Data Scientist

Position Details

Position Details
Job Title
Data Scientist

Position Number

Job Category
University Staff

Job Type
Part-Time

FLSA Status
Exempt

Campus
Maywood-Health Sciences Campus

Department Name
HEALTH INFORMATICS & DATA SCI

Location Code
HEALTH INFORMATICS & DATA SCI

Is this split and/or fully grant funded?
Yes

Duties and Responsibilities

Background
The goal of the Urban Malaria Lab at Loyola University Chicago is to develop methodologies and tools to inform optimal and appropriate urban malaria intervention allocation to maximize impact. We analyze field, trial, and routine health system data; build statistical and machine learning models aimed at improving understanding of disease dynamics, informing effective public health campaigns, and guiding rational development of new public-health interventions. The Data Scientist will leverage advanced data science techniques to analyze complex survey data, develop predictive models, lead writing of publications, and present at conferences and scientific meetings.

Responsibilities

Data Analysis and Modeling

• Design and implement machine learning models using Python, R, and other statistical tools to analyze large epidemiological datasets and generate predictive insights.
• Develop and maintain data pipelines for efficient data collection, cleaning, and preprocessing of survey data (e.g., Demographic and Health Survey, Malaria Indicator Survey).
• Create interactive visualizations and dashboards to communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Conduct quality assurance of existing analysis and identify areas for further investigation
• Perform statistical analysis to identify trends, patterns, and relationships in complex. datasets.
• Build and optimize data structures for improved processing and analysis efficiency.

Research and Communication

• Lead end-to-end data science projects from problem definition to solution implementation.
• Present findings at team meetings, conferences, and scientific meetings.
• Conduct literature reviews and critique research proposals.
• Suggest appropriate alternative methods and/or research techniques.
• Document methodologies, findings, and technical specifications for knowledge sharing and reproducibility.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand research requirements and translate them into analytical solutions.

Alignment with Team Strategy
This role aligns with Urban Malaria Lab Objective 1: through participatory processes, generate evidence on malaria burden and determinants in cities. And Objective 4: transfer technology and disseminate knowledge developed in the course of our work to local communities.

Objective 1 indicators of achievement:

• Number of journal articles produced that describe the burden of malaria and drivers in Nigerian cities.
• Number of citations of research work overtime.
• Number of articles produced that generalizes information beyond the study areas.
• Conference presentation and symposia on study findings.
• Development and implementation of predictive models for disease dynamics.

Objective 4 indicators of achievement:

• Number of partners trainings conducted.
• Number of events where technology developed in the course of our work is disseminated.
• Number of sensitizations on research work carried out in communities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or Master's degree in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Statistics or Data Science, and related disciplines.
• Strong programming skills in Python and R, with experience using libraries such as NumPy, Pandas, Scikit-learn.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and machine learning techniques.
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, PowerBI, ggplot2).
• Knowledge of SQL and database management.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to communicate technical results in a non-technical manner to reach a broader audience.
• Dedicated team player.
• Self-driven and ability to work with ambiguity.

Technical Skills

• Programming Languages: Python, R.
• Machine Learning Libraries: Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch.
• Data Visualization: Matplotlib, Seaborn, ggplot2, Tableau.
• Version Control: Git.
• Database Systems: MySQL, PostgreSQL.

Minimum Education and/or Work Experience

Required: Bachelor's Degree in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Statistics, Data Science, or a related field.
Preferred: Master's Degree in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Statistics, Data Science, or a related field.

Qualifications

Certificates/Credentials/Licenses

Required: Bachelor's Degree in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Statistics, Data Science, or a related field.
Preferred: Master's Degree in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Statistics, Data Science, or a related field.

Computer Skills
Technical Skills

• Programming Languages: Python, R
• Machine Learning Libraries: Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch
• Data Visualization: Matplotlib, Seaborn, ggplot2, Tableau
• Version Control: Git
• Database Systems: MySQL, PostgreSQL

Supervisory Responsibilities
No

Required operation of university owned vehicles
No

Does this position require direct animal or patient contact?

Physical Demands
None

Working Conditions
None

Open Date
02/04/2025

Close Date

Position Maximum Salary or Hourly Rate
$40.87/hr

Position Minimum Salary or Hourly Rate
$36.06/hr

Special Instructions to Applicants

About Loyola University Chicago
Founded in 1870, Loyola University Chicago is one of the nation's largest Jesuit, Catholic universities, recognized for its academic excellence, commitment to community engagement, and leadership in sustainability. A Carnegie R1 research institution, Loyola leverages its status as one of an elite group of universities with the highest level of research activity to advance knowledge that serves communities and creates global impact. With 15 schools, colleges, and institutes-including Business, Law, Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences-Loyola operates three primary campuses in the greater Chicago area and one in Rome, Italy, that provide students a transformative, globally connected learning experience. Consistently ranked among the nation's top universities by U.S. News & World Report, Loyola is a STARS Gold-rated institution that is ranked as one of the country's most sustainable campuses by The Princeton Review and has earned distinctions from AmeriCorps and the Carnegie Foundation for its longstanding record of service and community engagement. Guided by its Jesuit mission and commitment to caring for the whole person, Loyola educates ethical leaders who think critically, act with purpose, and strive to create a more just and sustainable world.

Loyola University Chicago strives to be an employer of choice by offering its staff and faculty a wide array of affordable, comprehensive, and competitive benefits. To view our benefits in detail, click here. Loyola adheres to all applicable federal, state, and/or local civil rights laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination in private institutions of higher education. Please see the University's Nondiscrimination Policy.

Quick Link for Posting