaluating data quality, validating analytical outputs, and performing quality assurance.
• Experience applying statistical analysis or modeling techniques to large, complex datasets.
• Experience leading complex data science or analytics projects from problem definition through implementation.
• Experience serving as a technical subject matter expert, including reviewing the work of other analysts or data scientists and advising on methodology.
• Experience communicating technical findings and recommendations to technical and nontechnical audiences.

Requirements

• Critical thinker who enjoys working through problems that don't have an obvious answer.
• Motivated by work that combines rigorous analysis with meaningful public service.
• Comfortable reasoning through ambiguity, weighing tradeoffs between methods, and defending analytical choices to technical and nontechnical audiences alike.
• Curious about new approaches, but disciplined about testing and validating them before they go into production.
• Values collaboration, welcomes diverse perspectives, and is committed to continuously improving how public health data is collected, connected, and used.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life and long-term disability insurance.
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts.
• Retirement plans.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Dependent care assistance and professional development opportunities.

Working Conditions

• This position's work can be performed fully remotely. No regular in-person attendance is required.
• Exposure to hazards is limited to those commonly found in indoor at home or office environments.
• This position is sedentary, working at a computer for extended periods.
• The position requires repetitive use of a computer, inputting data and navigating a database, creating and modifying electronic documents, and using email and the internet.
• This position has a work schedule of 40 hours per week; however, longer hours may be expected to complete projects or assignments.
• Travel is not required, but occasional travel may be expected to attend meetings, trainings, or conferences.