Data Scientist

Anchored in the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute and the Office of the Dean of Research, the Knight Initiative in Brain Resilience is a cross‑disciplinary scientific endeavor aimed at addressing neurodegeneration, aging and brain resilience. Diseases and associated issues of cognitive decline like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, dementia and related ailments are increasing with our rapidly aging global population. Stanford seeks to advance a new era of brain science focused on accelerating the fundamental understanding of the aging brain, both the biological causes of neurodegeneration and how to increase brain resilience throughout the lifespan.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Data Scientist to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and analyzing large sets of multi‑omics data with a focus on human brain aging. They will work closely with the research team to identify patterns and correlations in the data related to brain aging, develop and implement data analysis pipelines and workflows, generate visualizations and reports, and contribute to the development of predictive models and algorithms. The Data Scientist will be responsible for developing and adapting data collection and analysis methods, identifying and resolving data quality issues, and collaborating with various stakeholders.

Core Duties

• Collect, manage and clean datasets.
• Manage and analyze large sets of data from various sources, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics.
• Employ new and existing tools to interpret, analyze, and visualize multivariate relationships in data.
• Utilize and fine‑tune genomic foundation models on aging data.
• Create databases and reports, develop algorithms and statistical models, and perform statistical analyses appropriate to data and reporting requirements.
• Use system reports and analyses to identify potentially problematic data, make corrections, and determine root cause for data problems from input errors or inadequate field edits, and suggest possible solutions.
• Develop reports, charts, graphs and tables for use by investigators and for publication and presentation.
• Analyze data processes in documentation.
• Collaborate with faculty and research staff on data collection and analysis methods.
• Provide documentation based on audit and reporting criteria to investigators and research staff.
• Communicate with government officials, grant agencies and industry representatives.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or a combination of education and relevant experience. Experience in a quantitative discipline such as economics, finance, statistics or engineering.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Substantial experience with MS Office and analytical programs.
• Strong writing and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to prioritize workload.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s degree in a relevant field such as data science, bioinformatics, computational biology or statistics.
• Strong programming skills, including experience with R or Python.
• Experience with multi‑omics data analysis and/or experience with brain aging research.
• Strong understanding of statistical methods and machine learning techniques.
• Experience with building genomics foundation models, using HPC and cloud computing platforms such as AWS or Azure is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently grasp lightly/fine manipulation, perform desk‑based computer tasks, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
• Occasionally stand/walk, sit, twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasp forcefully.
• Rarely kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other).

Working Conditions

• May work extended or non‑standard hours based on project or business needs. Occasional local travel may be required.
• Some work may be performed in a laboratory setting.
• May be exposed to allergens/biohazards/chemicals, confined spaces, unusual work hours or routine overtime and/or inclement weather.

Work Standards

• Interpersonal skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote culture of safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide.

Pay

The expected pay range for this position is $80,148 to $99,773 per annum. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on a wide range of factors that are unique to each candidate including but not limited to geographic location, knowledge, skills and abilities, relevant education, depth and breadth of experience, performance; as well as other business and organization needs.

Benefits

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees.

Why Stanford Is For You

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first‑ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy.