[Hiring] Data Scientist II @Universities of Wisconsin

Role Description

The O’Connor Lab is searching for a Data Scientist II. The successful applicant will help develop, design, organize, and conduct research projects under the supervision of Dr. O'Connor and senior scientists in the lab. They will contribute to projects across the lab but work predominantly on the Lungfish project, which focuses on advancing environmental pathogen monitoring with virus metagenomic sequencing.

The Data Scientist will use workflow orchestration tools such as Nextflow or Snakemake to develop robust, reproducible data analysis workflows that can run on a variety of computational platforms, including local servers, UW-Madison CHTC HTC and HPC resources, and commercial on-demand cloud computing clusters. Data analysis tools developed in this position are shared publicly via GitHub, so demonstrated experience documenting and deploying robust analysis tools is essential. Visible experience with AI-assisted data exploration, analysis, visualization, and reporting is strongly preferred.

The successful applicant will also be responsible for mentoring and advising students and staff on computational analysis of genomic data, and presenting and publishing this data. Therefore, outstanding communication skills are required.

It is anticipated that this position will be remote and requires work be performed at an offsite, non-campus work location.

Qualifications

• Programming experience in Python, R, and Nextflow
• Version control with Git and collaborative open source software development experience
• Data visualization and presentation experience, ideally including reporting via web deployment and also via public speaking e.g. at conferences
• Track record of identifying and pursuing interesting problems in complex datasets
• Can operate across multiple compute environments and technology stacks
• Data transfer and management with command-line utilities and services like Globus
• Strong competency with AI assistive technologies, e.g., coding agents

Requirements

• At least three years of experience working with genomic data sets in a research laboratory
• At least one year of experience performing laboratory research involving high throughput nucleic acid sequencing
• Experience with data science methods (programming, algorithms, deep learning)
• Demonstrated experience developing reproducible and flexible scientific workflows with orchestration platforms such as Nextflow or Snakemake
• Excellent written and verbal scientific communication skills
• Documented experience using GitHub to disseminate research pipelines to the broader scientific community
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaborate with other scientists, as well as mentor other researchers learning computational data analysis
• Strong organization and prioritization skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of statistics
• Understanding of pathogen genomics
• Experience in an academic research laboratory
• Familiarity with manuscript and research grant preparation
• Understanding of laboratory data management systems such as LabKey Server

Education

• Master’s Degree preferred; focus in genomics or bioinformatics preferred

Benefits

• Generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave
• Competitive insurances and savings accounts
• Retirement benefits

Compensation

The starting salary for the position is $92,228 annually; but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

How to Apply

For the best experience completing your application, we recommend using Chrome or Firefox as your web browser. To apply for this position, select either “I am a current employee” or “I am not a current employee” under Apply Now. You will then be prompted to upload your application materials.

Important: The application has only one attachment field. Upload the following documents in that field, either as a single combined file or as multiple files in the same upload area.

• Cover letter required
• Resume required

Your cover letter should address how your training and experience aligns with the required and preferred qualifications listed above and should provide links to public Github repositories or other demonstrations of previous work products. Application reviewers will rely on these written materials to determine which applicants move forward in the process. References will be requested from final candidates. All applicants will be notified once the search concludes and a candidate is selected.

Contact Information

Tia Seguin, [email protected] , 608-263-3731

Institutional Statement on Diversity

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.