Staff Research Associate III (Data Scientist)

Position Definition:                                                                                                                                   

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Data Scientist to join our team focused on understanding the complicated relationship between biomechanical markers and aortic disease. This role will be instrumental in leveraging big data approaches to analyze vast datasets, identify patterns, and develop predictive models.

Essential Functions:

• Data Acquisition and Processing
  • Collaborate with biomechanics researchers and engineers to collect and integrate large-scale biomechanical datasets.
  • Develop efficient data cleaning and preprocessing pipelines to handle diverse data types and ensure data integrity.
• Feature Engineering and Model Development
  • Extract meaningful measures from biomechanical data, potentially including motion capture, force plate, and physiological measurements.
  • Design and implement advanced machine learning models (e.g., deep learning, statistical modeling) to predict aortic disease risk progression.
• Model Evaluation and Validation
  • Develop rigorous evaluation metrics and perform robust statistical analysis to assess model performance.
  • Validate model predictions against clinical outcomes and validate findings across diverse patient populations.
• Data Visualization and Communication
  • Create clear and concise visualizations to communicate complex data relationships and model insights to stakeholders.
  • Present findings to research teams, clinicians, and collaborators in a clear and impactful manner.
• Collaboration and Research
  • Collaborate effectively with researchers, engineers, and clinicians across disciplines to ensure alignment of data analysis with research goals.
  • Contribute to publications, presentations, and grate proposals related to the project.

Job Requirements:

• Master's or PhD degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Biostatistics, Biomechanics, or a related field.
• 3 years of experience in data analysis, machine learning, or biostatistics.
• Strong foundation in statistical modeling, machine learning techniques (e.g., classification, regression, clustering), and data mining.
• Proficiency in programming languages like Python, R, or similar, with experience in data manipulation libraries like pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, and TensorFlow/PyTorch.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Hadoop, Spark, cloud computing platforms) is a plus.
• Excellent understanding of biomechanics principles, particularly related to cardiovascular health, is preferred.
• Strong communication, visualization, and presentation skills with the ability to convey technical information effectively to diverse audiences.

Working Conditions/Environment:

The work environment for this position will include an indoor office and a medical research environment.  It may include some minor annoyances such as noise, temperature variations, etc. The incumbent may sustain posture in standing or seated position and may utilize a computer terminal for prolonged periods of time.

VA Onboarding Requirements:

NCIRE is an affiliate organization of the San Francisco VA Health Care System (SFVAHCS), which requires all candidates to complete SFVA onboarding in addition to NCIRE's onboarding process. The SFVA is a federal agency that requires a federal background check, occupational health clearance, vaccines and immunizations, and drug testing for certain positions. Drug testing may include screening for marijuana which remains an illegal substance according to federal law.  The failure to pass required drug testing will disqualify candidates from employment.

The base wage range for this position is $68,640.00 - $93,060.24 per year. Salary and rank will commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience. The wage actually offered to a successful candidate will take into account various relevant and non-discriminatory business factors including, without limitation, the candidate’s geographic location, job-related experience, knowledge, and skills, and education, as well as internal equity considerations. A successful candidate may also be eligible to earn additional compensation including bonuses.

The Northern California Institute for Research and Education (NCIRE) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.  NCIRE is committed to a policy that provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, Veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected under federal and state law, and to make all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We are committed to furthering the principle of equal employment opportunity. NCIRE actively works to attract and retain talented individuals. NCIRE offers career opportunities in research and administration in pursuit of furthering medical research for our nation’s Veterans.

Salary : $68,640 - $93,060