Data Scientist I

Position Overview

The University of Florida's Chemical Engineering Masters Program is seeking a Data Scientist I with a strong foundation in applying statistical methods to research within agriculture, natural resources, and life sciences. The role involves collaborating with faculty, staff, and graduate students to provide expert statistical consulting on applied research projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Consult with researchers to help frame research questions, select suitable statistical approaches, assess experimental designs and sampling strategies, manage data organization, and interpret results effectively.
• Perform reproducible statistical analyses primarily using R and/or Python, also utilizing other tools such as SAS, JMP, Stata, or SPSS as necessary, including tasks such as data cleaning, exploratory analysis, model fitting, diagnostics, summarization, and visualization.
• Support preparation of publication-quality tables, figures, summaries, method descriptions, reports, abstracts, manuscripts, and grant-related materials, ensuring clear and precise statistical communication.
• Develop and maintain statistical workflows, reusable analysis scripts, and training materials to enhance consulting services, exploring and incorporating various tools and resources like R packages, Python libraries, Shiny apps, and Jupyter notebooks tailored for reproducible research.
• Assist in teaching activities including workshops, short courses, tutorials, and training sessions related to applied statistics, experimental design, data analysis, visualization, and reproducible research techniques.
• Contribute to the upkeep and enhancement of online resources for the Statistical and Data Analytics Consulting Unit, including FAQs, example workflows, guidance documents, and educational materials addressing common research design and data analysis challenges.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in data science, statistics, bioinformatics, analytics, or a closely related field plus at least two years of relevant experience; or a Master’s degree in these areas.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in applied statistics, biostatistics, agricultural statistics, quantitative ecology, or a related quantitative discipline linked to agriculture, natural resources, or life sciences.
• Experience of a minimum of two years applying statistical techniques to real research datasets, preferably in academic or research consulting environments.
• Proficient with R and/or Python for statistical analysis and reproducible workflows and able to effectively communicate statistical concepts to non-statistical audiences.
• Background working with data from agricultural, biological, environmental, natural resources, and related life science research is strongly favored.
• Strong applied statistical skills, including regression, ANOVA, linear and generalized linear models, mixed models, repeated measures, multivariate techniques, spatial analysis, and Bayesian methods pertinent to life sciences.
• Experience with additional statistical software such as SAS, JMP, Stata, and SPSS, with ability to create clear, reproducible scripts and prepare publication-ready outputs.
• Demonstrated experience conducting statistical consulting, including clarifying research questions, selecting methods, interpreting assumptions, and explaining results.
• Experience in developing and delivering educational content, workshops, tutorials, or training materials focused on applied statistics and reproducible research practices.
• Familiarity with applied machine learning, artificial intelligence, or deep learning in life science contexts is desirable as complementary expertise.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a track record of effective collaboration in interdisciplinary academic or research teams.

Additional Information

Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume to be considered. Applications must be completed before 11:55 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date. No health assessment is required for this position.

Salary

The annual salary for this role is set at $61,000.