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Research Associate I - Medical Image Analysis and AI
Location:
Houston Methodist Academic Institute
6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030
6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030
- Job Ref:
- 70476
- Talent Area:
- Quality and Research
- Job Shift:
- 1st - Day
- Job Type:
- Full-Time
- Posted Date:
- May 5, 2025
Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute
The Surgical Planning Laboratory (SPL) at Houston Methodist Research Institute is seeking a highly motivated and qualified candidate for a Research Associate I position. This role requires expertise in one or more of the following areas: medical image analysis, computer vision, computational geometry, or artificial intelligence (AI), including deep learning.
SPL is a clinically oriented computer science laboratory focused on the development of advanced tools for surgical planning. Our work involves medical image segmentation, 3D model generation, surgical simulation, and predictive modeling of surgical outcomes. While we explore a wide range of computational challenges, our primary emphasis is on craniomaxillofacial surgery, where we have been pioneering computer-aided surgical simulation for nearly two decades. We are also leaders in integrating AI into clinical practice.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct and lead independent research in medical image analysis, computer vision, computational geometry, or AI.
- Design and implement advanced algorithms for segmentation, 3D modeling, and surgical simulation.
- Collaborate closely with surgeons and clinical teams to develop and refine surgical planning tools.
- Publish high-impact research in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at major conferences.
- Supervise junior researchers and contribute to lab operations, project planning, and grant development.
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field, with substantial postdoctoral research experience.
- Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following: medical image analysis, computer vision, computational geometry, or AI (including deep learning).
- Proven research track record with publications in recognized journals or conferences.
- Strong programming skills and proficiency with relevant software tools and libraries (e.g., Python, C++, MATLAB, TensorFlow, PyTorch, ITK/VTK).
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary, collaborative environment.
To learn more about our lab, please visit: https://www.houstonmethodist.org/surgicalplanninglab/
Requirements:
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Assigns and reviews the work and outcomes for projects completed by assistants.
- Contributes to a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team-focused work unit that actively helps one other to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the research team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent information as it relates to an assigned system(s) in a comprehensive manner.
- Provides contributions towards the improvement of department scores for turnover/retention/employee engagement.
SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Analyzes data for research grants and publications. Prepares scientific presentations for department meetings.
- Completes/performs research experiments and incorporates novel procedures and methods into research experiments as appropriate (low to medium complexity).
- Maintains accurate records of all research and data collection.
QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Establishes and maintains quality control of project operations.
- Writes and maintains regulatory and safety committee applications/protocols.
- Identifies opportunities for corrective action and process improvement providing recommendations and contributes to meeting departmental and hospital targets for quality and safety.
FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, minimizing incidental overtime.
- Assists with ensuring orders are on appropriate grants.
GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Participates in grant writing.
- Determines specific research project goals and objectives to be attained. Assumes responsibility and oversight for those goals and objectives.
- Seeks opportunities to identify developmental needs of self and takes appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the individual development plan (IDP) on an ongoing basis.
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.
Qualifications:
EDUCATION
- Master's degree in related field or terminal degree with two years post-doctoral experience
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Five years experience, depending on education level
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED
- N/A
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
- Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
- Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus, and application of positive language principles
- Ability to work independently
- Capable of handling challenging/difficult situations
- Demonstrates sound judgment and executes analytical skills
SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE
- Uniform No
- Scrubs Yes
- Business professional Yes
- Other (department approved) No
ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
- On Call* No
TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**
- May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
- May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No
Company Profile:
Houston Methodist Academic Institute oversees the Education Institute and Research Institute, including 772 faculty and 56,250 learners. The Academic Institute aligns our research and education initiatives in service to the clinical mission, providing solutions that answer the call for new technologies and skills our clinicians need for patient care.
Houston Methodist Education Institute coordinates our primary academic affiliation with Weill Cornell Medicine and other joint programs, including the Engineering Medicine Program at Texas A&M University Intercollegiate School of Engineering Medicine. The Education Institute also oversees continuing medical education and graduate medical education, and supports more than 1,000 trainees in residence for medical, nursing, allied health and research education programs.
Houston Methodist Research Institute supports research programs and infrastructure that enable faculty across the system to bring new scientific discoveries to patients as rapidly as possible through the full cycle of a cure from conceptual bench research, to prototyping and development, to clinical trials and FDA approval. The Research Institute supports more than 1,387 clinical research protocols and $70.3 million in extramurally funded translational research programs.
Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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