The Pennsylvania State University is looking for a Research Data Scientist to join the Department of Biobehavioral Health in the College of Health and Human Development. You will lead the development and execution of computational workflows to analyze longitudinal multi-omic data for federally funded projects, involving data integration, quality control, statistical analysis, and contributing to scientific publications and training.

What You'll Do

Develop and implement statistical models and data workflows for analysis of transcriptomic, metabolomic, and epigenetic data across three longitudinal timepoints.
Conduct data integration and harmonization across multi-omic platforms, ensuring alignment with study protocols and cohort structures.
Perform quality control and preprocessing of raw omics datasets, including normalization, batch correction, and outlier detection, generating usable datasets for future analyses.
Generate publication-ready data visualizations and summary outputs for internal reporting, scientific publications, and grant progress updates.
Contribute to manuscripts and conference abstracts by preparing methods and results sections in collaboration with the study team.
Support onboarding and training of student researchers in computational methods and data management procedures.
Document analytical pipelines and code to ensure reproducibility and adherence to open science best practices.

What We're Looking For

Bachelor's Degree.
1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted.
Proficiency in statistical analysis and modeling, including longitudinal data analysis and mixed-effects models.
Experience with multi-omic data analysis, including transcriptomic, metabolomic, and epigenetic datasets.
Skill in data preprocessing, including normalization, batch correction, and outlier detection.
Experience with data integration and harmonization across platforms and timepoints.
Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in data science, such as R or Python.
Ability to create publication-ready visualizations and summary outputs for diverse audiences.
Experience contributing to scientific manuscripts and conference presentations, especially methods and results sections.
Knowledge of reproducible research practices, including workflow documentation and version control (e.g., Git).
Familiarity with research design and methodology, particularly in child development, maltreatment, or early life adversity.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently within established research goals.
Effective written and verbal communication skills for technical and collaborative work.
Ability to train and support junior team members, including onboarding and mentoring student researchers.
Experience working in interdisciplinary research teams.

Nice to Have

1+ years of post-baccalaureate experience in statistical programming, bioinformatics, or data science, preferably in a research or academic setting.
Demonstrated experience working with high-dimensional biological data such as transcriptomics, metabolomics, or epigenetics.
Familiarity with longitudinal data analysis and reproducible research practices is expected.
Experience working with data related to child development, child maltreatment, or early life adversity is strongly preferred.

Technical Stack

R
Python
Git

Team & Environment

Works under the direction of Dr. Idan Shalev within the Department of Biobehavioral Health in the College of Health and Human Development.

Benefits & Compensation

Salary range: $61,800.00 - $89,600.00.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Robust retirement plans.
Substantial paid time off including holidays, vacation and sick time.
Generous 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children.

Work Mode

This is an onsite position located at University Park, PA.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive.

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.