Senior Director for Data Science Huntsman Cancer Institute

Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) at the University of Utah is seeking a skilled, dynamic, and innovative leader who conducts research in data sciences to serve as Senior Director of Data Sciences. Applications are encouraged from established scientists/physician-scientists leading research programs that combine or bridge the areas of computational science, data science, biomedical informatics, bioinformatics, or other computational approaches in the field of oncology. This position requires exceptional leadership and communication skills, the ability to attract national cancer research talent, demonstrated experience in development of multidisciplinary teams and ability to lead multi-PI and center grant efforts, successful mentoring of junior faculty, and a broad vision on how to apply data science to multiple cancer challenges. The HCI Senior Director of Data Science will report directly to the Executive Director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center at HCI, and will have a key role in the development of an enterprise-wide data science strategic plan, in conjunction with HCI senior leaders, to position HCI at the forefront of data science in oncology. 

The HCI Senior Director of Data Science is a central leader within the newly established Cluster in Computational Oncology (CCO), which involves a partnership between HCI and the Scientific Computing and Imaging (SCI) Institute to recruit and integrate both junior and senior faculty in computational oncology. He/she/they will participate in strategic discussions regarding future joint activities and opportunities between the SCI Institute and HCI, and will coordinate joint initiatives and proposals between the SCI Institute and HCI including the Computational Oncology Research Initiative (CORI) and other cancer informatics initiatives at the University of Utah. The new Director will be appointed as a faculty member in the Department of Oncological Sciences, and an Affiliate Faculty Member of the SCI Institute and will jointly lead future faculty recruitment into the CCO.
 

At HCI, the Senior Director for Data Science will: 1) Leverage, and expand HCI’s unique multi-level data environment for innovative research and initiatives. These include exceptional data sources, at the institutional (e.g., Electronic Data Warehouse; Genomics, Research Informatics, and Bioinformatics Shared Resources), statewide (Utah Population Database), and national level (ORIEN, Flatiron, CARIS POA).  2) Oversee the research aspects of data science and work in close partnership with the clinical and research enterprise to advance synergistic interoperability and promote innovative research and solutions. 3) Work in close partnership with various Shared Resources to ensure state-of-the art support and leadership in data science at the of U of U. This includes oversight of the Research Informatics Shared Resource (RISR) and coordination with the Bioinformatics Shared Resource, the HCI Translational Genomics Initiative, the Utah Population Database, the Cancer Biostatistics Shared Resource and many others. 4) Work closely with other HCI Senior Directors to advance interdisciplinary integration of data science in all domains of research at HCI.

HCI is an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), supporting and fostering a vibrant cancer research enterprise in a highly collegial environment. HCI has an outstanding history of academic achievement and impact, a collaborative environment, and a commitment to excellence in patient care, research, teaching, training, and service. Our integrated health system and HCI’s participation in the ORIEN network of leading cancer centers provide opportunities for multidisciplinary collaborations in basic and translational laboratory-based cancer research, epidemiology and biostatistics, as well as population-based studies of childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancers and outcomes. In addition, the University of Utah and HCI are home to superb shared resources, such as the Utah Population Database with more than 16 million records

linking genealogies, health records, and vital statistics, as well as the Utah Cancer Registry which is a long-standing and preeminent SEER site. HCI and U of U Health provide access to state-of-the-art equipment and services through exceptional core facilities (see www.cores.utah.edu), including genomics, metabolomics, proteomics, a GMP-certified cell therapy and regenerative medicine facility, and a comprehensive biospecimen repository, which serve to enhance both discovery and translational science. www.huntsmancancer.org 

The SCI Institute’s vision is to see applied computing bring transformation across disciplines in a way that benefits the University of Utah and society at large.  Its mission is to bring together excellence in diverse domains applied to multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary problems of societal importance.  The Institute accomplishes these goals through the collaborative development, assembly, and/or application of applied scientific and data computing, imaging, and visualization tools. Over more than two decades, the SCI Institute has established itself as an internationally recognized leader in translational innovations across computational and data science with leading research and training programs in the areas of visualization, scientific and biomedical computing, and image analysis applied to a broad range of challenging problems. For example, the SCI Institute is ranked by CSRankings (http://csrankings.org) as housing the top visualization group internationally. Alongside its research goals is a passion to educate students and staff. The SCI Institute is proud to have supported over 400 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows and nearly 100 undergraduates to achieve an education at the cutting-edge of research. SCI graduates move into faculty positions with universities internationally and become innovators with companies such as Apple, Exxon Mobil, Nvidia, Google, Intel, Boston Scientific, Orthogrid, Philips Medical, and Medtronic. Additional information about the Institute and current faculty can be found at http://www.sci.utah.edu. The SCI Institute has a new Director, Dr. Manish Parashar, who will lead the expansion of its campus-wide, national, and international impact into exciting application areas.

Advanced computing, data science, imaging, and visualization are central to solving fundamental problems in cancer research and care. The Cluster in Computational Oncology (CCO) is a highly innovative collaboration between Huntsman Cancer Institute and the Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute at the University of Utah. Together we leverage our internationally renowned research strengths to make lifesaving advances in the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. This position will be central to our joint mission.

Position Requirements:
Minimum Qualifications: 1) PhD (or equivalent) with appropriate post-doctoral training or equivalent experience in Data Sciences. 2) Must have an established track record of scientific accomplishments with extramural peer-reviewed funding 3) Must have demonstrated administrative and leadership experience. 4) Must be eligible to work in the US. 

Candidates should submit a curriculum vitae, a cover letter containing a description of professional experience (including scientific accomplishments, leadership responsibilities and 3 references), a 3-page research plan, and a statement of past, present, and future commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (up to 1 page). Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to hiring individuals whose merit and experience promote a diverse, inclusive, anti-racist workforce and culture. Learn more about HCI’s commitments at huntsmancancer.org/edi.

Applications accepted continuously, with evaluations beginning December 1, 2021, until positions are filled or closed.

To apply online, please visit the following link:

 http://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/126089

 For further information, please contact: hci.recruitment@hci.utah.edu OR neli@hci.utah.edu

 Salt Lake City is a rapidly growing, vibrant city in the Intermountain West, with nationally recognized ballet and symphony, Tony Award-winning regional theater, several professional sports teams, and readily accessible outdoor recreation. The Salt Lake International Airport is a hub for Delta Airlines and has direct flights to many North American cities and daily direct flights to multiple European cities.  The city is a well-known ski destination and a gateway to the state’s renowned diverse landscapes. In addition to its 14 ski resorts, Utah boasts five scenic national parks (with five more within a day’s drive), a variety of golf courses allowing for year-round play, hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, picturesque lakes, and numerous other outdoor activities.  
 

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students from diverse backgrounds and possess a strong and demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for historically underrepresented students.
 

The University of Utah is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and educator. Minorities, women, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Veteran’s preference. Reasonable accommodations provided. For additional information: http://www.regulations.utah.edu/humanresources/5-106.html

The University of Utah Health (U of U Health) is a patient focused center distinguished by collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect.  The U of U Health values candidates who are committed to fostering and furthering the culture of compassion, collaboration, innovation, accountability, diversity, integrity, quality, and trust that is integral to our mission.