The Role Of Scientific Business Systems Analysts In Driving Science Forward
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Abstract
Research and development (R&D) Informatics projects are rapidly growing both in number and scope in recent years. While all informatics projects have long relied on business systems analysts (BSAs) for successful project delivery, we have identified that “R&D Informatics projects require specialized BSAs with unique skills, having scientific domain knowledge and understanding of scientific informatics tools and technologies to be successful”. In this paper, we discuss R&D Informatics projects, the role of SI-BSAs and maximizing organizational value through successful SI-BSAs.
Introduction
Research and Development Informatics Projects
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the intricacy of the life sciences research and development sector. This industry is characterized by large growth and rapid innovation, as demonstrated by the 295% increase in pipeline drugs since 2001(1). While the rate of innovation leads to new discoveries and breakthroughs, it must be matched with equal innovation in the scientific informatics so that scientists have the tools and throughput to sustain their innovation and continue their research.
Ultimately, the goal of R&D Informatics Projects is typically one, two, or all of the following
Unique skills of Scientific Informatic Business Systems Analyst (SI-BSA)
With Science evolving rapidly, new modalities such as ADCs, and mABs, new scientific technologies such as NGS, RNAi are all making data continually more complex. New laboratory techniques and instruments provide opportunities for automation and efficiency. All of this change demands more Informatics solutions and new projects. This presents SI-BSAs involved in these projects with a unique set of challenges and opportunities which means they must possess special skills to be successful. As such, SI-BSAS are often part of a project from conceptualization to strategy implementation. During this entire project phase, SI-BSAS must continue to have productive conversations and requirements gathering sessions with scientists while providing the voice of the customer guidance to the project team. Below, we have identified several major categories of skills that are specifically important as an SI-BSA over a typical BSA.
