"Research Scientist I for the Data Institute for Societal Challenges (DISC)"

Position Title

Research Scientist I for the Data Institute for Societal Challenges (DISC)

Department

Vice President for Research & Partnerships

Position Type

Faculty

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, or a related discipline (typically earned within the last three years).
• Demonstrated research experience through publications, technical reports, or applied project outcomes.
• Familiarity with data science tools and programming languages (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest or experience in solving societal challenges related to public health, disaster response, energy systems, or environmental change.
• Experience working on interdisciplinary teams and contributing to funded research proposals.
• Knowledge of relevant tools or platforms for machine learning, geospatial data, or high-performance computing.
• Interest in mentoring students and supporting workforce development.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, current CV, three references, and a research statement via Interfolio at this link: https://apply.interfolio.com/173690. The search process will maintain confidentiality for all candidates until finalists are chosen.

Description

The Research Scientist I at the University of Oklahoma's Data Institute for Societal Challenges (DISC) is an early-career, entry-level research position for individuals who have recently earned a Ph.D. (typically within the last three years) in data science, computer science, engineering, or a related field. The position is designed to support promising researchers as they launch independent or collaborative careers focused on leveraging data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning to address complex societal issues.

The successful candidate will contribute to DISC's mission through research and development activities focused on areas such as health informatics, disaster response, ecological resilience, energy systems, and supply chain systems. This position provides the opportunity to work in a vibrant, interdisciplinary, and collaborative environment alongside experts from across the University and with external partners.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Development

• Conduct independent and collaborative research projects in data science, AI, and machine learning with applications in societal challenges.
• Participate in proposal development and serve as PI or Co-PI on externally funded research projects.
• Contribute to high-quality, peer-reviewed publications in top disciplinary and interdisciplinary journals.
• Support the development of software, algorithms, and data-driven models that enhance predictive capabilities and decision support systems.

Collaboration & Technical Leadership

• Work with multidisciplinary teams across the University and with external collaborators to develop impactful, applied research solutions.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to graduate students and research assistants on project-specific tasks.

Engagement & Outreach

• Participate in DISC-sponsored programming such as workshops, seminars, training sessions, and conferences.
• Assist in organizing outreach and educational activities to build research capacity and expand DISC's impact.

Professional Development

• Engage in opportunities for continued learning and leadership development in research and proposal writing.
• Build a track record of scholarly and applied contributions that support progression to Research Scientist II.