Principal Data Analyst

Principal Data Analyst

This role integrates biostatistics, data science, and data engineering to support and advance the Department of Neurosurgery's research and data infrastructure. The position serves as a core methodological collaborator in neurosurgical research while leading the development and stewardship of a centralized research database built upon Epic Clarity data. This role will play a key part in advancing the department's research strategy through modern data science and robust research infrastructure. Position is contingent upon funding.

Job Responsibilities

• Collaborate with faculty investigators, residents, and fellows on research projects across the full study lifecycle, from study conception through dissemination.
• Provide consultation on study design, cohort definition, feasibility assessments, and analytic strategy.
• Serve as statistical lead and analytic strategist across research projects, including development of analysis plans, selection of appropriate methodology, and communication of findings through written reports and presentations.
• Apply advanced statistical methods, machine learning, and data science techniques to address complex clinical and translational research questions.
• Identify research opportunities aligned with departmental priorities and translate clinical questions into rigorous research designs.
• Conduct and oversee data management and statistical analyses supporting departmental research initiatives.
• Provide methodological leadership and substantive intellectual contribution to manuscript development.
• Contribute to grant proposals and clinical trial design, including statistical sections, study design consultation, and power/sample size calculations.

Research Data Infrastructure and Engineering

• Lead the design, evaluation, and evolution of the department's centralized research data infrastructure supporting neurosurgical research, scalable analytics, and machine learning workflows.
• Assess existing datasets and workflows to identify inconsistencies, redundancies, and opportunities for improved data organization and accessibility.
• Architect and maintain data pipelines integrating Epic Clarity and other internal or external data sources.
• Govern data integrity, platform lifecycle, and scientific data stewardship for departmental research data assets.
• Develop curated analytic datasets and standardized variable definitions to support reproducible research.
• Enable investigators to access well-structured data resources for research and analytic projects.
• Collaborate with institutional data partners (e.g. Penn DnA) to align departmental data infrastructure with enterprise data strategy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 4 to 6 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$83,500.00 - $104,792.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition
• Retirement
• Time Away from Work
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Wellness and Work-life Resources
• Professional and Personal Development
• University Resources
• Discounts and Special Services
• Flexible Work Hours
• Penn Home Ownership Services
• Adoption Assistance