Data Scientist II

The Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention (WRAP), one of the world's largest and longest-running studies of adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease, is seeking a Data Scientist II to join our data and informatics team at the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute (WAI). In this role, you will work closely with database administrators, biostatisticians, and investigators to prepare and analyze longitudinal datasets, create visualizations and reports, develop and maintain automated pipelines, implement reproducible workflows and documentation, and deliver collaboration-ready data for internal projects and global partners. This position directly supports grant deliverables and contributes to publications and data sharing that advance biomarker and imaging science.

• The work schedule is flexible and will be determined at the time of hire.

• This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location

• Candidates who demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities, will be given first consideration: 1) Advanced proficiency in R programming, including development of automated data pipelines and reproducible workflows. 2) Expertise in data wrangling, quality control, and integration of complex, multi-source datasets. 3) Experience with version control (Git) and collaborative coding practices. 4) Ability to create dynamic, reproducible reports using Quarto/R Markdown and other modern reporting tools. 5) Familiarity with workflow automation and dependency management. 6) Strong communication and collaboration skills for cross-functional teams

• Composes and assembles reproducible workflows and reports to clearly articulate patterns to researchers and/or administrators

• Documents approaches to address research questions and contributes to the establishment of reproducible research methodologies and analysis workflows

• Prepares data sets for analysis including cleaning/quality assurance, transformations, restructuring, and integration of multiple data sources

• Independently identifies and implements appropriate data science techniques to find data patterns and answer research questions chosen by the lead researcher including data visualization, statistical analysis, machine learning, and data mining

• Organizes and automates project steps for data preparation and analysis

School of Medicine and Public Health, Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute (WAI), in the Operational Area of WRAP WI Registry for Alzheimer Prevention

The Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute (WAI) supports the UW School of Medicine and Public Health's (SMPH) mission of "advancing health and health equity through remarkable service to patients and communities, outstanding education, and innovative research."

Core values for WAI are service, inclusive collaboration, excellence, empathy, compassion and fairness. These values inform WAI efforts to lead innovative, impactful programs with partners both in and outside SMPH and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. WAI goals are focused on helping people living with or at risk for Alzheimer's disease or other dementia, their caregivers, and the health professionals working to support them.

Through research initiatives, statewide memory clinic development, education and public health programs focused on both the clinician and caregiver, we identify and provide strategies to reduce dementia risk and offer access to effective care. WAI scientists and program leaders coordinate research-based education and events for caregivers and community members throughout Wisconsin and across the nation.

The WRAP study has collected 21+ years of longitudinal data to identify early risk and resilience factors, enabling biomarker discovery and translational science in partnership with collaborators worldwide.

The starting salary for the position is $75,000; but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. For more information, refer to the campus benefits webpage and the SMPH Academic Staff Benefits Flyer

• Experience processing data using R in research or biomedical projects

• Ability to implement reproducible research practices, including scripted workflows and documentation

• Proficiency in R for data visualization, statistical analysis, and automation

• Experience monitoring and optimizing data pipelines in research or biomedical settings

• Experience with containerization or environment management tools (e.g., Docker, renv) for reproducibility

• Experience mentoring others in coding best practices and reproducible workflows

• Soft skills: Organization, attention to detail, commitment to data quality, and ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Master's degree preferred; focus in Data Science, Statistics, Biostatistics, Computer Science, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Epidemiology, Quantitative Social Sciences, Public Health, with a strong emphasis in data analysis OR equivalent years of experience working with R pipelines in a professional setting

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To apply for this position, select either "I am a current employee" or "I am not a current employee" under Apply Now. You will then be prompted to upload your application materials.

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• Cover Letter

• Resume

Your cover letter should address how your training and experience align with the required and preferred qualifications listed above. Application reviewers will rely on these written materials to determine which applicants move forward in the process. References will be requested from final candidates. All applicants will be notified once the search concludes and a candidate is selected.

University sponsorship is not available for this position, including transfers of sponsorship and TN visas. The selected applicant will be responsible for ensuring their continuous eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment. This position is an ongoing position that will require continuous work eligibility. If you are selected for this position you must provide proof of work authorization and eligibility to work.

Ramiro Rea Reyes, PhD, rreareyes@medicine.wisc.edu

Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

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