Data Scientist Principal

Job Description

The Health Observatory at ASU is a critical component of the ASU Health learning ecosystem that is designed to collect, analyze and visualize a diverse array of information about the health of populations to inform decision makers, advance new health discoveries, and produce data of social and economic value. Under the leadership of the Data Scientist Principal, the Population Health Data Scientist for the Health Observatory at ASU will have a unique opportunity to support or lead technical data science projects and support the mission, vision, and organizational goals of the Health Observatory.

Serves as the population health data scientist in support of the Health Observatory's initiatives by strategizing, designing, developing, and implementing enterprise-level applied research and statistical models with an emphasis on simulation, AI, and machine learning to improve the health of Arizonans and beyond. This includes serving as the team's data science engineer for developing, deploying, and maintaining end-to-end automated production pipelines.

Working Environment

Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting, keyboarding and manipulating a computer mouse; required to stand for varying lengths of time and walk moderate distances to perform work. Occasional bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling up to 20 pounds. Regular activities require ability to quickly change priorities, which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts. Ability to clearly communicate verbally, read, write, see and hear to perform essential functions.

Background Check Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in a related field and five (5) years of relevant applied professional experience, OR, any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved

Department Statement

For the tenth year in a row, ASU has been named the most innovative school in the nation, recognizing the university's culture of groundbreaking research and partnerships, as well as its commitment to helping students thrive in college and beyond. U.S. News and World Report has named ASU as the most innovative university all nine years the category has existed.

ASU Knowledge Enterprise advances research, innovation, strategic partnerships, entrepreneurship, and international development. Our success arises from solutions-focused, interdisciplinary research; an entrepreneurial approach that is embedded in every school and department; and a commitment to transform society in a positive way. To learn more about how Knowledge Enterprise is a place for your career to grow, visit

At The Health Observatory, we are dedicated to building an inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. We value your unique background and perspective, and you may be just the right candidate for this position or other roles on our team.

Working at ASU has additional perks and OUTSTANDING benefits, which include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; sick leave and holidays; ASU/UA/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state and optional retirement plans; access to ASU recreation and cultural activities; and more. To estimate the value of your total compensation, please visit

Desired Qualifications

• Evidence of a Doctoral degree in a relevant field
• Experience developing, deploying, and maintaining machine learning models using cloud services (either Google Cloud Platform, AWS, or Azure)
• Experience in Python programming, SQL
• Experience developing machine learning/statistical models in the domain of public health, health or healthcare. Experience in working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience supporting collaborative and mission driven organizations.

ASU Statement

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

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Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

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Essential Duties

• Supports or leads data science efforts in collaboration with Health Observatory leadership in the development and implementation of the team's analytics strategies and initiatives.
• Selects and deploys advanced statistics and data science techniques to obtain actionable insights.
• Develops and maintains the complete end-to-end ML/AI cycle, from local development including statistical analysis, feature engineering/selection, ML model selection and training, hyperparameter optimization etc. up to deploying the model for production employing the best data science practices.
• Creates and maintains the data science infrastructure and pipeline using software and database tools (GitHub, SQL, Python, etc.) and workflow orchestration tools
• Responsible for the continuous improvement of data science processes and technologies as well as evaluating new or evolving technologies and approaches for potential adoption and implementation.
• Implements the best machine learning operationalization (MLOps) practices (e.g., data versioning, model versioning, experimentation, model deployment, model monitoring, scalability, orchestration, continuous learning).
• Provides strategic and thought leadership. Mentors other staff members in the areas of data science and MLOps, as needed.
• Promotes, embodies and represents the mission of the Health Observatory across ASU and with external stakeholders.
• Ability to work closely with subject matter experts in public health and healthcare data science team, increasing domain knowledge in these fields.

Instructions to Apply

Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated.

Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.

Resume and Cover Letter should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.

ASU does not pay for travel expenses associated with interviews, unless otherwise indicated.

Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.

IMPORTANT NOTE: What is the meaning of "equivalent combination" in the minimum qualifications? It means one year of higher education or 24 credit hours, is equal to one year of experience. For example, a four year Bachelor's degree is equal to four years of experience.