Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
*Position Title:
*Position Type:
*Compensation:
*Start Date:
*Location:
CAR Database Analyst I
Full-time
n/a
n/a
Philadelphia, PA
*Job Requirements
*Job Description
The Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, Center for Autism Research (CAR) is conducting a wide
range of studies seeking to identify the causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and to explore
effective interventions and other supports for families throughout the region who are affected by
ASD and is seeking to hire a Database Analyst I. Working at CAR provides the opportunity to be
a part of innovative, break-through research on a complex developmental disorder that affects 1
in 68 people in the United States. Most of the studies at CAR involve behavioral evaluations,
brain imaging, and genetics aimed at explaining the underlying mechanisms of this complex
disorder.
Big Data Program at CAR. ASD is a very heterogeneous disorder and progress toward our goal
of developing effective personalized treatment demands research based on large study samples
(e.g, in the 1000s). To meet this need, CAR is transitioning from a nearly exclusive reliance on inperson data collection for research projects related to ASD, to a new model that emphasizes
web-based, “remote” phenotyping (online data collection). As a first step in this process, CAR has
built web-based research registries for autism and related disorders. These registries allow
parents or those with a specific condition to enroll in a virtual research community. The research
registry then serves as a foundation to recruit registry members into one or more specific studies,
most of which begin with collection of additional phenotypic data about the disorder using web
based measurement tools. These instruments are sometimes fixed item length measures, but
can also be computer adaptive tests (that rely on item response theory) which sample from a
larger test item bank to estimate a latent trait. Research registry members also will be recruited
into genetic studies, including remote blood or saliva specimens, and at times will come to the
Center for more detailed in person follow up studies. For registry members who are patients at
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, we also request permission to integrate data from the
electronic health record (EHR) into CAR’s general research database.
In support of this new enterprise, CAR is seeking one or more full time Data Analysts with
programming, database management and statistical skills. The Data Analyst will work as part of a
collaborative multi-disciplinary team lead by the Director of CAR to develop, deploy and analyze
online data in conjunction with EHR and genetic data, and data collected as part of in-person
based studies. The collaborative team is composed of CAR faculty, staff scientists and
postdoctoral fellows. Data Analyst(s) are responsible for setting up web based data collection,
managing a relational database stemming from this work, and working with the team on data
analyses for publication and in support of new grant applications to continue the work. The
position will entail the development and optimization of applications spanning a wide variety of
programming languages and software interfaces. This is a new program at CAR and it will
receive bioinformatics support from an ongoing collaboration with CHOP’s Center for
Bioinformatics (CBMi). The data analyst will need to have experience with standard multivariate
statistics. Moreover, It is desirable but not required for the Data Analyst to have some experience
with more advanced statistical approaches (e.g., Hierarchical Linear Modeling, Principal
Components Analyses, Factor Analyses, Structural Equation Modeling, Propensity Score
Matching).
The Data Analyst will be responsible solely or as part of a team with complementary skills for
development of highly accessible, web-compatible applications for the sourcing of data through
responsive mobile web interfaces. This will require a good understanding of current open source
tools available for web development (e.g., R Shiny, html5, javascript, Twitter BootStrap, Apache,
Linux Systems Administration, and Amazon Web Services systems). Due to the rapidly evolving
nature of these web solutions, this position will require a high level of self-direction, attention to
and learning of new software tools, as well as willingness to initiate new approaches in the fast
evolving area of bioinformatics and web-based Big Data collection. It is imperative that the Data
Analyst develop effective collegial relationships with those with related skills, especially those
with more years of related experience in different sub-organizations within CHOP and Penn. The
Data Analyst will serve as CAR’s point person with contract vendors who are hired for specific
web based projects; and as one of several points of interface for the Center for Autism Research
ISACA Philadelphia is not responsible for the content or accuracy of this job posting.
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(CAR) with the Center for Applied Genomics (CAG) and the Center for Bioinformatics (CBMi) at
CHOP.
