Position Summary

Dr. Philip R.O. Payne and Dr. Andrew P. Michelson invite applicants to join their laboratory, which focuses on the development, validation, and implementation of innovative digital healthcare solutions at the point of care. This is an opportunity to work with a multidisciplinary team that values experimental rigor, enthusiasm, open communication, and collegiality.

In this NIH funded laboratory, large volumes of structured and unstructured electronic health record data are curated and optimized for large-scale analysis to predict clinical outcomes, phenotype patients and improve patient care processes. One of the principal components of this position will be to facilitate the development, validation and use of a multi-center, collaborative database built from the ground up for interoperability and machine learning tasks. In addition to this overarching project, the candidate will oversee a portfolio of research activities ripe with opportunities for exploration.

The successful candidate will be primarily supervised by Dr. Andrew P. Michelson, M.D. (Division  of Pulmonary and Critical Care and Faculty Affiliate of the Institute for Informatics). Mentors will meet the candidate at least weekly and provide timely and constructive feedback to support mentee’s career development. Candidates will also participate in meetings and interact with faculty from multiple other departments and working groups.

Evenings and weekends may be necessary.

Information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/ .

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Candidate responsibilities will vary based on applicant's background and may include the following:

• Curation of large clinical datasets and performance of statistical analyses to provide meaningful insights and actionable analytics. This will include the development of methods and packages to be distributed.
• Perform and conduct research using computational and statistical analysis techniques on collected data. This will include standard univariate and multivariate analyses in addition to the development and validation of predictive models derived from both discrete data as well unstructured imaging data.
• Solve practical problems relating to difficulties with data collection, analysis, software tools and other computing resources. Suggest technical or procedural improvements in software and testing methods.
• Conduct literature review related to research project.
• Participate in the development of publications, presentation, and funding applications.
• Manage a portfolio of research projects with a multidisciplinary team that includes students, trainees, and collaborators.
• Facilitate laboratory workflow and group meetings.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent terminal or doctoral degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent terminal or doctoral degree in computer science, data science, biomedical informatics, statistics, or similar field.
• Strong experience in conducting research on large datasets and implementing data analysis pipelines including data collection, preprocessing, modeling and visualization.
• Deep knowledge of computational and statistical analysis methods.
• Excellent programming skills in Python with experience using standard packages, such as pandas, numpy, scikit learn and pytorch as well as experience with SQL and R.
• Analytical skills, including advanced statistical modeling skills and computational techniques including machine learning and computer vision.
• Strong communication, writing, and problem-solving skills.
• Previous experience in a high-performing office environment.
• Knowledge of and experience working within healthcare systems.
• Experience with electronic health record data.
• Experience with standard machine learning theory.
• Experience with computer vision tasks.
• Self-starter, strongly motivated and able to work independently.
• Great attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong analytical and reasoning skills.

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Applicant Special Instructions        

Please submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references via email to: Dr. Andrew Michelson at amichels@wustl.edu .

Department Summary

Washington University Institute for Informatics:

The modern healthcare and life sciences environments have experienced a fundamental shift towards trans-disciplinary, integrative, and data-intensive approaches to basic, clinical, and translational research. These developments have been coupled with the widespread use of information technology platforms in order to re-engineer of healthcare delivery and achieve greater value alongside improved outcomes and safety. The complex data, information, and knowledge needs associated with these trends requires a comprehensive and systems-level approach to Biomedical Informatics research, education, and practice. In response to the aforementioned factors, Washington University (WU) has created the Institute for Informatics, providing an academic and professional home for informatics science and practice. The Institute spans The School of Medicine (SOM) as well as partnerships with the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the Institute for Public Health, the Brown School, the Olin School of Business, the Innovations Incubator at BJC HealthCare, and the Cortex Innovation Community. The institute engages in innovative research, workforce development, and informatics service delivery targeting a variety of critical areas of need, including:

• The integration and dissemination of heterogeneous data, information, and knowledge resources.
• Computational approaches to the interpretation of bio-molecular, image, and clinical phenotypes to inform precision medicine.
• The acceleration of clinical and translational research through the systematic management of study protocols, data resources, and analytical pipelines.
• The creation of learning healthcare systems in which cyclical evidence generation and application becomes integral to care delivery.
• The use of ubiquitous computing and sensing technologies capable of facilitating population health monitoring and intervention strategies.
• Methodological and technical approaches to enable and enhance research reproducibility and rigor.

The Institute for Informatics is led by Dr. Philip Payne, and draws upon a multi-disciplinary team of faculty investigators, technical staff, and trainees as well as he departments and institutes comprising the SOM and partnering academic units from throughout WU. In this way, the institute spans traditional organizational boundaries and provides for a crosscutting community-of-practice that enhances and extends the academic and operational strengths of WU and that leverages the unique living laboratory afforded by the WU, BJC HealthCare, and the Cortex Innovation Community.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu  or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.