Witztum Lab - Junior Specialist

University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 58,600; Full time

Job summary

University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is seeking a Junior Specialist in the Department of Radiation Oncology to design and automate data pipelines that integrate Epic, ARIA, and departmental databases into a unified informatics environment aligned with the O3 data model.

The role focuses on standardizing diverse clinical data, supporting real‑time data requests, and contributing to multi‑institution data collaborations, preparing datasets for clinical and research initiatives.

Job description

Position Description

The Department of Radiation Oncology at UCSF, in the laboratory of Dr. Alon Witztum (Clinical Automation and Data Driven Insights - CADDI Lab), is seeking a highly motivated scientist/programmer for a Junior Specialist position focused on building the next generation of radiation oncology data infrastructure.

Position Overview: The Junior Specialist will assist in developing and automating data pipelines that integrate Epic, ARIA, and departmental databases into a unified informatics environment aligned with the O3 (Operational Ontology for Oncology) data model. We are looking for an organized, detail-oriented individual who can standardize heterogeneous clinical data, support real‑time data requests, and contribute to multi-institutional data collaborations.

The position will involve preparing datasets for clinical and research initiatives and supporting the development of research‑ready databases.

This role offers valuable experience at the intersection of clinical informatics, data science, and radiation oncology, preparing candidates for future growth in research, data engineering, or graduate/professional programs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, or a related quantitative field and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Proficiency in SQL, including table design, joins, stored procedures, and optimization.
• Working knowledge of Python for data manipulation, transformation, and visualization.
• Understanding of the concepts underlying relational databases.
• Knowledge of secure software development.
• Demonstrated software repository skills.
• Demonstrated ability to follow software specifications.
• Demonstrated effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving skills.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for non‑technical users.
• Self‑motivated, detail‑oriented, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively.
• Able to learn effectively and meet deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of related experience.
• Advanced SQL knowledge.
• Experience with Health Care related data.
• Experience with Epic, Cogito, and/or Clarity.
• Familiarity with HL7‑FHIR.
• Experience with Streamlit, Shiny, or similar front‑end tools.
• Experience with Tableau or similar self‑service analytics tools.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain detailed documentation of data pipelines, workflows, and results.
• Extract, clean, and organize clinical data from Epic and departmental databases.
• Assist in developing automated scripts and ETL processes aligned with the O3 data model.
• Generate descriptive analyses, visualizations, and summary reports for clinical and research teams.
• Collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and trainees to support project progress and data needs.
• Contribute to the development of self‑service analytics tools.
• Ensure adherence to data governance, HIPAA requirements, and UCSF security standards.

Please apply online at https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu/JPF05901 . Applicants’ materials must list current and/or pending qualifications upon submission.

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $55,000–$58,600.

Document Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae – CV must clearly list current and/or pending qualifications (e.g., board eligibility/certification, medical licensure, etc.).
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research (Optional)
• Statement of Teaching (Optional)

Reference Requirements

• 2–4 required (contact information only)

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

UCSF is committed to welcoming and serving all people, honoring the dignity of every individual without preference or prejudice, in support of its public mission and in alignment with its PRIDE values and Principles of Community.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy
• APM – 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

San Francisco, CA