Department 00870 - Ophthalmology-Research Job Summary
The Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine at the John A. Moran EyeCenter, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah School ofMedicine, is accepting applications for a postdoctoral fellow interested in gaining trainingand experience in disease modelling and translational science. The successful candidatewill lead collaborative efforts among basic and clinical researchers and will develop andapply cutting-edge methods in predictive and causal modeling for age-related maculardegeneration (
AMD
), a primary cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide. This work willinvolve the design of innovative analytical and computational techniques to analyze,integrate and model multimodal data for the onset and progression of
AMD
. In doing so,the successful postdoctoral fellow will participate in the creation of next-generation drugdiscovery platforms for
AMD
.
The successful applicant should have research experience in at least two of (a) deeplearning and AI methods; (b) causal search/discovery; © dynamical systems and/ortimeseries data modeling. Preference will be given to applicants with prior experienceapplying these methods on scientific problems, whether biomedical or not. A strongrecord of scientific productivity is preferable. The successful applicant must have a Ph.D.in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering orrelated field at the start of the appointment.
The successful candidate will be based at the John A. Moran Eye Center in Salt LakeCity, Utah. The largest city in the Intermountain West, Salt Lake City is renowned for itsworld class ski resorts and plentiful outdoor recreation opportunities. Along with easycommuting and mass transit, historic neighborhoods and active performing arts scene,these features have attracted many new residents. The University of Utah and Salt LakeCity offer a vibrant academic and industry environment in modeling and data sciencecollaboration, including many unique initiatives such as the Responsible AI initiative, firstin the nation State of Utah Office of AI Policy and Silicon Slopes community.
This project will be managed by Dr. Moussa Zouache, Faculty for Research andDiscovery at the Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine(https://medicine.utah.edu/faculty/moussa-zouache). It is funded by a research grantfrom the Macular Society, a UK-based charity (https://www.macularsociety.org). TheMacular Society funds world-class research to end vision-impairing macular disease.
This position is for 2 years; extension may be possible based on additional fundsbecoming available
The Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine at the John A. Moran EyeCenter was founded in 2009 to identify therapeutic targets for
AMD
(https://medicine.utah.edu/ophthalmology/research/centers/sctm). This world-leadingcenter is comprised of an interdisciplinary team of basic and applied researchers,clinicians, clinical staff, and national/international collaborators. Its scientific effortscenter around unique resources, including a collection of over 9,000 pairs of donatedhuman eyes – complete with full genetic profiles, images, and ophthalmic and medicalhistories – and a large study cohort of
AMD
patients. The Sharon Eccles Steele Centerfor Translational Medicine is supported by the John A. Moran Eye Center, public-privatepartnerships and by charitable donations.
Responsibilities
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must have a PhD and proven research experience in computationalanalyses, statistics, mathematical modeling, or engineering. Prior experience inophthalmology research is not required.
Preferences
The successful applicant must have a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Data Science,Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering or related field at the start of theappointment.
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.
All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
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