Senior Scientific Support Analyst

Company: University of Chicago
Location: Chicago
Posted on: April 5, 2026

Job Description:

Department BSD CTD - User Services - Plan X About the Department The Center for Translational Data Science (CTDS) at the University of Chicago is a research center whose mission is to develop the discipline of translational data science to impactful problems in biology, medicine, healthcare, and the environment. We envision a world in which researchers have ready access to the data needed and the tools required to make data driven discoveries that increase our scientific knowledge and improve the quality of life. We architect ecosystems of large-scale commons of research data, computing resources, applications, tools, and services for the broader research community to use data at scale to pursue scientific inquiry and accelerate discovery. Learn more at https://gdc.cancer.gov/ , https://gen3.org/ , https://stats.gen3.org/ , and https://ctds.uchicago.edu/. Job Summary The job uses best practices and knowledge to develop new and existing systems. Solves problems and anticipates evolving business requirements to identify, design, and implement appropriate process improvements, systems alternatives, and/or enhancements to current systems. Using a deep understanding of the technological and scientific goals and methodologies within assigned data commons and cloud environments, the Senior Scientific Support Analyst serves as a primary contact and resource for end-users, clients, Center staff, and User Services team members-guiding, tracking, resolving, reporting on and analyzing inquiries and reports related to all aspects of user experience within a Translational Data Science research environment. The Sr.SSA develops strategies for educating users and clients, triages complex issues, plans and participates as an expert in conferences and meetings with clients, and collaborates on user management and issue resolution with the Center’s functional teams, senior personnel, and subject matter experts with an end goal of providing exceptional customer service and optimal user experiences. This at-will position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding which is renewed under provisions set by the grantor of the contract. Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these grant funds and satisfactory job performance. Responsibilities Serve as primary contact on assigned data inquiries, resolving issues and tracking queries in an efficient and timely manner; keeps and monitors records of issues, reporting and analyzing trends. Provide exceptionally competent email support to our clients and staff, along with demonstrating dedication to high quality customer service. Perform problem analysis, evaluation, recreating, and resolution of client report problems. Use a deep understanding of the data, scientific goals and methodology, and underlying biological and translational concepts in assigned data commons and cloud environments to provide user support in high profile and troubling cases. Take full ownership of assigned cases, triaging them to the appropriate resources and guiding them through to achieve final resolution. Coordinate on user management and issue resolution with functional teams, including, but not necessarily limited to, operations, development, design, bioinformatics, data science, project management, and information security. Assist senior personnel and subject matter experts on escalated issues; coach other User Services team members on responding to and collaborating on issues. Exercise and exemplify good judgment to prioritize and manage inquiries of diverse scope and complexity. Identify gaps and assist in the development of client-facing training materials and documents and internal-facing documents like Standard Operating Procedures. Develop strategy on how to educate users on the technology and manage recommendations for optimization by participating in regular meetings on user experience and product development; includes planning, leading, and/or participating as an expert on CTDS data commons in conferences, symposia, and meetings with clients. Identify and analyze needs for ongoing improvement of business and quality processes. Stay current on user needs, internal projects, and the broader biotech, open source, and translational data science communities. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on research use cases and demonstrations of a platform; lead user education initiatives. Has a deep understanding of business process analyses, needs assessments, and preliminary cost/benefit analyses. Solves complex problems relating to computer equipment capacity, limitations, and operation time. Utilizes thorough understanding of business systems and industry requirements to translate business and user needs into system requirement specifications. Recommends process improvements in existing applications and revises existing system logic difficulties as necessary. Designs, develops, and implements new applications, systems architecture, network systems, and applications infrastructures. Communicates and presents on system enhancements and/or alternatives to colleagues in IT management. Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: Preferred Qualifications Education: Advanced degree in Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, or a related technical area with high preference on PhD in Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, or a related technical area. Experience: 5 years of experience in customer service or client relations. Technical documentation and writing experience. Experience in bioinformatics, biostatistics, or related field. Experience working on research infrastructure. Experience with both hardware and software IT projects. Experience working independently and taking ownership of work with minimal supervision. Preferred Competencies Strong technical skills, ability to pick up quickly on our unique systems and offerings. Ability to speak to both technical users and business stakeholders and interact at all levels of an organization. Superior verbal and written communication skills. Strong relationship building skills. Ability to handle sensitive matters with tact and discretion. Ability to come into a team used to minimal supervision and oversight and ensure accountability for performance. Ability to take ownership within purview for user needs and identifying appropriate venues for advocating for user needs. Ability to independently identify when user experience and needs should be escalated. Ability to train users and help onboard new team members. Working Conditions Office environment Application Documents Resume (required) Cover Letter (preferred) When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Job Family Information Technology Role Impact Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Salary ? FLSA Status Exempt ? Pay Range $90,000.00 - $130,000.00 The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting. Benefits Eligible Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook . Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

Keywords: University of Chicago, Palatine , Senior Scientific Support Analyst, IT / Software / Systems , Chicago, Illinois