Scientific Support Analyst

Department

BSD CTD - User Services - Plan X

About the Department

The Center for Translational Data Science (CTDS) at the University of Chicago is a research center whose mission is to develop the discipline of translational data science to impactful problems in biology, medicine, healthcare, and the environment. We envision a world in which researchers have ready access to the data needed and the tools required to make data driven discoveries that increase our scientific knowledge and improve the quality of life. We architect ecosystems of large-scale commons of research data, computing resources, applications, tools, and services for the broader research community to use data at scale to pursue scientific inquiry and accelerate discovery. Learn more at https://gdc.cancer.gov/ , https://gen3.org/ , https://stats.gen3.org/ , and https://ctds.uchicago.edu/.

Job Summary

The job liaises between the IT group and business to support the development and implementation of new systems and enhancements of existing systems. With moderate guidance, evaluates new IT developments and evolving business requirements, and uses elementary knowledge of University systems to recommend appropriate systems.

Using established protocols within assigned data commons and cloud environments, the Scientific Support Analyst serves as a contact and resource for end-users, clients, Center staff, and User Services team members. The SSA tracks, resolves, and reports on inquiries related to data submission and access, installation, and operation of the Gen3 or GDC software, and the overall user experience within a Translational Data Science research environment. With some supervision and guidance from senior team members, the SSA applies strategies and develops materials and documentation for resolving user issues, educating users and clients, triaging complex issues, and representing the Center on committees and at conferences and meetings with clients.

This at-will position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding which is renewed under provisions set by the grantor of the contract.  Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these grant funds and satisfactory job performance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary contact on assigned data inquiries, resolving issues and tracking queries in an efficient and timely manner; keeps good records of issues and reports on trends.

• Provide exceptionally competent email support to our clients and staff, along with demonstrating dedication to high quality customer service.

• Perform problem analysis, evaluation, recreating, and resolution of client report problems.

• Develop deep understanding of the data, scientific goals and methodology, and underlying biological and translational concepts in assigned data commons and cloud environments.

• Take full ownership of assigned cases, triaging them to the appropriate resources and guiding them through to achieve final resolution.

• Coordinate on user management and issue resolution with functional teams, including, but not necessarily limited to, operations, development, design, bioinformatics, data science, project management, and information security.

• Assist senior personnel and subject matter experts on escalated issues.

• Exercise judgment to prioritize and manage inquiries of diverse scope and complexity.

• Assist in the development of client-facing training materials and documents and internal-facing documents like Standard Operating Procedures.

• Participate in educating users on the technology and make recommendations for optimization, including, but not limited to, participation at conference, symposia, and meetings with clients.

• Contribute to ongoing improvement of business and quality processes.

• Stay current on user needs, internal projects, and the broader biotech, open source, and translational data science communities.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders on research use cases and demonstrations of a platform; participate in user education initiatives.

• Implements functional, system, and program specifications. Assists in revising existing system logic difficulties as necessary, under the direction of more experienced colleagues.

• Supports the IT development group in building new systems and enhance existing systems. Assists in coding, testing, debugging, and implementing software solutions. Prepares documentation on system enhancements and/or alternatives.

• Administers new IT developments, keeps up with evolving business requirements, and uses knowledge of University systems to recommend appropriate systems alternatives and/or enhancements to current systems.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

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:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Advanced degree in Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, or a related technical area with high preference on PhD in Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, or a related technical area.

Experience:

• 3+ years of experience in customer service or client relations.

• Technical documentation and writing experience.

• Experience in bioinformatics, biostatistics, or related field.

• Experience working on research infrastructure.

• Experience with both hardware and software IT projects.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong technical skills, ability to pick up quickly on our unique systems and offerings.

• Ability to speak to both technical users and business stakeholders and interact at all levels of an organization.

• Superior verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong relationship building skills.

• Ability to handle sensitive matters with tact and discretion.

Working Conditions

• Office environment.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (preferred)

Job Family

Information Technology

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$70,000.00 - $100,000.00

The 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 Eligible

Yes

The 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 Statement

The 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 773-702-5800 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: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.