Operations Research Scientist

Job Description

Summary

Operations Research and Analytics (ORA) is an emerging innovative team within the Health Informatics Department at Providence Healthcare (PHC). The team is committed to design, develop, and deploy state-of-the-art analytical solutions and applications driven by optimization, simulation, and machine learning methods. Scope of the work is diverse and touches on a wide variety of challenges in the health sector, such as the patient flow management, patient scheduling, capacity planning, inventory management, and others.



Reporting to the Manager, Operation Research and Analytics (ORA), the Operations Research Scientist develops, operationalizes, and monitors applied computerized and analytical models to support operational and strategic decision-making at PHC. The position will collaborate with data scientists, solution architects, and business intelligence analysts and will deliver business value in close partnership with stakeholders from Operations, Finance, IT, and Business Leadership. The Operations Research Scientist will also stay apprised of current trends and research on all aspects of advanced analytic techniques and works in collaboration with provincial and national colleagues.

Qualifications / Skills and Education

Education
Master's Degree in Operations Research, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Industrial Engineering or other related technical discipline and at least five (5) years' experience working with databases and data analysis tools, two (2) years' of which must be in designing, implementing, and testing analytic and/or algorithmic solutions to business or operational problems, and with simulation, optimization, database, and spreadsheet software applications. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience would also be considered. Experience in the health care sector would be an asset.

Skills and Abilities



• Demonstrated knowledge of Optimization, Simulation, Algorithm Design, and Machine Learning gained through practical application.

• Coding proficiency in Python and knowledge in using data science and optimization and simulation frameworks and packages such as Numpy, Pandas, Gurobi, CPLEX, SimPy, Simio.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment and to develop solutions using facilitation and consensus building.

• Demonstrated understanding of the Canadian health system and knowledge of common healthcare datasets.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with competency in writing reports, and explaining findings and making presentations to clients and stakeholders.

• Demonstrated ability to organize work and set priorities.

• Physical ability to perform the duties of the job.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Design, develop and lead the implementation of cloud or on premises analytics solutions by applying expertise in operations research, simulation, optimization and applied machine learning techniques.

2. Develops improvements to workflows and clinical decision-making in various programs and services (e.g., surgical, medicine, emergency, lab, long term care, etc.) by researching, innovating, developing, and evaluating algorithms and prototypes.

3. Participates as part of multi-disciplinary teams to contribute to research and development with new business models for solutions and services.

4. Delivers high-quality innovations to the business with performance validated on datasets from customers and clinical collaborators.

5. Creates, communicates, and manages the project plans and other required project documentation and provide updates to leadership as necessary.

6. Works in close collaboration with other members of the Data Analytics and Health Informatics teams to develop and implement innovative solutions that address pressing operational and clinical challenges within the organization. Works with external colleagues provincially and nationally to improve understanding of wider issues and develop scalable/applicable solutions.

7. Prepares reports and presents findings and proposed solutions to clinical leaders and stakeholders. Leverages those opportunities to identify new areas where solutions may be required.

8. Develops and maintains relationships with clinical leaders and stakeholders in various programs and services (e.g., surgical, medicine, emergency, lab, long term care, etc.) to facilitate collaboration and effective communication. Works together to identify clinical problems, design research/studies, and develop and implement clinical solutions.

9. Supports management in the development of strategies for scaling successful projects across the organization based on feedback from clinical/business clients and end-users by maintaining project and other documentation, reviewing findings, and presenting analysis and actionable insights for further discussion and decision.

10. Performs other duties as required.

Vaccination Flag

As per the current Public Health Orders (Long Term Care/Seniors Assisted Living Provincial Health Order and the Health Sector Order), as of October 26, 2021, all employees working for Providence Health Care must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination status will be required.