Research Scientist: College of Nursing - UTK

Predictive Modeling & Data Science 

• Execute and evaluate predictive models using various data models.

• Program and maintain complex data pipelines utilizing Python, R, or SQL to extract, clean, and analyze relevant research data.

• Conduct advanced statistical modeling to analyze research outcomes

Clinical Decision Support (CDS) Prototyping & Technical Integration 

• Design, implement, and evaluate proof-of-concept/prototype CDS systems

• Perform technical evaluations of partner technology stacks, API endpoints, and messaging protocols to map secure data integrations.

• Build and validate simulation tools to train model prompts, evaluate data extraction accuracy, and test clinical CDS vignettes.

Knowledge Engineering & Ontology Development (15%) 

• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary co-investigators and specialists (e.g., computer science, clinical sciences, ontology teams) to refine, map, and translate clinical vocabularies, taxonomies, and knowledge representation frameworks.

• Maintain data security, IRB compliance, and access controls for datasets in secure academic computing environments.

Grant Writing & Academic Operations 

• Contribute to federal and foundation grant proposals by drafting and editing technical sections (specifically Specific Aims, Research Strategy, and Approach sections) under the direction of the PI

• Co-author peer-reviewed manuscripts and represent the research team at national biomedical informatics and clinical research conferences.

• Provide informatics, data science, and analytical guidance to junior faculty, postdocs, and graduate research assistants

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• PhD or advanced doctoral candidacy (ABD) in Biomedical Informatics, Nursing Informatics, Computer Science, Data Science, Quantitative Psychology, or a related computational/quantitative field.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Strong track record of scientific writing, including contributions to peer-reviewed publications and federal grant proposals (NIH preferred).
• Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to translate complex clinical workflows into structured engineering requirements.
• Advanced proficiency in Python, R, and database querying (SQL).
• Hands-on experience developing and deploying machine learning or predictive models.
• Demonstrated familiarity with NLP, text mining, or clinical language modeling.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience:

• Experience analyzing clinical metadata, EHR documentation, claims, and operational clinical data
• Familiarity with clinical terminologies/ontologies (e.g., SNOMED-CT, LOINC, RxNorm) or knowledge representation frameworks.
• Familiarity with natural language processing, generative AI, and associated AI frameworks
• Experience collaborating with commercial digital health, medical device, or health tech vendors on system integrations, security agreements, or intellectual property protocols.

Work Location: This position can be distance/remote or onsite in Knoxville, TN. 

Compensation:

• UT market range: MR09
• Anticipated hiring range: $50,000
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here

Application Instructions 

For best consideration, applicants should submit a cover letter and resume before August 3rd, 2026.

About the College of Nursing 

With a longstanding tradition of excellence in nursing education, research, and clinical practice, we are proud to be a guiding force in healthcare education. We embrace innovation while honoring the values that have shaped our success. By offering cutting-edge academic programs, supporting impactful research, and forging strong community partnerships, we prepare healthcare professionals who deliver high-quality, culturally responsive care in a diverse and ever-changing world. Join the Vol Nurse Family! Get to know CON