Data Scientist

We seek a talented, energetic, and collaborative AI-driven Data Scientist to develop data science tools and predictive algorithms as part of the development of our flagship platform A3D3a: Adaptive, AI-augmented, Drug Discovery and Development. With expertise in Machine Learning and Deep Learning, the Data Scientist will inform our mission to discover novel therapeutic opportunities for cancer patients.

Led by Prof. Bissan Al-Lazikani, Director of Therapeutics Data Science, the intelligent and ever-learning A3D3a platform is part of MD Anderson's Therapeutics Data Science initiative and part of our ambitious Institute for Data Science in Oncology. A3D3a will accelerate the discovery and impact of novel therapies for cancer by enabling novel opportunities for optimized therapies for patients with a focus on rare and hard-to-treat cancers through the development of novel machine learning and AI technologies.

Central to this vision, the Data Scientist will innovate and deploy Machine Learning and Deep Learning approaches to uncover hidden therapeutic opportunities in integrated patient data and will work closely with biologists, data scientists, and clinicians.

The ideal candidate has strong hands-on experience with machine learning, deep learning, and large language models, and is comfortable using tools like TensorFlow, Keras, and scikit-learn. They can address challenges such as data bias and imbalance, have solid programming skills in Python or similar languages, and possess a strong understanding of statistical methods. This person enjoys solving complex problems and developing practical AI solutions that make a meaningful impact.

What We Offer?

• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Build data science tools and predictive algorithms focusing on state-of-art machine learning models
• Develop novel deep learning approaches and utilizing Large Language Models and Graph Neural Networks for cancer data
• Maintain knowledge of cutting-edge machine learning approaches and technologies and implement these where appropriate
• Perform data wrangling and preparation for deep learning analysis
• Perform statistical analysis
• Produce output for scientific publications and co-author said publications
• Prepare written reports, manuscripts, and grant applications with investigators
• Attend collaborator meetings and team working group meetings. Prioritize and manage multiple projects in a timely and resource-effective manner.
• Stay up to date with relevant literature, gather information systematically, and confer with the supervisor regarding new procedures.
• Other Duties as assigned.

EXPECTED SKILLS:

• Machine Learning (e.g., Naïve Bayes, Random Forests, Support Vector Machines, etc.)
• Deep Learning (e.g., Convolutional Neural Networks, Graph Neural Networks, Autoencoders, etc.)
• LLM (fine-tuning, multi-agents)
• Addressing challenges in Machine Learning / Deep Learning as well as mitigation strategies including data bias, imbalance, and model validation approaches
• Machine-learning platforms (e.g., TensorFlow, sklearn, Keras, etc.)
• Unix, Python, R/Matlab, or other scripting/programming languages
• Excellent working knowledge of statistical methods and tests

EDUCATION:

Required: Bachelor's Degree Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Statistics, Computational Biology, or related field.

Preferred: Master's or PhD in Science, Engineering or related field.

EXPERIENCE:

Required: Three years scientific software or industry development/analysis experience. With Master's degree one year. With PhD, no experience required.

Preferred: Machine Learning, Large language model, AI Agent and/or Biomedical Research is a plus.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

It is the policy of The University of