Sr. Data Scientist

Position Summary:
The Senior Data Scientist is an important member of the team within the trans-institutional Data Science Institute at Vanderbilt University. This role is a key research position that entails working with institute faculty and scientific staff to develop the research and teaching activities of the institute. The Senior Data Scientist will report directly to the Chief Data Scientist of the institute. Key responsibilities include leading teams of data scientists, faculty and students for the purpose of supporting research across Vanderbilt, engaging with Vanderbilt faculty and researchers directly, developing and teaching training modules for the Vanderbilt community, assisting faculty in teaching courses that are part of the new MS program in Data Science.

About the Work Unit:
The Data Science Institute (DSI) at Vanderbilt is a trans-institutional research and education center that was launched under the Office of the Vice Provost for Research. The institute houses a graduate program in data science, supports data-intensive research at Vanderbilt, and connects with government, industry, and non-profit organizations in need of data science expertise.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:
Research Support
▪ Engages with researchers across campus to promote the research services of the institute.
▪ Leads data science teams that will help Vanderbilt researchers to maximize the potential of their data; projects can be short term or long term.
▪ Explores possible research partnerships with industry, governments, and non-profits.
 

Academic Support
▪ Assists with the teaching of courses in the MS program in Data Science.
▪ Designs and teaches training modules for the Vanderbilt community.
▪ Advises MS graduate students in capstone research projects.
▪ Advises undergraduate students in immersion projects.
 

Supervisory Relationships:
This position does not have staff supervisory responsibility, but will be overseeing teams of postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduate students on a project basis; the position reports administratively and functionally to the Chief Data Scientist.
 

Education and Certifications:
▪ A Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary.
▪ A PhD from an accredited institution of higher education is strongly preferred.
 

Experience and Skills: 

▪ Experience carrying out data science projects in industry or an academic environment is necessary. 

▪ Experience with working in data science teams in industry or academia is preferred. 

▪ Experience with managing teams is preferred. 

▪ Well-rounded skills in data science: computer programming (e.g., Python, R), data structures (e.g., SQL), statistics (e.g., Bayesian modelling), data visualization, are necessary. 

▪ Experience with deep learning frameworks (fast.ai, huggingface.co) is preferred. 

▪ Ability to problem solve, debug, and troubleshoot while under pressure and time constraints is necessary. 

▪ Ability to communicate effectively about technical topics to both experts and non-experts is necessary. 

▪ Excellent oral and written communication skills are preferred. 

▪ Extensive technical expertise in data science, extensive academic or industry experience, management experience, and excellent communication skills are desired.

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.