Data Scientist II

Data Scientist IIThe Data Scientist II (DS2) is an experienced member of the Strategy & Analytics (S&A) team responsible for independently leading advanced analytics, predictive modeling, forecasting, machine learning, and operational intelligence initiatives across the Biological Sciences Division (BSD). This role serves as a strategic analytical partner to BSD leadership, Service Delivery Units (SDUs), and enterprise stakeholders by translating complex business challenges into scalable analytical solutions that drive operational, financial, workforce, clinical, research, and strategic outcomes. This role also contributes to the development of analytical standards, mentors junior analytics staff, and helps advance BSD's analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities.ResponsibilitiesIndependently design, develop, validate, and deploy advanced statistical models, analytics solutions, and forecasting methodologies supporting BSD strategic priorities.Lead complex analytical initiatives requiring integration of large-scale operational, financial, workforce, clinical, and research datasets.Evaluate and implement advanced analytical techniques including machine learning, optimization, simulation, and artificial intelligence methodologies where appropriate.Partner with the S&A data engineer and enterprise analytics teams to operationalize analytical solutions and support scalable deployment of models and reporting assets.Identify emerging analytical opportunities and recommend innovative approaches to solving complex business challenges.Serve as a subject matter expert for statistical methodologies, forecasting, and best practices.Lead the development of executive-level analytics, dashboards, scorecards, and strategic performance reporting.Provide analytical consultation to senior leaders and stakeholders regarding performance drivers, forecasting assumptions, strategic initiatives, and operational improvement opportunities.Translate highly complex business questions into analytical frameworks, measurable outcomes, and actionable recommendations.Present analytical findings, model results, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and executive audiences.Influence organizational decision-making through proactive identification of risks, opportunities, and performance trends.Establish and promote analytical standards, model governance practices, validation methodologies, and documentation frameworks.Lead peer reviews and quality assurance processes for analytical outputs, models, and methodologies.Develop reusable analytical frameworks and best practices that improve consistency, reproducibility, and scalability across BSD analytics initiatives.Ensure compliance with organizational data governance, privacy, security, and regulatory requirements.Recommend improvements to enterprise metric definitions, data quality processes, and analytical governance standards.Lead medium- to large-scale analytics initiatives supporting strategic planning, operational transformation, workforce optimization, financial performance, and clinical operations.Serve as the primary analytics lead for assigned projects and stakeholder groups.Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior analysts and DS1 team members.Collaborate with leadership, finance, HR, clinical operations, research administration, enterprise analytics, and IT teams to define analytical strategies and solutions.Evaluate emerging analytics technologies, tools, and methodologies to enhance organizational analytical capabilities.Participates in the development of Business Intelligence (BI) and other analytical applications. Works to achieve an integrated reporting and analysis environment, effectively leveraging analytical systems and tools.Works with users to ensure deliverables are meeting or exceeding expectations. Provides support and communicates issues to users as defined by IT standards. Monitors access control and troubleshoot BI and analytic applications.Performs other related work as needed.Minimum QualificationsEducation:Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.Work Experience:Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.Certifications:---Preferred QualificationsEducation:Master's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Healthcare Analytics, Business Analytics, or related STEM field strongly preferred.Experience:Experience working within an academic medical center, healthcare system, higher education institution, or similarly matrixed organization.Experience with Epic/Cogito applications including Clarity, SlicerDicer, or Reporting Workbench.Experience with Tableau, Power BI, Python, R, SAS, Alteryx, or cloud-based analytics environments.Experience supporting strategic planning, operational improvement, or performance management initiatives.Experience developing data visualizations and executive-facing analytical presentations.Experience maintaining analytical documentation, governance standards, and metric definitions.Experience mentoring analysts or junior data scientists.Experience with relational databases, enterprise reporting environments, and healthcare data structures.Preferred CompetenciesAbility to independently lead complex analytical initiatives.Strong stakeholder management and consultative problem-solving skills.Ability to influence strategic decisions through data-driven recommendations.Ability to mentor junior analytical staff and promote analytical best practices.Ability to work collaboratively across operational, technical, and leadership teams.Strong attention to detail and commitment to analytical accuracy and data integrity.Ability to adapt in a rapidly changing healthcare and academic environment.Commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence.Working ConditionsOffice Environment.Weekend/Evening Hours: As needed.Application DocumentsResume (required)Cover Letter (preferred)Job FamilyInformation TechnologyRole ImpactIndividual ContributorScheduled Weekly Hours40Drug Test RequiredNoHealth Screen RequiredNoMotor Vehicle Record Inquiry RequiredNoPay Rate TypeSalaryFLSA StatusExemptPay Range$70,000.00 - $110,000.00The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.Benefits EligibleYesThe University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.Posting StatementThe University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call View phone number on click.appcast.io or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.