Job Description

Junior Data Scientist
Burnaby, BC

As a Junior Data Scientist specializing in math modelling within the field of Public Health, the role is integral to the collaborative efforts alongside senior scientists and mathematical modelling team. The junior data scientist will contribute, by designing and implementing mathematical models, to analyze complex health-related data, to predict patterns of disease spread, and to estimate intervention effectiveness, and other critical public health factors. The responsibilities involve collecting and processing data, calibrating models, and assisting in the interpretation of results. Working closely with senior scientists and mathematical modelling team, the Junior Data Scientist will collaborate on refining models, validating assumptions, and adapting strategies to respond effectively to public health questions.

What you\xe2\x80\x99ll do

• Performs data management and preparation activities, including data extraction, transformation, and documentation. Develops and maintains data collection and recording systems such as databases, spreadsheets, and web-sites, including designing ad hoc reports. Writes computer code and data queries to capture and edit data, and/or liaises with information systems department for same. Creates analytic reporting tools to allow internal and external users to analyze data. Receives and responds to ongoing requests to evaluate data, systems, processes and procedures. Automates routine data management tasks using standard programming tools.
• Performs inferential or forecasting analyses. Performs diagnostic analysis on model fits and identifies potential issues and model improvements. Uses cross-validation and other approaches to assess model accuracy and predictive performance. Creates reports of resulting forecast diagnostics, performance and predictions. Assists with writing of results for briefing notes and scientific publications.
• Performs descriptive analyses and produces summaries and analytical reports using statistical software and coding, identifying all data limitations that apply. Identifies issues, trends, and developments. Communicates findings to Centre staff and external stakeholders at the local, provincial and federal level. Automates routine analyses using standard programming tools.
• Proficiency in utilizing advanced statistical techniques for analyzing complex datasets, including longitudinal data analysis.
• Skills in designing in simulation modelling in the context of evaluating public health measures.
• Familiarity with data preprocessing techniques, feature engineering, and data imputation methods to ensure data quality and model accuracy.
• Prepares and maintains documentation and reports such as user guides, procedure manuals, metadata, code documentation, data security policies and data dictionaries.
• Assists as needed with gathering data, entering data, researching historical and archival data, accessing on-line databases, performing interviews, and obtaining data from national, provincial and local agencies and individuals.

What you bring
Qualifications

• Master or Bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s Degree in Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Quantitative Epidemiology/Ecology or Computer Science or equivalent and three (3) years\xe2\x80\x99 experience as a data analyst/scientist, preferably in community health and/or the health information field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong background in epidemiology or public health is an asset
• Demonstrated proficiency in using specialized software and tools for mathematical modeling, such as Python, R, Julia or MATLAB
• Ability to write data management and analysis programs using data programming tools such as R or Python.
• Experience managing and querying data in large relational or multidimensional databases and data warehouses an asset.
• Experience with forecasting methods such as population modeling, time-series methods, Markov Models, Monte Carlo simulation, Bayesian modeling, boosted trees, random forest, neural networks and other machine learning approaches.
• Ability to create data visualizations.
• Knowledge of standard software packages, spreadsheet, statistical, graphical, database, communication and web software.
• Knowledge of descriptive statistics
• Collaborative experience working closely with data analysts, epidemiologists, and biostatisticians to leverage diverse expertise and perspectives, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of mathematical models and ensuring their alignment with real-world health scenarios considered an asset.

Skills & Knowledge

• Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per TRC (2015) and BC\'s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019).
• As a strong asset for consideration, we are looking for our successful candidate to have: Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities impacting indigenous communities and familiarity with Indigenous Cultural Safety and anti-racism and accompanying reports (BC DRIPA, TRC, etc.).

What we bring

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That\xe2\x80\x99s why we\xe2\x80\x99re focused on your care too \xe2\x80\x93 offering health, wellness, development programs to support you \xe2\x80\x93 at work and at home.

• Join one of BC\xe2\x80\x99s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations \xe2\x80\x93 offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San\xe2\x80\x99yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

Job Type: Casual full-time hours (37.5 hours per week)
Wage: $35.00 - $45.00/hour. As a casual employee, total earnings includes an additional 12.6% in lieu of benefits and paid time off
Location: (include both city and postal code)
Hours of Work: Monday \xe2\x80\x93 Friday (37.5 hours per week)
Requisition #TOD8182023

As per the current Public Health Order, full vaccination against COVID-19 is a condition of employment with PHSA as of October 26, 2021.

What we do

The Provincial Health Services Authority ( ) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people \xe2\x80\x93 Be compassionate \xe2\x80\x93 Dare to innovate \xe2\x80\x93 Cultivate partnerships \xe2\x80\x93 Serve with purpose.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs:

PHSA is committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.

Reconciliation is an ongoing process and a shared responsibility for all of us. The BC Governments\xe2\x80\x99 unanimous passage of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act was a significant step forward in this journey\xe2\x80\x94one that all health authorities are expected to support as we work in cooperation with Indigenous Peoples to establish a clear and sustainable path to lasting reconciliation. True reconciliation will take time and ongoing commitment to work with Indigenous Peoples as they move toward self-determination. Guiding these efforts Crown agencies must remain focused on creating opportunities that implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Mandate.

This position is part of PHSA Talent on Demand \xe2\x80\x93 an in-house recruitment service providing talent to PHSA and other health authorities. We manage a robust talent pool of service-minded professionals who are available to start work immediately. Talent on Demand creates a gateway for those who wish to achieve their career goals. Successful candidates will gain significant health care experience and can transition into long-term, permanent roles within PHSA. For more information, visit .
Labor Agreement Excluded
Requisition # TOD08182023-2403985
Work Site Burnaby, BC
Job Type Temporary, Full-Time
Temporary Duration TBD
FTE 1.0
Hours of Work 37.5 / week
Work Days Monday - Friday
Expiry Date 17-Sep-2023

Provincial Health Services Authority