Data Scientist, Data & Analytics - BC Cancer Vancouver

Data Scientist, Data & Analytics

BC Cancer

Vancouver, BC

The Data Scientist acts in accordance with the cognitive computing priorities of BC Cancer to build and increase capacity and support for our cognitive computing learning systems to create and enhance insights gained from analyzing quality data. The Data Scientist is adept at using large data sets and machine learning models to find opportunities for product and process optimization as well as to test the effectiveness of different courses of action. They use a variety of data mining / data analysis techniques, and utilize their knowledge of the full AI product lifecycle of development, testing, implementation, and maintenance. The Data Scientist will drive business results with their data-based insights and works with a wide range of stakeholders and functional teams. The Data Scientist will discover solutions hidden in large data sets and work with stakeholders to improve business processes and outcomes.  

What you'll do

• Work as a senior data scientist and strategist for Data and Analytics, to foster and develop a solid and sustainable data science foundation and competency for BC Cancer
• Work closely with clinical and leadership teams across BC Cancer programs and the health authority to strategize, develop, and implement AI products
• Identify, clean, and integrate large sets of structured and unstructured datasets from disparate sources for use in advanced analytical models and products
• Use advanced ML processes to convert data from non-functional forms, such as unstructured text or scanned image text, to functional forms ready for use in further ML models
• Use advanced ML models to identify patterns, trends, and opportunities that can make predictions or reduce workload to make a significant impact across various domains within BC Cancer
• Lead the process of implementation of ML models into production by collaborating with developers and other stakeholders.
• Communicate analytic solutions to leadership and apprise leadership of AI product status throughout the various stages of the product lifecycle
• Implement improvements as needed to already implemented AI products 

What you bring

Qualifications:

• Level of education, training, and experience equivalent to a PHD in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science or another quantitative field, 5-7 years of experience working with large datasets and machine learning models.
• Advanced skills in AI product design and the analysis of quantitative data for the purpose of creating actionable insights and measurable impact.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, processes, procedures and methods involved in data analysis, statistical methods, and machine learning.
• Demonstrated expertise in planning, organizing and coordinating AI product activities. Demonstrated proficiency with using advanced machine learning methods, machine learning software packages, and manipulation of large datasets.
• Knowledge and experience in statistical and data mining techniques including but not limited to: GLM and other regression, Bootstrapping, Random Forests, Boosting, Trees, text mining, social network analysis, simulation, scenario analysis, clustering analysis, decision trees, neural networks, and other methodology. Experience writing computer code, querying databases, and using statistical computer languages: Python, SQL, R, SAS and others Experience with distributed data/computing tools: Map/Reduce, Hadoop, AWS, Hive, Spark, Gurobi, MySQL, or similar. Experience visualizing/presenting data for stakeholders using: R, ggplot, Tableau, PowerBI, Matplotlib, D3, Periscope/Sisenseor other.
• Demonstrated expertise in knowledge synthesis and translation activities.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within healthcare settings. This involves recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change.
• Knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within BC Cancer contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, BC Human Rights Code, Anti-racism Data Act and   how they intersect across the health care system.

Core Competencies:

• Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure and has demonstrated leadership in breaking down barriers and ensuring an environment of belonging. Embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility into all aspects of work. This means creating an environment where Indigenous patients feel respected, valued, and understood. Foster trust through respectful communication, active listening, and honoring equity-deserving people's perspectives on health and wellness. Commit to ongoing education and training on Indigenous health issues, cultural safety, and DEI principles. Participate in workshops, cultural immersion experiences, and continuous professional development to stay informed and responsive to equity-deserving groups. Provide patient-centred care that respects Indigenous ways of knowing and healing, respects BIPOC experiences and world views ensuring that care plans are culturally relevant and holistic.
• Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (The Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).

You have:

• Demonstrated deep understanding of their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Able to articulate and share this journey to motivate and inspire others.
• Knowledge of the social, economic, political realities of settler-colonialism and impacts on Indigenous peoples in social and health contexts as well as knowledge and understanding of, and commitment to upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments in the foundational documents: Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, and the Distinctions Based Approach.

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’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.

• Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – 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’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• 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: Regular, Full-Time 

Salary: $106,026 - $152,413 per year. The starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience, and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan. Salary will be prorated accordingly for part time roles.

Location: 2410 Lee Avenue, Victoria, BC V8R 6V5

Hours of work: Monday - Friday; 0830-1630

Requisition number: 185325E

What we do

BC Cancer provides comprehensive cancer control for the people of British Columbia. BC Cancer is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) 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 – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Create equity – Be courageous.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services

PHSA is committed to anti-racism and equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently excluded groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code.

One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya’k̓ula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at indigenous.employment@phsa.ca.

Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents  including the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.

Attention current employees of PHSA: 

You must apply via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca.

The internal job posting expires on June 25, 2025, and will no longer be accessible. If the internal job posting has expired, please e-mail internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca with the six-digit job requisition number and your PHSA employee ID number to be considered as a late internal applicant. Please do not apply for the external job posting.

If you have not yet set up an internal profile, please e-mail internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca with your PHSA employee ID number to obtain your temporary password. Our business hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, excluding Statutory Holidays and a Help Desk Representative will respond to you with 1-2 business days.  

If you are not a current employee of PHSA and require assistance with your application, please contact the External Careers team at careers@phsa.ca.