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Other responsibilities that may be pertinent:
1. Tests and maintains database structures, and upgrades as necessary.
2. Manages data back-up and recovery.
3. Seeks feedback, formal and informal, regarding success of data tools developed, and adapts
when necessary.
4. Ensures accuracy and integrity of data structures.
5. Participates in preparation of results for publications.
6. Ensures that data is stored in a secure format that preserves patient privacy.
7. Regularly updates lab books chronicling details of data acquisition and analysis protocol
development.
8. Conduct regular quality and reproducibility checks.
* Skills &
Qualifications:
• Master’s Degree in a scientific discipline, with a quantitative emphasis or a BA/BS degree in a
scientific discipline with 4+ years of related experience. This position is also suitable for a recent
PhD graduate in lieu of a formal postdoctoral fellowship, or an “all but dissertation” (ABD) student
in a quantitative discipline.
• Demonstrable experience creating web pages and experience with relevant software including
html5, javascript and others (e.g., R Shiny); strong interest in using the web for online data
collection.
• Demonstrable professional experience (1+ year) with database and scripting/programming
languages (e.g., Python, Twitter BootStrap, Apache) and with Linux Systems Administration and
related web server software (e.g. Apache).
• Demonstrable professional experience with database management (e.g., RedCap Database
Management) and/or with relational database management systems (e.g. MySQL).
• Demonstrable professional experience with multivariate statistics/biostatistics and advanced
skill with statistical software packages (e.g., R, SAS, SPSS).
• Strong professional interest in research on neurodevelopmental disorders affecting genes, brain
and behavior is highly desirable.
• Ability to function independently in a research setting; as well as the ability to take active
direction from a supervisor, and to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to serve as the Center’s point person with contract vendors who are hired for specific web
based projects; and ability to serve as one of several points of interface for the Center for Autism
Research (CAR) with the Center for Applied Genomics (CAG) and the Center for Bioinformatics
(CBMi) at CHOP.
• Excellent organizational ability and ability to multi-task, meet deadlines, and pay attention to
detail.
• Ability to handle deadline related stress with equanimity.
• Ability to handle confidential data.
• Professional interest or experience with brain-imaging including functional MRI (fMRI), structural
MRI (sMRI), Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), Aterial Spin Labeling (ASL), electroencephalography
(EEG) and event related potentials (ERP) including one or more software packages to process
the data (e.g., Unix Shell, R, FMRIB’s Software Library, AFNI, Matlab/Octave and PsychToolbox,
SPM, FreeSurfer) is desired but not required.
All CHOP employees who work in a patient building or who provide patient care are required to
receive an annual influenza vaccine unless they are granted a medical or religious exemption.
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for
its patients, family members, visitors and employees. In an effort to achieve this goal, employment
at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, other than for positions with regularly scheduled hours in
New Jersey, is contingent upon an attestation that the job applicant does not use tobacco products
or nicotine in any form and a negative nicotine screen (the latter occurs after a job offer).
Education:
Certification(s):
Travel:
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on
the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic
origin, disability or protected veteran status.
See job requirements.
See job requirements.
n/a
*Contact Information
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Job Reference:
*Contact Name:
Email Address:
Telephone:
Fax:
Website:
Company Information:
Special Instructions:
14-33144
TJ Hoopes
n/a
n/a
n/a
http://www.chop.edu/careers/index.html
Since its start in 1855 as the nation's first hospital devoted exclusively to caring for children, The
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has been the birthplace for many dramatic firsts in pediatric
medicine. The Hospital has fostered medical discoveries and innovations that have improved
pediatric healthcare and saved countless children’s lives. Over 150 years of innovation and service
to our patients, their families and our community, reflect an ongoing commitment to exceptional
patient care
To apply for this position, visit:
https://www.chop.edu.apply2jobs.com/ProfExt/index.cfm?fuseaction=mExternal.showJob&RID=
33144&CurrentPage=1
ISACA Philadelphia is not responsible for the content or accuracy of this job posting.
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