Data Scientist II

DepartmentBSD ADM - Strategic InitiativesAbout the DepartmentThe University of Chicago biomedical enterprise houses three entities: the Biological Sciences Division (BSD), the University of Chicago Medicine (UCM), and the Pritzker School of Medicine. Collectively called UCM, we are one of the nation's leading academic medical institutions and have been at the forefront of discovery, education, and clinical care since 1927. Located 20 minutes south of downtown Chicago, our Hyde Park main campus provides a single environment for learning, world-renowned basic science and clinical research, and outstanding clinical care. The BSD is the largest academic unit within the University. The BSD is comprised of faculty from ten basic science departments, 13 clinical departments, and several Centers and Institutes. The approximately 1,300 faculty and 3,000 staff members working in the BSD collaborate across the organization to achieve our Mission, Vision, and Values (MVV): MISSION: As part of the University of Chicago, we pursue globally impactful solutions to seemingly unsolvable challenges. Through our rigorous research, innovative education, and comprehensive care and healing, we collaborate on life-changing advancements that create meaningful results for our community and the world, including a greater, more equitable future for all.VISION: Together, we elevate the human experience with knowledge and health care.VALUES: • Commit to Excellence: We contribute our exceptional talents to all we do and empower the same spirit of excellence in others.• Embrace Curiosity: We stay open to new ideas, champion diverse perspectives, and drive a culture of thoughtful risk-taking to deliver transformative innovation.• Embody Equity: We identify systemic issues and then foster change to drive a more equitable environment inclusive of diverse people, ideas, and fields of science.• Grow Together: We meaningfully collaborate with one another to create something bigger than we could ever achieve alone.• Make a Difference: We lead with heart and compassion in all our interactions. We create positive change in our areas of influence, whether expanding scientific inquiry, developing the next generation of leaders, or healing our community.• Take Ownership: We accomplish what we say we will and hold ourselves and one another accountable for our actions.The MVV serves as our True North, charting our strategic plan for the next ten years and beyond. It is an exciting time to be a part of the University of Chicago and the BSD. Our team is helping to shape the future for our learners, staff, faculty, patients, and community.Job SummaryThe Data Scientist II (DS2) is an experienced member of the Strategy & Analytics (S&A) team responsible for independently leading advanced analytics, predictive modeling, forecasting, machine learning, and operational intelligence initiatives across the Biological Sciences Division (BSD). This role serves as a strategic analytical partner to BSD leadership, Service Delivery Units (SDUs), and enterprise stakeholders by translating complex business challenges into scalable analytical solutions that drive operational, financial, workforce, clinical, research, and strategic outcomes. This role also contributes to the development of analytical standards, mentors junior analytics staff, and helps advance BSD’s analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities.ResponsibilitiesIndependently design, develop, validate, and deploy advanced statistical models, analytics solutions, and forecasting methodologies supporting BSD strategic priorities.Lead complex analytical initiatives requiring integration of large-scale operational, financial, workforce, clinical, and research datasets.Evaluate and implement advanced analytical techniques including machine learning, optimization, simulation, and artificial intelligence methodologies where appropriate.Partner with the S&A data engineer and enterprise analytics teams to operationalize analytical solutions and support scalable deployment of models and reporting assets.Identify emerging analytical opportunities and recommend innovative approaches to solving complex business challenges.Serve as a subject matter expert for statistical methodologies, forecasting, and best practices.Lead the development of executive-level analytics, dashboards, scorecards, and strategic performance reporting.Provide analytical consultation to senior leaders and stakeholders regarding performance drivers, forecasting assumptions, strategic initiatives, and operational improvement opportunities.Translate highly complex business questions into analytical frameworks, measurable outcomes, and actionable recommendations.Present analytical findings, model results, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and executive audiences.Influence organizational decision-making through proactive identification of risks, opportunities, and performance trends.Establish and promote analytical standards, model governance practices, validation methodologies, and documentation frameworks.Lead peer reviews and quality assurance processes for analytical outputs, models, and methodologies.Develop reusable analytical frameworks and best practices that improve consistency, reproducibility, and scalability across BSD analytics initiatives.Ensure compliance with organizational data governance, privacy, security, and regulatory requirements.Recommend improvements to enterprise metric definitions, data quality processes, and analytical governance standards.Lead medium- to large-scale analytics initiatives supporting strategic planning, operational transformation, workforce optimization, financial performance, and clinical operations.Serve as the primary analytics lead for assigned projects and stakeholder groups.Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior analysts and DS1 team members.Collaborate with leadership, finance, HR, clinical operations, research administration, enterprise analytics,