Assistant Specialist- Center for Precision Medicine - Clancy Lab

Dr. Colleen Clancy's lab with the Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology and Center for Precision Medicine and Data Sciences, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, seeks to hire one, full-time employee as an Assistant Specialist. The incumbent will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions related to the development and application of advanced AI/ML analytic tools and data-driven strategies in the planning and execution of research projects.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise in AI/ML applications, the position will focus on the development of advanced analytic tools and data-driven strategies in the planning and execution of a research project. The Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork, develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to supply input into the planning of research and educational programs. Normally, Specialists do not have Principal Investigator (PI) status but may obtain permission by exception and/or collaborate with a PI in preparing research proposals for extramural funding. The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion using three basic criteria outlined below.

The incumbent will work under the supervision of Dr. Clancy and work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment.

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90% EFFORT)

A. The incumbent will collaborate with other research personnel affiliated with research activities involving AI/ML applications with focus on the development of advanced analytic tools and data-driven strategies. Specific duties may include the following:

1) Effectively plan and execute research projects such as:

* Development of Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS)

* Implementation of AI-driven tools

* Chatbot and AI integration projects

2) Contribute to publications that acknowledge the Assistant Research Scientist's significant and meaningful contributions to the work.

3) Author publications stemming from original research efforts, such as developing innovative AI-based healthcare solutions or data-driven models for precision medicine.

4) Actively disseminate research outcomes through presentations at regional, national, and international conferences, and through informal instruction or technical workshops beyond the campus.

5) Demonstrate recognized expertise by securing authorship on impactful publications and patents.

6) Serve as a research coordinator for projects conducted by Principal Investigators in the laboratory and/or department, including coordinating multidisciplinary efforts in projects such as the development of Large Language Models (LLMs) for healthcare applications, ensuring effective communication between laboratories, managing data workflows, and preparing comprehensive reports tailored to meet the needs of researchers and stakeholders.

B. They will serve as a research coordinator for the Center for Precision Medicine projects conducted by PIs in the laboratory and/or department, as resources permit. Responsible for ensuring uninterrupted communication between individual laboratories, data management and preparation of reports tailored to meet the needs of the requesting individual.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)

A. The appointee will be expected to actively participate appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations. They will review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to area of expertise.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)

A. They will be expected to participate and contribute to laboratory and group meetings, and other activities, as applicable. They will also be expected to participate in committees within the department, school, campus, and other University entities, as appropriate.

* A minimum of three (3) years of combined training and/or experience in AI/ML, biomedical data science, computational modeling, or health informatics. Total experience should not exceed six (6) years, consistent with the Assistant Specialist rank.

* Demonstrated experience applying machine learning, artificial intelligence, or advanced data analytics to research or applied research problems.

* Experience working with large-scale or complex datasets, including data preprocessing, quality control, analysis, and documentation.

* Proficiency in at least one programming or analytical language used in AI/ML research (e.g., Python, R, Julia, or equivalent).

* Evidence of scholarly or research productivity, such as authorship or co-authorship on peer-reviewed publications, conference papers, technical reports, or presentations.

* Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment and to communicate technical findings clearly in written and oral form.

* Assistant Specialist candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Health Informatics, Data Science, Biomedical Engineering, Computational Biology, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Electrical Engineering, or a related quantitative field, plus three (3) or more years of relevant research experience, OR a Master's degree in one of the above fields or a closely related discipline. Degree must be completed by the start date.

* Master's degree preferred in Computer Science, Data Science, Biomedical Engineering, Health Informatics, Computational Biology, Statistics, or a closely related field.

* Experience developing, implementing, or evaluating AI/ML methods in biomedical, healthcare, or precision medicine contexts, including predictive modeling, clinical decision support systems, or translational analytics.

* Familiarity with deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow) and/or large language models (LLMs), including model training, fine-tuning, validation, or integration into analytic pipelines.

* Experience working with clinical, population health, genomic, imaging, or electronic health record (EHR) data, including data standards, data governance, privacy, and reproducible research practices.

* Demonstrated experience coordinating or supporting collaborative, multi-investigator research projects, including management of data workflows and preparation of technical or scientific reports.

* Evidence of leading technical components of research projects or contributing substantively to grant-funded research.

* Experience disseminating research findings through conference presentations, workshops, seminars, or invited talks.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
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