Open Positions

Data Scientist

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At Sage Bionetworks, we believe in the power of open science and interdisciplinary collaboration to create a new vision of human health. We strive for actionable biomedical insights through the responsible sharing and reuse of data, all guided by our deep scientific expertise and diligent governance controls.

We're a dynamic, adaptable team, and at Sage, we highly value individuals who can flexibly navigate various roles and functions. Diversity in experiences, backgrounds, and identities is essential for our rich culture of learning and collaboration. Our partnerships, both within Sage and with external communities, are founded on principles of trust, transparency, and a commitment to growth. Together, we are leaving a lasting imprint on the fields of science and medicine.

We are looking for a Data Scientist to support and drive computational research to study cancer and other diseases using publicly available datasets. You will use your understanding of large scale data modalities and investigate computational approaches to integrate multiple modalities and sources of data to answer disease-relevant questions. Initial focus will include: 1) applying computational, statistical, and systems biology approaches to high dimensional data from human and model systems, and 2) applying methods to harmonize various data modalities from multiple sources. Ideal candidates will have a computational biology background and have a desire to gain experience in open science, FAIR data, and data-driven research in cancer or other disease domains. Ideal candidates will also possess interest in exploring ways to improve dissemination and reuse of data that is shared through Sage-powered data portals like Cancer Complexity Knowledge Portal and others. The work is inherently collaborative; the position will work closely with scientists and engineers inside Sage and with external academic collaborators. Enthusiasm for the application of computational biology and technology to enable open, collaborative, and reproducible biomedical research is essential.

Job Summary:
As a Data Scientist, you will use your moderate skill set and proficiency in data science to conduct work assignments of increasing complexity. You will be involved in data collection, analysis, and modeling under moderate supervision, with some latitude for independent judgment. This role is suitable for someone with experience in developing statistical and machine learning models.

The role will be involved in:

  • Performing research from inception to publication in the context of cancers and other diseases using data from humans and model systems.
  • Applying algorithms for interrogating and interpreting complex biomedical data.
  • Exploring and implementing methods for harmonizing various data modalities and data from multiple sources
  • Writing technical documentation for a scientific audience, authoring scientific papers for peer reviewed journals, and presenting work at scientific conferences.
  • Generating interactive visualization for disseminating insights from data analysis or data exploration.
  • Implementing a product management mindset to improve the functionality and adoption of Sage-powered data portals

Key Responsibilities:

  • Data Solutions: Develop innovative solutions using exploratory data analysis on complex, high-dimensional datasets.
  • Data Collection: Gather large sets of structured and unstructured data from various sources.
  • Analysis and Modeling: Utilize statistics, machine learning, programming, and data modeling to identify patterns and pose scientific questions.
  • Predictive Models: Design, develop, and evaluate predictive models and algorithms.
  • Hypothesis Testing: Generate and test hypotheses, analyzing and interpreting results.
  • Data Visualization: Create data visualizations, dashboards, and reports to communicate findings.
  • Coordination and Management: Work with bioinformaticians and software developers to manage data sharing.
  • Standardization: Develop standards and protocols for data management.
  • Collaboration: Respond to support requests, generate reports, and provide training.
  • Communication: Communicate research findings through websites, dashboards, and visualizations.

We’d Love to Hear from You If You:

  • Are passionate about open science and collaboration, enjoy working with data, and supporting scientific research.
  • Ph.D. in a quantitative discipline or a related scientific field, or a Master's degree with 4+ years of experience in the field.
  • 4-6 years of professional experience in a relevant field. Demonstrated ability to apply complex analytical techniques and contribute to significant projects or research initiatives.
  • Are proficient in data extraction, cleaning, and analysis using tools like R or Python.
  • Recognize the importance of applying critical thinking and thoughtful practices in your role and business approach, striving to ensure inclusivity, accessibility, and relevance for everyone, crafting solutions that cater to a diverse range of needs.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with R and/or Python programming, particularly with data visualization libraries.
  • Experience managing data within distributed environments and SQL-like databases.
  • Experience with genomic data and collaborative development/version control systems (e.g., git).
  • Familiarity with clinical data stored on Redcap systems, or imaging data is a plus.
  • Have knowledge in digital signal processing and time-series data analysis.
  • Have experience with statistical techniques and machine learning methods, such as regression, survival analysis, dimensionality reduction, random forest, SVMs, etc. Familiarity with tensors, transfer learning, or foundation models is a plus.

Job Functions and Physical Requirements

The following cognitive and physical activities outline the essential functions required for successful job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to fulfill these functions.

Physical Demands

  • Extended periods of sitting at a desk and using a computer.
  • Repeated wrist, hand, and finger movements.
  • Requires clear vision for tasks like data analysis, transcribing, computer use, and reading.
  • Occasionally lifting or moving objects weighing up to 10 pounds.

Cognitive Demands

  • Able to work effectively under deadlines.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Flexibility to adapt to changing environments, priorities and multitask.

Additional Requirements

  • Travel is required a minimum of two times per year for on-site events in Seattle, WA.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Works well in a team and maintains professionalism.
  • Follows company policies, procedures, and relevant laws and regulations.

Note: This list is not exhaustive and may be subject to modification as job duties evolve.

About Us

Sage Bionetworks is a nonprofit biomedical research organization that was founded in Seattle in 2009. We focus on advancing human health through open science practices and radical collaboration, with a view to breaking down existing silos in science and technology. Through our work, we guide responsible data sharing and reuse, benchmark scientific methods and results, and empower participants to be active partners in research. We are a bold team of scientists, engineers, product developers, governance specialists and business experts, working to bring data and communities together in unique ways that accelerate medical progress. As a growing organization, Sage is supported through a dynamic portfolio of competitive research grants, commercial partnerships, and philanthropic contributions.

Sage Bionetworks is pleased to offer a comprehensive benefit package, competitive to both commercial and not-for-profit life science organizations. The plan includes: health, dental, vision, life, AD&D and long term disability benefits; paid time off; a retirement plan; flexible spending accounts; a shared incentives plan, voluntary long term care insurance, and other voluntary products. Additional information can found here: Benefits – Sage Bionetworks

At Sage Bionetworks, we implement equitable workplace strategies to guarantee fair compensation. Actual compensation is determined based on current market data, experience, and internal pay parity. This position is classified as a Sage Professional level, with a salary range of $81,000 to $108,265. New hires typically receive an offer between the minimum and midpoint of the range, although higher offers may be considered based on experience and market conditions.

We have a distributed workforce and support remote and/or on-site hybrid work arrangements within the United States. All interviews will be conducted virtually unless otherwise communicated.

At Sage Bionetworks, we uphold equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status. We strictly prohibit discrimination and harassment based on these protected categories, in compliance with federal and state equal employment opportunity laws.