ML in Healthcare Position at the VA Boston Healthcare System

The Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiological Research and Information Center (MAVERIC) at the VA Boston Healthcare System has a full-time Machine Learning Scientist opening for researchers interested in using machine learning and modern statistical methods to build predictive models of healthcare outcomes, contribute to methodology research in this area, and improve Veterans’ healthcare. You will enjoy working with a strong, collegial, friendly, and talented team of computer scientists, clinicians, statisticians, and informaticians at the VA, which was named among the Top 100 Places to Work by the Boston Globe. We collaborate frequently with partners at Harvard, BU, and other academic institutions, where many VA researchers hold dual appointments.
Core responsibilities
- Use machine learning methods to build predictive models of healthcare outcomes from the largest integrated medical records database in the United States, with comprehensive clinical information on over 22 million patients (2 trillion+ rows, 22,000+ columns of data), including large amounts of both structured and unstructured data
- Collaborate with a range of researchers, including clinicians, computer scientists and statisticians to design and execute analyses
- Develop improved methodology for using machine learning methods in relation to healthcare data
- Translate models into tools that can be deployed throughout the VA
- Publish papers on our findings, systems, and methodology
- Pitch in as necessary to extract and clean data in preparation for analysis
Qualifications
- Ph.D. or MS (or equivalent experience) in statistics, computer science, or related field
- Significant experience with machine learning or applied statistics, including both computer programming skills needed to carry out analysis and strong understanding of the theoretical basis of these methods
- Passion for advancing healthcare research and improving methodology in this area
- Experience with electronic medical record data or clinical databases preferred
- Willingness to help extract and clean data in preparation for analysis is required
- Strong communication and collaborative research skills required
- Ability to drive projects independently with moderate support
This is a federal position, pay grade GS-13 (in Boston the range is $96,410-$125,334, depending on experience). A generous benefits package is included.
The VA is an equal opportunity employer. Women, people of color, and LGBTQ applicants are encouraged to apply. Those who are interested in pursuing an academic career are encouraged to apply and become an active member of our research team. With rare exceptions, candidates must be US citizens.
Applicants should submit a cover letter and CV or inquiries to Nathanael.Fillmore/va.gov by May 30, 2018. Include “Machine Learning Scientist Application” in the e-mail subject line.