Postdoctoral Research Associate in Data-Driven AI and ML-AI.Health4All- College of Medicine

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Data-Driven AI and ML-AI.Health4All- College of Medicine

Hiring Department: College of Medicine

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1031037

Posting Close Date: 2/20/2025

Salary: The budgeted salary range for the position is $61,008- 68,964

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

Benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which offers: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance; a defined benefit pension plan; paid leaves such as Vacation, Holiday and Sick; tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

Position Summary

The AI.Health4All Center for Health Equity using Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC) College of Medicine is seeking applications for a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Researcher to work on data-driven patient flow optimization aimed at reducing hospital crowding and improving health for all using integrated methodologies.

In healthcare systems, patient flow refers to the movement of patients through various stages of care processes, from admission to discharge. Efficient patient flow management is a critical determinant of healthcare quality and operational efficiency. Poorly managed patient flow can lead to delays, overcrowding, resource utilization inefficiencies, and compromised patient outcomes. Despite significant advancements in healthcare technology, many systems continue to face challenges related to bottlenecks, unpredictable delays, and suboptimal resource allocation, leading to hospital crowding, a worldwide public health problem.

Traditional methods for improving patient flow often rely on static processes and subjective decision-making, which are insufficient for addressing the complex, dynamic nature of modern healthcare environments. Recent developments in data-driven approaches, such as artificial intelligence (AI), process mining, complex network analysis, and simulation, offer powerful tools for optimizing patient flow. This research project aims to implement integrated and data-driven methodologies (artificial intelligence (AI), process mining, complex network analysis, and simulation) to create a comprehensive framework for optimizing non-trauma emergency patient flow and reducing hospital crowding and improving health for all. The successful candidate will analyze large-scale patient flow data, develop and implement computational models, and design responsible AI-driven solutions for emergency care systems.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Research Design: Conduct research on patient flow optimization using data-driven and integrated approaches, including process mining, social network analysis, machine learning, and simulation techniques.

• Data Collection and Analysis: Conduct surveys, interviews, and observations to establish research protocols and identify gaps.

• Algorithm Development: Develop explainable, responsible, and generalizable ML models for triage and resource allocation and evaluate their impact using appropriate key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Career Pathway: Work with the faculty mentors to formulate a comprehensive career development plan focused on advancing expertise in translational health research and submitting a competitive career award proposal.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborate with clinicians, healthcare administrators, and data scientists to ensure real-world applicability of the proposed solutions.

• Publication and Presentation: Publish research findings in high-impact journals and present at conferences.

• Grant Writing: Collaborate with AI.Health4All research center members to develop research objectives and design research projects and proposals and assist with IRB submissions, grant writing, and proposal development for future research initiatives.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Computer Science, AI, Data Science, Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Health Informatics, or a related field.
• Strong background in machine learning, data analytics, and optimization techniques.
• Experience with process mining, simulation modeling, or social network analysis.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals and/or international conferences in relevant fields.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Proficiency with version control methods for software, models, and data (e.g., Git, GitHub).
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills using programming languages such as Python and SQL.

• Experience working in medical or health services research.
• Knowledge of fundamental human subjects’ research concepts, practices, and procedures.
• Communication and writing skills with success in previous academic research

• A cover letter describing their research interests and fit for this position.
• A detailed CV including a list of publications.
• Contact information for three academic or professional references.

Please send applications and inquiries to Dr. Tesfamariam Abuhay (tabuhay@uic.edu) with the subject line "Postdoc Application".

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

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