The Columbia University Data Science Institute Data & Cancer Collaboratory Postdoctoral Research Scientist

The Data Science Institute (DSI) at Columbia University invites applications for the position of a Data and Cancer Postdoctoral Research Scientist. The recipient of this two-year research position will be embedded in a Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) cancer tumor board, an interdisciplinary board of clinicians reviewing plans of care for complex cancer tumor cases using state-of-the-art genomic, imaging analysis, and natural language processing where appropriate.

Columbia University is a leader in the burgeoning field of data science, with depth drawing from foundational strengths in computer science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, statistics and operations research, and the breadth of applications in every field of inquiry offered university-wide. Established in 2012, DSI is a university-level institute comprised of over 400 faculty and researchers from 17 schools, institutes, and colleges across Columbia. The Institute features a robust industrial affiliates program and maintains strong connections with New York City’s economic development initiatives, including its dynamic and fast-growing start-up community. Our focus is on conducting world-class research and training data scientists to become leaders in academia, industry, and government.

The Data and Cancer Postdoctoral Research Scientist will be charged with providing data science expertise, data-driven evidence, and data science decision-making and modeling in cancer patient review and treatment. Working with the Tumor Board Clinical mentor at CUIMC, and with DSI Research Scientists and faculty experts, the postdoc will identify new research questions for data science research in cancer care, work on interdisciplinary research projects, and publish original research results This is a unique opportunity to contribute to defining the applications and new discoveries in the field of data science and cancer treatment for the long-term future, and to participate in groundbreaking research that will positively impact humanity.

The Data Science Institute Data and Cancer Collaboratory Postdoctoral Research Scientists are funded by a generous gift to DSI with the goal of using data science to advance in cancer treatment, research and discovery. Selected candidates will be part of a small group of esteemed researchers working at the frontier of cancer and data science at Columbia University.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualification
To be eligible for the program, candidates must have earned their doctoral degree in a quantitative discipline, such as computer science or statistics, or in a field with a strong quantitative component, such as biology or medicine, within three years prior to the start of the appointment. All doctoral requirements must be completed, and the degree awarded before the start of the appointment.

Preferred Qualifications
-Experience in computational cancer research (genomics, imaging or clinical)
-Strong analytical, computational, and quantitative skills

The program welcomes applications from both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens, and we strongly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and identities to apply.

Please note that the University Provost expects all Officers of Research to be present on the Columbia University campus regularly and actively engage in our vibrant in-person community. Remote work arrangements will not be considered for DSI Postdoctoral Research Scientists.

For foreign nationals, the J-1 Exchange Visitor visa is the most commonly used visa for DSI Postdoctoral Research Scientists at Columbia University.

Application Instructions
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis with applicants encouraged to apply as early as possible with a preferred start date as soon as possible after that.

To be eligible for review, candidates must submit all required materials via the Interfolio online application, including:

-Cover Letter: A letter explaining your motivation for applying to this program.
-Curriculum Vitae: A comprehensive CV that includes a list of your publications.
-Research Statement: A detailed research statement (up to five pages, single-spaced) summarizing your current research interests, past accomplishments, and specific goals you aim to achieve during this program.
-Letters of Reference: Three confidential letters of reference from individuals familiar with your work, including your doctoral supervisor, if applicable.
-Note: All three letters must be submitted directly by the recommenders for your application to be considered complete. We recommend contacting your referees early in your application process to encourage them to submit as soon as possible.
Please note that materials submitted via email will not be reviewed or considered.