Data Architect Senior (underfill Intermediate)

Michigan Medicine; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent medical, dental, and vision

2:1 retirement match

Job summary

Michigan Medicine seeks a research data engineer/analyst to support clinical and microbiome research, building validated datasets and reproducible SQL and R/Python workflows. The role collaborates closely with investigators in infectious diseases and pulmonary/critical care, with training in 16S methods provided.

Seniority depends on qualifications, with hybrid/remote work options under the department’s discretion.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, biomedical informatics, statistics, engineering, or related quantitative field.
• Proficiency in SQL with multi-table joins and data validation.
• Proficiency in R or Python and willingness to work in the lab’s workflows.
• Experience building and documenting datasets or analysis code using version control.
• Ability to explain technical issues to clinical collaborators and handle sensitive data.

Responsibilities

• Clinical data engineering: build and maintain UW/MRDW workflows; link patient encounters, medications, labs, and outcomes into datasets.
• Clinical research analysis: conduct descriptive and regression analyses in R or Python; prepare figures/tables.
• Microbiome analysis: learn 16S workflow; process sequencing data and integrate with clinical datasets.
• Documentation and collaboration: maintain version-controlled code and data dictionaries; communicate progress.

Skills

SQL proficiency

Python/R

Dataset/workflow versioning

Communication with clinicians

Willingness to learn microbiome

Education

Bachelor's degree in a quantitative field

Tools

UM Research Data Warehouse

DataDirect

Epic data

Unix/Linux

Job description

Job Summary

The University of Michigan Department of Internal Medicine seeks a research data engineer and analyst to support clinical and microbiome research, working with investigators in infectious diseases and pulmonary and critical care medicine. You will build and validate clinical research datasets, develop reproducible SQL and R or Python workflows, and conduct analyses in collaboration with the investigators.

The position combines substantial technical independence with close scientific collaboration. Training in the laboratory's 16S rRNA gene analysis methods will be provided, with opportunities to integrate clinical and microbiome data. Prior microbiome experience is welcome but not required. The position may be filled at the Senior or Intermediate level, depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities are the same at both levels. At the Intermediate level, the position works with closer guidance from the investigators on study design, cohort definitions, and analytic approach.

Clinical data engineering 45 percent Build and maintain workflows using the U‑M Research Data Warehouse and other approved clinical data sources. Link patient, encounter, medication, laboratory, and outcome records into validated study datasets. Develop reusable SQL queries, automated quality checks, and documented procedures for updating datasets. Investigate missing data, duplicate records, and inconsistencies in units or timing.

Clinical research analysis 25 percent Translate study questions into cohort definitions and analysis variables with the investigators. Conduct descriptive and regression analyses in R or Python, prepare figures and tables, and investigate unexpected results. Work with investigators and statistical collaborators on methods and interpretation, and contribute to methods and results documentation.

Microbiome analysis and training 20 percent Learn and apply the laboratory's established 16S rRNA gene analysis workflow. Process sequencing data, perform quality control, organize sample metadata, and conduct microbial community analyses in R. Integrate microbiome findings with approved clinical datasets under scientific guidance.

Documentation and collaboration 10 percent Maintain version-controlled code, data dictionaries, and clear analysis records. Coordinate priorities with both investigators, communicate progress and data limitations, and help collaborators use reproducible research practices.

Required Qualifications

All levels

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, biomedical informatics, statistics, engineering, or a related quantitative field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficiency in SQL, including joins across multiple tables and validation of relationships and timing across records.
• Proficiency in R or Python and willingness to work in the laboratory's R-based analytical workflows.
• Experience building and documenting datasets or analysis code using version control.
• Ability to explain technical issues to clinical collaborators and to handle sensitive research data in approved computing environments.
• Willingness to learn microbiome analysis methods and complete the training required for clinical data access.

Senior level

• 3+ years of experience in data engineering, analytical programming, or research data management.
• Experience with clinical, electronic health record, or other longitudinal health data.
• Advanced SQL skills, including window functions and efficient querying of large tables.
• Demonstrated ability to independently build, validate, maintain, and document reusable datasets and analysis workflows with systematic quality checks.
• Ability to manage projects and set priorities across multiple studies.

Intermediate level

• 1-3 years of experience in data engineering, analytical programming, or research data management.

Desired Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant quantitative or computing field.
• Experience with longitudinal clinical or electronic health record data.
• Experience with the U‑M Research Data Warehouse, DeID RDW, DataDirect, or comparable clinical data warehouses; familiarity with Epic data and clinical terminology.
• Experience with regression, longitudinal or survival analysis, epidemiologic study design, and preparation of publication-quality figures and tables.
• Experience with 16S analysis, mothur, R/vegan, or related microbiome methods, including sequencing controls and sample metadata.
• Experience linking clinical records to biospecimen data and working in Unix, Linux, or comparable research computing environments.

Why Join Michigan Medicine?

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U‑M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world's most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world‑class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage effective on your very first day
• 2:1 Match on retirement savings

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre‑employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third‑party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Pre‑employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U‑M campuses.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled at any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U‑M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.