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Data Scientist - Radiation Physics - Research
The Data Scientist role supports the Radiation Planning Assistant (RPA), a program within the Department of Radiation Oncology that develops AI‑driven tools to automate radiation treatment planning for global clinical partners. MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Data Scientist contributes to advancing automated medical imaging and treatment‑planning capabilities that improve access to high‑quality oncology care worldwide. As part of this mission‑driven program, the Data Scientist collaborates with clinicians, scientists, and engineers to build, deploy, and refine cloud‑native machine learning systems.
The Data Scientist position is central to developing advanced algorithms, maintaining production‑quality code, and ensuring the reliability of automated tools used across international partner clinics. The Data Scientist also supports cross‑functional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement of workflows to ensure safe and effective delivery of radiation oncology solutions.
The ideal candidate has extensive experience in deep learning, machine learning, Python programming, and medical imaging, supported by graduate‑level or postdoctoral research experience, recent first‑author publications, and experience collaborating with academic laboratories.
Minimum $51.20 – Midpoint $63.94 – Maximum $76.68
Why Us?
This role strengthens MD Anderson’s global impact by developing technologies that improve access to safe and effective cancer care in resource‑constrained settings. As a Data Scientist, you help expand automated tools that support clinicians worldwide while building expertise in advanced AI systems, cloud platforms, and medical imaging. The position supports long‑term skill development, professional growth, and a balanced work environment.
• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
Responsibilities
Technical Expertise & Analytic Thinking
• Develop, implement, and maintain machine learning and deep learning models for medical image segmentation, treatment planning, and quality assurance
• Work independently to analyze, define, and resolve analytical problems and software bugs according to RPA quality management standards
• Participate in discussions and implementation of machine learning and deep learning model‑management solutions
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of advanced machine learning approaches and integrate new methods when appropriate
• Ensure high code quality with consistent testing prior to deployment for end‑user use
• Follow institutional and RPA‑specific cybersecurity best practices
• Organize datasets and publish code with documentation according to RPA standards
• Apply analytical thinking with awareness of clinical context and patient impact when designing tools and workflows
Oral & Written Communication
• Transfer knowledge and methodologies by proactively providing technical assistance to peers
• Serve as a primary technical contact for RPA team members
• Present results and progress in internal project meetings and external meetings, workshops, and conferences
• Collaborate effectively with internal and international multidisciplinary partners
• Communicate and assist cooperatively with leaders, peers, end users, and support teams
Service Orientation
• Provide courteous, safe, efficient, and accountable service to internal and external stakeholders
• Model ethical behavior aligned with institutional standards of conduct and policies
• Respond promptly to requests and proactively communicate expectations for deliverables
• Apply the HEAL steps (Hear, Empathize, Address, Learn) when addressing service recovery needs
Other Duties
• Perform other duties as assigned
EDUCATION
- Required: Bachelor's Degree Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Statistics, Computational Biology, or related field.
- Preferred: Master's Degree Science, Engineering or related field.
- Preferred: PhD Science, Engineering or related field.
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Required: 3 years Scientific software or industry development/analysis experience. or
- Required: 1 year Required experience with Master's degree. or
Required: With PhD, no experience required.
- Preferred: A candidate with recent first‑author publications and a history of working in an academic laboratory, with expert‑level experience in deep learning, machine learning, Python, and medical imaging
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
