Data Manager

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Overview

We are seeking a full-time Data Manager to support a large, multi-site research program involving multi-modal data (including neuroimaging and genetics, as applicable). The Data Manager will lead day-to-day data operations across projects and partners, building and maintaining the systems, documentation, and workflows needed for secure, high-quality, interoperable datasets. The position requires a three-year, full-time commitment.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate data management across the institute and partner sites to ensure consistent, harmonized practices and interoperable workflows.

• Build and maintain databases and secure data storage/sharing systems (access controls, version control, documentation).

• Manage secure data ingestion and transfers; maintain transfer processes, tracking, and compliance documentation (IRB/DUAs/HIPAA-aligned practices as applicable).

• Harmonize and integrate multi-modal datasets (IDs, timepoints, metadata, standardized formats) to support integrated analysis.

• Ensure data quality via routine audits, validation/cleaning workflows, and QC metrics.

• Develop and maintain preprocessing/scoring/QC pipelines and produce summary metrics/tables for reporting and deliverables.

• Coordinate with research computing/IT to optimize compute and storage workflows (CPUs/GPUs/HPC as needed).

• Support teams with data preparation/extraction for analysis; provide training and best-practice guidance as needed.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Proficiency with R and/or Python, Git/GitHub (version control for scripts, documentation, and change tracking), experience with High-Performance Computing workflows specifically the software SLURM.

2. Experience cleaning, verifying, documenting, and managing large datasets. 

3. Familiarity with FAIR data principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) and applying them to research data documentation and sharing workflows 

4. Familiarity with best practices for working with high-risk data (privacy, secure storage, controlled access, compliant transfers). Must have some scientific background and understanding, not only data focused.

5. Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills; ability to work independently and proactively. 

Preferred Skills and Abilities

1. Neuroimaging data standards/tools (e.g., BIDS, DICOM-to-NIfTI tools, fMRIPrep, FreeSurfer). 

2. Genetics/genomics tools and formats (e.g., VCF, PLINK, basic genomics QC workflows). 

3. Experience with IRB processes and data use agreements (DUAs). 

4. Experience developing or supporting web-based tools/portals for secure data access, exploration, and documentation 

Principal Responsibilities

1. Creates a relational database from existing study data currently stored in multiple data sources. Designs comprehensive and relational databases with advance knowledge of relevant applications impacting on the data analyses and reporting. 2. Develops and documents operational procedures for the collection, editing, verification and management of study data. Documents all study data files, data structure and relationships, variable definitions and data codes. Writes detailed specifications for analysis files and performs consistency checks. 3. Develops and implements relevant statistical programs to incorporate data from multiple studies/projects. 4. Organizes and creates documents and tables related to datasets; communicates with data sources about data accuracy and data dictionary. 5. Evaluates and analyzes data using accepted statistical techniques and statistical analysis software. Performs descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses of data, using computer software. 6. Uses advanced statistical knowledge to provide support in managing and analyzing data. 7. Designs and implements quality control measures