Research Data Scientist

at  Houston Methodist Academic Institute

At Houston Methodist, the Research Data Scientist position is responsible for addressing the best uses of data science and informatics development for providing a competitive advantage or addressing pressing clinical or business problems in Houston Methodist (HM) and Houston Methodist Academic Institute (HMAI) operations and care, as well as communicate informed conclusions and recommendations across an organization’s leadership structure. The Research Data Scientist position will review clinical and research data to understand and report on the needs surrounding clinical, financial, operational, population health, social, behavior, and marketing data. This position works closely with physicians, care givers, hospital staff, administrators, and other stakeholders to implement projects of clinical and business benefits.

EDUCATION

• Master’s degree in computer science, Clinical Informatics, Public Health Administration, Business Administration, or Engineering, or an MD with experience in Computing, Informatics, and Statistics or related field

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Two years’ experience in health care data analytics and/or database management in a healthcare organization
• Experience in clinical, research, and or healthcare administration

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Skilled in statistical, database, and algorithm modeling preferred
• Skilled with implementing and managing Health IT software, prototyping and applications
• Knowledge of process mapping and analytics
• Knowledge of clinical/health data integration in a health care IT environment
• Ability to perform exploratory data analysis
• Ability to communicate complicated, technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor – priority referral Protected Veterans requested

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintains client relationships as assigned and leads the delivery of innovative strategies and solutions.
• Partners in collaboration with leadership of the service lines/specialty areas to promote staff accountability and effective decision-making.
• Initiates contributions towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e., peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Analyzes health care data using basic and intermediate statistical methodologies; interprets results for investigators and prepares reports.
• Drives data analytical insight across the organization. Presents project progress and results to key stakeholders.
• Identifies data elements within the clinical/health/research databases for analytics and decision support.
• Maintains database results by setting and enforcing standards and controls. Revises data entry screens and data checks; reviews and resolves data discrepancies.
• Translates finding into implementable informatic solutions with the clinicians, hospital and research administration or other key stakeholders.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintains accuracy and timeliness of data input into reports and decisions.
• Identifies and corrects flaws in interpretation of results, inconsistency in presentation or inference.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Uses department resources/equipment/supplies properly and efficiently.
• Manages the continuous improvement of clinical, research, and operational data and analytics.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Collaborates closely with physicians, care givers, hospital staff, administrators, and other stakeholders to implement projects of clinical and business benefits.
• Consults with hospital and research staff regarding process improvement, delivery of best outcomes, decision supports, data insights, and recommendations.
• Seeks opportunities to identify self-development needs and takes appropriate action participating in in-service programs and continuing education. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis.
  This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.