Post Doctoral Fellow Nephrology Research

Post Doctoral Fellow Nephrology Research (Job ID: 4558)

The laboratories of Drs. Darren Yuen and Eno Hysi are currently looking for a Post Doctoral Fellow (PDF) to work on an exciting project that involves the integration of AI/ML algorithms in ultrasound imaging. Our team has developed image analysis software that enables estimations of fibrosis of solid organs from raw ultrasound signals. This is an exciting advance as there are no safe and easy means of measuring organ fibrosis, a significant condition affecting all major organs. To enable the clinical integration of this technology in conventional ultrasound machines for real-time analysis, we are looking to advance this technique through the use of cutting-edge ML/AI algorithms. A talented PDF with prior experience in AI/ML and/or medical imaging will be recruited to advance these goals.

Working closely with and receiving advice and direction from Drs. Yuen and Hysi, the Postdoctoral Fellow is expected to develop a specialized area of research and expertise. A Postdoctoral fellowship is an extension of their academic training received during their doctorate which brings them one step closer to reaching their goal of becoming an independent Scientist. Primary responsibilities include:

• Developing research ideas and designing research studies under the direction of a supervising Scientist to address knowledge gap or problems and generate new knowledge.
• Leading/managing some parts of or entire studies under the direction of a supervising Scientist.
• Writing proposals, reports, manuscripts for publication, and grant writing as needed.
• Providing presentations for knowledge dissemination, as required.




Duties & Responsibilities:

Research study development and initiation (60% of work time)

• Leads/manages some parts of or an entire study under the direction of a Supervising Scientist.
• Maintains clear knowledge and understanding of research ethics, regulations and policies while remaining in full compliance with all applicable policies for ethical conduct to ensure adequate quality control.
• Conducts ongoing review of relevant literature to keep up with current knowledge.
• Participates in and leads team/lab meetings and research rounds with other Post Doc Fellows by providing insightful and intellectual discussions and presentations.
• Develops protocols and budget; initiates and leads small to moderate level studies under the direction of a Supervising Scientist following established process/practice.
• Assists Investigator(s) in writing/submitting research grant applications, e.g., by providing study results and interpretation, feedback on the application, assisting with the development of budget and study protocols.
• Writes proposal and application for awards in conjunction with the Principal Investigator to increase funding, enhance CV and the profile of the institution, e.g., CIHR Postdoctoral Fellowship and scholarships.
• Develops novel research ideas and designs scientific studies of moderate scope to address knowledge gap or complex problems subject to review, input/amendment, and approval of the Principal Investigator.
• Utilizes research knowledge to contribute to institutional activities, e.g., being a judge for poster competitions, etc.
• May assist and contribute to PI's research.
• May participate in committees.
• May help with academic activities for the research team e.g., journal clubs, seminars, discussions.
• Develops training tools and modules based on the research and conducting training.

Report/manuscript writing and presentations (25% of work time)

• Writes reports and manuscripts for publication as first author, under the guidance/direction and subject to approval by the Principal Investigator while maintaining responsibility for academic output of research studies.
• Receives mentorship from the Principal Investigator to present at local, national and/or international meetings/conferences.
• Networks and collaborates with other Researchers to keep abreast of new developments in research, to exchange information, within scope of authority, etc.
• Selects appropriate techniques/methods to analyze data and provides interpretation of study results.
• May conduct "Knowledge Translation" - disseminates the results of research to the wider scientific community and to the healthcare community; develops tools and evidence summaries to make research more accessible to lay audiences.

Day to day project and staff guidance tasks (15% of work time)

• May provide day to day guidance to Research staff (Research Coordinators, Research assistants, Research Technicians). Provides day to day guidance for activities performed in the research program under the direction and guidance from the Principal Investigator.
• May participate in hiring staff (Selection process, interviewing, providing input on job postings etc.).
• Helps students network and connect with other Principal investigators.
• Advise students on course and academic matters and career decisions.
• Guides and mentors students on how to conduct research/analysis (incld. Literature searches, research techniques, and conceptual training) and how to write and review their work.
• Seeks, develops, and maintains, internal and external relationships for research collaborations and partnerships.
• Performs cross functional and other duties as assigned and/or requested.
• All staff are expected to carry out their assigned duties and responsibilities in a manner which prioritizes patient and employee safety, and confidentiality. Key accountabilities in this regard include:
• Strict compliance with patient/employee confidentiality practices and policies.
• Strict compliance with patient/employee safety practices and standards.
• Appropriate identification, reporting and response to patient/employee confidentiality breaches in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Appropriate identification, reporting and response to patient/employee safety risks and incidents/events in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

• Must have complete their PhD within 6 years of their start date OR currently in their last year of completing a recognized Doctoral (PhD or MD) degree where submission of a Doctoral thesis by postdoc application period is required and successfully defended their Doctoral thesis three (3) or more months before their Postdoctoral Fellow start date.
• Extensive experience and proven track record through publications in utilizing AI/ML techniques for addressing relevant biomedical challenges
• Experience with handling large medical imaging datasets is preferred, but not required
• Experience with the following AI/ML techniques: deep neural networks algorithms (e.g. U-Net, Pixel-to-Pixel and Cycle Generative Adversarial Network), transfer learning network algorithms (e.g. VGG-16), grey-level co-occurrence matrix and other classification algorithms (e.g. K-nearest neighbor, Resnet-101, XGBoost)
• Strong proficiency in Python (Pandas, PyTorch, NumPy, TensorFlow, SciPy), Matlab, C/C++/C#, Java
• Experience in several aspects of research study development, initiation, execution, analysis and interpretation required.
• Experience with the preparation of manuscripts and data presentation required.
• Microsoft Office applications.
• Statistical software (i.e. R, Stata, SAS, SPSS etc.)
• [Advanced] Computer skills with Microsoft Office
• [Intermediate] Effective communication and interpersonal skills required.
• [Advanced] Ability to work independently and as part of a team required.
• [Advanced] Ability to pay close attention to detail required.
• [Advanced] Excellent planning and organizational skills required.
• [Advanced] Able to work with people with diverse backgrounds.
• [Intermediate] Effective mentoring and coaching skills with the ability to effectively support team members preferred.
• [Advanced] Excellent problem solving, analytical and critical thinking skills required.
• [Advanced] Ability to make decisions, within scope of authority preferred.
• [Advanced] Excellent project management skills required.
• [Advanced] Demonstrated ability to design, execute and manage multiple studies preferred.
• [Advanced] Sense of curiosity, inquisitiveness.

As a condition of employment, all external hires will be required to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination or documentation unless a valid accommodation under the Ontario Human Rights Code exists. Please note, if you are extended an offer of employment, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination in Ontario QR Code format. All internal candidates must be in compliance with Unity Health Toronto's COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. Please Note: If you do not have a Canada/Ontario approved QR Code, please get one, as QR codes from other countries will not be accepted and can delay your start date.

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If you are an internal employee, please apply through the Intranet for your application to be considered.

Thank you for applying.