"Post Doc Res Assoc"

Post Doc Res Assoc

The Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine at the John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, is accepting applications for a postdoctoral fellow interested in gaining training and experience in disease modelling and transnational science. The successful candidate will lead collaborative efforts among basic and clinical researchers and will develop and apply cutting-edge methods in predictive and causal modeling for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a primary cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide. This work will involve the design of innovative analytical and computational techniques to analyze, integrate and model multi modal data for the onset and progression of AMD. In doing so, the successful postdoctoral fellow will participate in the creation of next-generation drug discovery platforms for AMD.

The successful applicant should have research experience in at least two of (a) deep learning and AI methods; (b) causal search/discovery; dynamical systems and/or time series data modeling. Preference will be given to applicants with prior experience applying these methods on scientific problems, whether biomedical or not. A strong record of scientific productivity is preferable. The successful applicant must have a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering or related field at the start of the appointment.

The successful candidate will be based at the John A. Moran Eye Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The largest city in the Intermountain West, Salt Lake City is renowned for its world class ski resorts and plentiful outdoor recreation opportunities. Along with easy commuting and mass transit, historic neighborhoods and active performing arts scene, these features have attracted many new residents. The University of Utah and Salt Lake City offer a vibrant academic and industry environment in modeling and data science collaboration, including many unique initiatives such as the Responsible AI initiative, first in 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 and Discovery at the Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine (https://medicine.utah.edu/faculty/moussa-zouache). It is funded by a research grant from the Macular Society, a UK-based charity (https://www.macularsociety.org). The Macular Society funds world-class research to end vision-impairing macular disease.

This position is for 2 years; extension may be possible based on additional funds becoming available.

The Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine at the John A. Moran Eye Center was founded in 2009 to identify therapeutic targets for AMD (https://medicine.utah.edu/ophthalmology/research/centers/sctm). This world-leading center is comprised of an interdisciplinary team of basic and applied researchers, clinicians, clinical staff, and national/international collaborators. Its scientific efforts center around unique resources, including a collection of over 9,000 pairs of donated human eyes - complete with full genetic profiles, images, and ophthalmic and medical histories - and a large study cohort of AMD patients. The Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine is supported by the John A. Moran Eye Center, public-private partnerships and by charitable donations.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Data consolidation.
• Data analyses
• Data Consolidation
• Mathematical and computational modeling.
• Assistance with grant writing.
• Communication of findings:
  1. Preparation of abstracts
  2. Posters
  3. Manuscripts

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must have a PhD and proven research experience in computation analyses, statistics, mathematical modeling, or engineering. Prior experience in Ophthalmology 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 the appointment.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN42659B

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Work Schedule Summary: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Department: 00870 - Ophthalmology-Research

Location: Campus

Pay Rate Range: $61,008.00 - $74,088.00

Close Date: 10/28/2025

Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/186238