Director Computational Research

The DISCOVER Director of Computational Research leads and manages large/critical complex areas or teams within the Department of Oncology related to Computational Research. This position will develop and lead the Data Integration and Scientific Collaboration to enable the Virtual Exploration of Childhood CanceR (DISCOVER) research team. This position contributes to the overall research strategy, drives implementation, resource planning and process development in line with Departmental and Institutional Data Science objectives. This position will report directly to the Division Director of Neuro-Oncology and will work closely with the Chair of the Department of Oncology.

DISCOVER is a new and exciting project that aims to build a platform that seamlessly integrates complex clinical and molecular data from pediatric patients with cancer into an easy-to-use visualization tool for instant data query and analytics. To accomplish this, demographics, staging, treatment, outcomes, radiologic, and histologic information will be combined with in depth tumor and germline multi-omic information. This information will then be abstracted from clinical and research records, imported into a HIPAA compliant unified database, and categorized into an expert-guided data dictionary. Once curated, the aim is to comprehensively display this data on an interactive portal using advanced visualization techniques developed here at St Jude Children's Research Hospital. Consequently, this project will drive laboratory, translational, and clinical research discovery across the entire landscape of pediatric cancer.

The DISCOVER team will be comprised of Bioinformatics, Visualization Bioinformatics, and Data Abstraction and Analyst teams. We are seeking a team leader who excels at developing and managing mid-size teams, is skilled at matrix management, and is highly collaborative.

It is essential that candidates have a bachelor's degree in data science or a related field. It is strongly preferred that candidates have a master's degree or doctorate (PhD) in data science.Successful candidates will have expertise in the areas of database development, extraction of complex health-related data, computational research experience in the academic and/or industry settings, have a proven track record of academic productivity including clinical research collaborations, and experience managing and leading interdisciplinary teams.

About the Department of Oncology

The Department of Oncology provides a highly collaborative and interactive environment where leadership has ample opportunities to participate in clinical, educational, and translational research initiatives.The department has a diverse portfolio of investigator initiated and collaborative studies. Utilizing quantitative and qualitative methodologies, the department has had a steady track record of high productivity disseminating knowledge via presentations and publications, as well as successful grantsmanship. The Department of Oncology is committed to multidisciplinary collaboration for both clinical and research activities.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage large/critical complex areas/teams

• Contribute to the overall research strategy and roadmap, and drive implementation in line with DISCOVER data science and computational objectives.

• Drive resource planning and process development/implementation in line with strategic priorities and support the DISCOVER data science and computational leadership team.

• Collaborate with key leaders in internal functions and partner/vendor organizations to optimize organizational outcomes.

• Lead systems for governance, monitoring, review, and control of processes and functions performed by the department.

• Provide input into overall budget and variance management for departmental initiatives.

• Actively drive processes for team management in terms of goal setting, performance, development, and engagement.

Minimum Education and/or Training:

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field with experience and evidence of research output (typically first author publications).

• Master's degree or higher preferred.

Minimum Experience:

• 10+ years of relevant experience in functional area within Data Science and/or Computational Research.

• Experience managing mid-large teams with focus on both achievement of objectives as well as critical skill-building.

• Experience having led large-scale research programs/projects/processes through to implementation.

• Experience with operational management, budget planning, and resource management.

• Prior experience in building external connections with peers and emerging technology/research communities.

• Significant publication record and/or prior development of data science implementation tools demonstrating relevant experience.

• Proven performance in earlier role/comparable role.

Special Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Ability to look at data more critically and draw meaningful conclusions. Conducts root-cause analysis as needed.

• Quickly rebounds from setbacks, including creating viable plans to move forward.

• Helps others understand the need for change and adapt to it.

• Effectively relays understanding of diverse perspectives.

• Can handle communication upwards and downwards as needed.

• Presents information in a clear, well thought out way and tailored to the audience.

• Shows support for the new direction even when the details have not been finalized.

• Spots early indications of underperformance and takes corrective actions. Celebrates successes.

• Works with partners inside his/her function to find the best solutions that align with functional priorities. Is easy to work with to find solutions.

• Familiar with intermediate domain concepts relevant to work area.

• Routinely applies domain and data science subdomain knowledge to propose solutions to domain problems.

• Continues growing in domain knowledge using scientific journals, talks, and conferences.

• Can routinely use domain knowledge to assess quality of data/results

• Can answer questions in the domain from early career staff.

• May contribute to publications and present work as required.

• Leverages a strong understanding of computational research methodologies and operations to deliver work and address operational needs.

• Is able to understand research requirements and execute relevant procedures independently.

• Independently handles escalations related to process and quality in own area of work.

• Engages with cross-functional and senior stakeholders across teams to share relevant insights.

• Presents technical information/scientific insights in a structured way, anticipating and preparing for questions.

• Demonstrates ability to independently prioritize data necessary for internal/external presentations and publications and drafts portions of these documents.

• Drives practical application of research methodologies in own scientific area and other adjacent scientific areas.

• Works independently with new technologies and brings new technologies to the attention of peers and leaders for further exploration