Position Classification Description

Position Class Code / Title: L3022 / Data Scientist 3
Recruitment Tier: Tier 1
FLSA: Exempt
Grade: 16

This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to UNMJobs and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.

The following statements are intended to describe, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibility levels characteristic of positions assigned to this classification. They should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of the specific duties and prerequisites applicable to individual positions that have been so classified.

Summary

Provides advanced interdisciplinary data analytics skills at the interface of informatics/computation and modeling/statistics, situated in one or more academic or business disciplines. Participates in the establishment of overall study parameters, defines investigational topics, and establishes research concepts, methods, and procedures. Exercises a high degree of creativity, foresight, and mature judgment in planning, organizing, and guiding extensive scientific research programs and activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Utilizes highly advanced and unique knowledge of subject matter to which data analytics are applied, along with broad knowledge of scientific methods to explore and define scope and focus of problems for investigation.
  2. Serves as a subject matter expert in capturing, mining, managing, and analyzing big data sets using state-of-the-art-techniques, such as machine learning, natural language processing, cluster analysis, image analysis, pattern recognition, predictive modeling, visualization, and/or other applicable methods.
  3. Provides integrated, strategic guidance and leadership to stakeholders and subject matter experts for complex institutional or scientific challenges; identifies relevant data sources for information.
  4. Assists with the development and/or resubmission of new/continuing contract or grant proposals, budgets, and reports.
  5. Uses a variety of advanced statistical, mathematical, and/or modeling software, methods, and techniques to gather, analyze, and interpret complex research or organizational data to derive useful information; advises and assists in the development of inferences and conclusions.
  6. Exercises a high degree of creativity, foresight, and mature judgment in planning, organizing, and guiding extensive research programs and activities of outstanding novelty and/or importance.
  7. Prepares analyses, reports, and other documentation for publication; presents findings at local, national, and/or international meetings.
  8. Provides training, guidance, and leadership to students, postdocs, and lower-level data scientists; may train and supervise business, technical, and/or other professional staff, as appropriate.
  9. Maintains currency of knowledge with respect to relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and/or systems.
  10. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

  • Master's degree; at least 5 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
  • Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

  • Demonstrated knowledge of the domain in which data analytics are situated, including relevant jargon and context of the field as well as publications and/or successful projects.
  • Ability to develop and manipulate large, complex data sets.
  • Ability to develop and utilize advanced analytical techniques to create models for sensemaking of complex data, situated in a non-data analytic discipline.
  • Ability to develop and produce high-level scientific content, including preliminary data for grants and other proposals.
  • Knowledge of the scientific method and experimental methodologies.
  • Ability to conduct systematic analysis and develop solutions to complex scientific, engineering, and/or business problems.
  • Ability to plan, develop, and coordinate multiple projects.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the principles, concepts, methods, and standards of statistical research.
  • Ability to apply a range of advanced statistical techniques in support of scientific research studies and/or experiments.
  • Expertise in computer programming and computer algorithms to manipulate large datasets.
  • Ability to consult with scientific investigators, interpret research requirements, and determine computational and statistical analysis strategies.
  • Ability to plan, create, program, and manage complex computer databases.
  • Knowledge of current and emerging trends in advanced computational and statistical analysis for scientific application.
  • Knowledge of data analysis programming languages, packages, and frameworks (e.g. Python, scikit-learn, R, SAS).
  • Knowledge of scientific reporting and manuscript preparation requirements and standards.
  • Ability to work in a team environment to design, analyze, and report on research projects.
  • Strong analytical communication, critical thinking and problem solving skills.
  • Ability to provide technical guidance and leadership to professional personnel in area of expertise.
  • Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize projects.
  • Ability to supervise and train employees, communicate effectively, organize, prioritize and schedule work assignments, contributing to a collaborative work environment.

Distinguishing Characteristics

    Position requires: a) supervising and coordinating projects within area of expertise; b) design, analysis and reporting of high complexity research studies; c) using independent judgment and relying on experience to perform tasks and problem solving of a complex nature; d) developing new ideas and guiding the organization in identifying trends and behavior analytics; and e) collaboration, representation, and authoritative professional leadership within the field of study.

Conditions of Employment

  • Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

  • No or very limited physical effort required.
  • No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
  • Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 08/08/2022