Improving Patient Care Through Data Science

BD-STEP isacceptingapplications forthe next cohortof data sciencefellows

The Big Data Scientist TrainingEnhancement Program (BD-STEP) is atwo-year fellowship opportunity offeredthrough the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the Veterans HealthAdministration (VHA) that uses data science to advance cancer research and patient care. Competitively selected postdoctoral fellows are placed in four VA medical centers across the country to work with clinicians andinterdisciplinary researchers to address important patient-centered health challenges. Fellows have the unique opportunity to utilize the extensive VA health data infrastructure whilegaining valuable exposure to theclinical environment.

The complexity of oncology makes it aprime field for data-driven researchprojects with the potential to greatlyimprove patient care. Collaborationbetween NCI and VHA has provided anavenue to access rich, diverse cancer data resources, including diagnosis andtreatment information from the VACentral Cancer Registry andlongitudinal, clinical data from the VA’s national healthcare system. The combination of data access, academic mentorship, and clinical guidance allows fellows to formulate and address clinically important questions in cancer research.

VA U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Veterans Health Administration

Through Our Big Data Scientist TrainingEnhancement Program

DATA SCIENCE FELLOWSHIP

A C O L L A B O R A T I O N W I T H

Questions?

What is Needed?

IMPROVE CARE FOR OUR VETERANS WHILEYOU ENHANCE YOUR DATA SCIENCE SKILLS

BD-STEP fellows use data science toimprove outcomes for cancer patients.The program offers aspiring healthcaredata scientists access to unparalleledlongitudinal datasets includingdiagnosis, treatment, molecular,and clinical information for large anddiverse patient populations. BD-STEPfellows utilize these data to pursueimportant research questions,improving basic understanding of cancer while also improving clinical care. Over the course of their research, fellows receive mentorship from both academic and clinical advisors and leverage their VA and NCI/NIHconnections to network with healthcareand data science experts acrossgovernment, academia, and industry. This equips BD-STEP graduates with thediverse skillsets they need to pursuecareers in healthcare data science.

Enrolled fellows are hiredby the VA with locality-adjusted stipends and benefits.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Brief statement of interest (no more than one page) to include proposed research areas/topics

• Letter of support from academic mentor

• Rank order of BD-STEP sites: Boston, MA; Durham, NC; Houston, TX; and Palo Alto, CA

Applicants must meet all 3 criteria:

1. POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERSApplicants must have obtained a PhD inengineering, computer science, physicalscience, or other related disciplines,including:

• Engineering disciplines

• Computer Science

• Mathematics

• Physics

• Chemistry

2. COMPUTATIONAL SCIENTISTSIn addition to a history of collaboration and teamwork with strongcommunication skills, applicants must have:

• Experience in bioinformatics, modeling, or management of large data sets

• Strong background in advanced mathematics and statistics

• Proficiency in at least one programming language

3. US CITIZENSApplicants must be US citizens to behired within a VA facility. Non-citizensare also encouraged to apply, but arenot eligible for VA stipend support.

Frank Meng, PhDBD-STEP Program Director, VHAfrank.meng2@va.gov

Michelle Berny-Lang, PhDProgram Director, NCI Centerfor Strategic Scientific Initiativesmichelle.berny-lang@nih.gov

LEARN MORE ONLINE:

www.va.gov/oaa/specialfellows/programs/sf_bdstep.asphttps://cssi.cancer.gov/bd-step

Deadline 7.19.19SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO:service.cancer.gov/bd-step

Accepting applications for rollingadmission through July 19th, with rollingenrollment in the program throughSeptember 1st.

Who is Eligible?

Why Apply?

Note:

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAM, CONTACT: