The Sheps Center for Health Services Research is seeking an Associate Director of Data Analytics, a pivotal leadership role driving the advancement of healthcare through innovative data science applications.As the Associate Director, you will lead and manage the Data Analytics and Research Team (DART) a cornerstone of our data coordinating research service center. You'll empower a diverse group of data scientists, health informaticists, and data engineers to excel in their roles. Our team engages in a diverse portfolio of projects, including comprehensive secondary data analysis and statewide health assessments, multi-site randomized controlled clinical trials, and the development of predictive models and algorithmic tools for clinical decision-making. Through the facilitation of thought-provoking team discussions and caring leadership, you will enable each team member to work at the top of their license and seize opportunities to showcase the impact their work is having on our local community, state, and abroad. You will guide them to innovate and advance healthcare through the development of efficient best practices in requirements gathering, programming, organization, and communication to deliver a high-quality service and maximize the value we bring to research. Your expertise will be crucial in shaping analytic strategies that directly address critical health research questions, utilizing extensive datasets such as insurance claims data and electronic health records.In this capacity, you will manage teams as they work in collaboration with investigators on advanced data management and analytic tools for a diverse array of research initiatives. Your oversight will ensure projects are executed with precision and aligned with the Center's mission. You will support and advise teams on the initial scoping and delivery of insightful reports, large federal and foundation grant methodological development, and manuscript writing. By applying Agile methodologies, you will foster a culture of innovation and efficiency across multiple Data Science Pods (small teams and workgroups), driving the establishment and adoption of best practices throughout these teams. In addition, your leadership is required in leading the team through complex data ethics issues as we navigate the changing landscape of data science in public health.A significant aspect of your role involves strategic communication, acting as a conduit between the data science team and the research partners to ensure objectives are clear and shared goals are met. As an integral member of the Leadership Team, your insights will contribute to the broader strategic direction of the center. You will be encouraged to form and nurture cross-campus partnerships, enhancing the visibility and impact of the team's work within the wider data science community.As Associate Director, your role involves spearheading the team and contributing at an advisory level across data analysis, programming, and engineering in line with project needs. Collaborating closely with researchers, you will review designs and results which leverage large-scale datasets such as Medicare, Medicaid, private payer datasets, and Electronic Health Records (EHRs) to provide insights. Proficiency in tools like SAS, R, Python, and SQL is essential, as is the ability to independently manage and prioritize a full spectrum of data tasks from initial scoping to the final preparation of reports.This pivotal position offers the opportunity to lead transformative projects at the intersection of data science and healthcare, with the full support of the Sheps Center behind you for continuous training and professional development. Your leadership will not only drive the success of individual projects but also contribute to the growth and evolution of the Sheps Center's data science service. Minimum Education and Experience RequirementsMasters' and 2-4 years' experience; or Bachelors and 3-5 years' experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution. Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience1. Demonstrated proficiency utilizing at least 2 of the following: SQL, SAS, R, or Python 2. Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with a team 3. Demonstrated experience with developing analytic plans and leading projects 4. Demonstrated experience managing and leading teams 5. Excellent written and oral communication skills 6. Excellent organization skills Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience1. 10+ years of proven experience leading data scientists in a research or healthcare environment 2. Familiarity with healthcare research data such as public and private insurance claims, electronic health record data, and any other public or proprietary healthcare data 3. Demonstrated experience working in research studies involving sensitive patient health information 4. Demonstrated experience to provide strategic direction and build internal and external partnerships 5. Demonstrated proficiency in a data analysis language such as SAS, R, Python, or Stata 6. Demonstrated experience leading teams of 5+ individuals 7. Demonstrated experience with advanced data analytics programming and modern data science statistical analyses Special Physical/Mental Requirements Campus Security Authority ResponsibilitiesNot Applicable. Special Instructions Quick LinkPosting Contact InformationDepartment Contact Name and Title Department Contact Telephone or Email Office of Human Resources Contact InformationIf you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status. Equal Opportunity Employer StatementThe University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.
