ASPIRE Internship: Data Science Intern (Computational Biology/Data Science), Decode Health, remote
ASPIRE Internship
Decode Health
Data Science Intern (Computational Biology/Data Science)
Nashville, TN
(remote)
Reports to:
- Lukasz Wylezinski, PhD – Sr. Dir. Research & Data Analytics
Decode Health
Decode Health is an AI-driven healthcare analytics company with a proprietary platform that unifies real-world evidence, multiomic data, and deep scientific and clinical expertise to power precision medicine. By transforming fragmented datasets into actionable, predictive insights, we streamline biomarker discovery, enhance clinical decision support, and de-risk R&D for pharmaceutical, diagnostics, and medtech teams across a wide range of therapeutic areas and medical disciplines. Through this unified engine, we deliver faster time-to-market, sharper product differentiation, and measurable patient impact. In doing so, we give innovators a decisive advantage in a rapidly evolving healthcare ecosystem.
Position Description:
We are looking for a creative, highly motivated Data Science Intern (Computational Biology/Data Science) to join our team as we develop machine learning methods for detecting, monitoring, and predicting various chronic and infectious disease outcomes. The position entails working with multiple data sources, including genomic data from peripheral whole blood, social drivers of health, and population-level datasets (ranging from de-identified electronic health records to insurance claims).
Specific Objectives/Tasks:
- Contribute to analysis pipelines: Work within Decode’s existing framework to perform descriptive and predictive studies utilizing genomic and population health data. Specific objectives include:
- Visualization Discovery: Visualize pre-model and post-model data, create insightful reports, and communicate findings for disease focus areas such as acute infections and chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative conditions.
- Recurring Activities: Collaborate on standard visualization processes and routine client reporting.
- Process Refinement: Identify ways to improve Decode’s multi-tool analysis pipeline.
- New Data Research: Identify new enrichment datasets, validate sources, and incorporate these data into the automated framework.
- Integrating Generative AI Approaches: Investigate and apply generative AI methods (for example, large language models) to automate data extraction, generate synthetic training data, and aid in feature engineering or model explainability.
- Leverage AutoML framework: Use the AutoML tools at Decode to build predictive models. Supplement or enhance ongoing analyses using R/Python or similar software, such as developing feature selection algorithms or methods to improve prediction explanation.
- Communicate findings: Share results with the Decode R&D team and leadership to ensure smooth project implementation, support customer relationships, and aid ongoing business development.
- Team participation: Engage in weekly data team interactions.
Desired Skills and Experience:
- Must be a current Vanderbilt University Ph.D. student or postdoctoral fellow.
- At least two years of computer programming experience is preferred. Please highlight relevant projects on your resume.
- Familiarity with machine learning methods (for example, SVMs, boosting methods). Please highlight relevant knowledge on your resume.
- Strong command of spoken and written English.
- Must pass a background check and sign Non-Disclosure and Non-Compete Agreements with Decode Health.
Work Environment:
This is a virtual position. Decode Health’s offices are located near Union Station in downtown Nashville. We offer a fast-paced, flexible work environment. Successful candidates should be self-motivated and ready to take initiative.
Internship Details
- The start date is flexible, with candidates reviewed on a rolling basis. The anticipated start date is January-February 2026 through April-May 2026 (approximately 16 weeks), with the option to extend pending review.
- The internship is paid and part-time (8-10 hours per week)
Applications due by noon, December 8, 2025
- Fill out the following ASPIRE Internship Application found here: https://redcap.link/ASPIREInternship_Application
- Submit a resume and cover letter at the RedCap link above. Please submit documents as pdfs with your last name_Decode Health_SP 2026
- Set up a meeting with Ashley Brady (ashley.brady@vanderbilt.edu) or Angela Zito (angela.zito@vanderbilt.edu) prior to the application deadline
Your information will then be passed along to the organization who will contact you directly to schedule an interview.
For further questions, please contact Angela Zito (angela.zito@vanderbilt.edu) or Ashley Brady (ashley.brady@vanderbilt.edu).
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Please review ASPIRE Internship FAQs: Found here
For further questions, please contact Ashley Brady (ashley.brady@vanderbilt.edu).
Eligibility requirements
- Applicants must be a current Vanderbilt University PhD student or a current postdoctoral fellow.
- All PhD students must have completed all coursework for their degree prior to the start of the internship.
- Biomedical PhD students must also have passed their qualifying exams before the application deadline.
- Students and postdocs may not participate in more than one internship at a time. More than one application may be submitted at a single time, but only one position can be accepted.
- If you are not in a department supported by the BRET office, we will also require that you complete a form guaranteeing PI approval to participate in this program. Please contact Ashley Brady at ashley.brady@vanderbilt.edu for more information.
- If you are an international student or postdoctoral fellow, your visa status may affect your work eligibility. Please contact Ashley Brady (ashley.brady@vanderbilt.edu) to discuss this further.
- Must be authorized to work in the US