Data Scientist - Imaging Physics Research

The Data Scientist - Imaging Research role is based within the Institute for Data Science in Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , a multidisciplinary program focused on applying data science and emerging technologies to improve safety, quality, and access in clinical care and operations. In this role, you will support the Institute's surgical data science program, conducting translational research in image‑guided surgery and collaborating closely with data scientists, engineers, and clinicians. As part of the team, you will contribute to the development and clinical translation of advanced imaging, image analysis, and registration methods, working primarily with orthopaedic and neurosurgery surgeons and scientific collaborators across UT MD Anderson, to advance computational approaches that support innovative, data‑driven surgical care. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate has an advanced academic background in science or engineering with hands‑on experience in scientific software development and image analysis. Practical expertise in optimization, computer vision, and machine learning or deep learning methods applied to medical imaging, along with experience working with complex medical image datasets, is essential. Strong programming skills, statistical rigor, and the ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders are also required. Why Us? This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to mission‑driven research that advances image‑guided surgery and improves patient care through innovation in data science and medical technology. UT MD Anderson supports professional growth through collaboration with world‑class clinicians and researchers and promotes a balanced, supportive work environment focused on meaningful scientific impact. This position offers the following benefits: Employer‑paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance. Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options. Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups. Defined‑benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer‑paid life and reduced salary protection programs. Responsibilities Develop algorithms for image analysis, including segmentation and registration. Develop and implement machine learning and deep learning algorithms for image‑guided surgery research. Apply optimization, computer vision, and image analysis techniques to complex image registration problems. Define and compute key model performance metrics. Design and conduct rigorous laboratory and clinical experiments to test hypotheses and validate models. Collaborate and consult with surgeons, engineers, and data scientists to define and resolve analytical problems. Work in multidisciplinary research related to systems engineering, technology development, and data‑intensive surgical methods. Support translational research in image‑guided surgery, orthopaedic surgery, and neurosurgery. Communicate with research and clinical stakeholders to share findings and best practices. Design, develop, and implement research algorithms and software solutions. Analyze and interpret large medical imaging datasets to identify trends and patterns. Work with medical image datasets, PACS, and hospital information systems. Provide ongoing support for existing software systems as they evolve. Communicate results clearly in written and oral formats for technical and non‑technical audiences. Present research findings at internal and external meetings and scientific conferences. Prepare final reports in required formats by established deadlines. Stay current with advances in image‑guided surgery, image analysis, and optimization techniques. Learn new methods and support others in the adoption of emerging techniques. Education Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Science, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Statistics, Computational Biology, or related field. Preferred: Master’s Degree in Science, Engineering or related field. Preferred: PhD in Science, Engineering or related field. Work Experience Required: 3 years of scientific software or industry development/analysis experience, OR 1 year of experience with a Master’s degree, OR no experience required with a PhD. Other Requirements Required: Demonstrated experience with computing or programming using Python, Matlab, R, C++, Java, and/or SQL; experience with machine learning and deep learning methods including neural network design; experience with statistical analysis; familiarity with modern object‑oriented programming languages such as Python, C++, and/or Java; experience with open‑source image analysis, image guidance, and optimization packages such as 3D Slicer, VTK, ITK, and IGT Link; experience with large‑scale mixed‑integer linear programming; experience working with medical image data sets, PACS, and hospital information systems; ability to communicate results clearly in written and oral formats; ability to explain technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders; ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Preferred: Background knowledge and experience in optimization and computer vision; experience with medical image datasets and image analysis techniques including segmentation and registration; experience with open‑source scientific computing and machine learning libraries such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, pandas, scipy, and scikit; experience with database languages such as SQL; experience in image‑guided surgery research including surgical tracking and navigation systems and related open‑source libraries. Equal Employment Opportunity It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. Security and Integrity This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment. Additional Information Requisition ID: 179961 Employment Status: Full‑Time Employee Status: Regular Work Week: Days Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 106,500 Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 133,000 Maximum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 159,500 FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay Fund Type: Soft Work Location: Hybrid Onsite/Remote Pivotal Position: Yes Referral Bonus Available?: No Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes #J-18808-Ljbffr