Job Details

Research Scientist II

Position Number: 6934744
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

Research Scientist II

Job Summary

The Laboratory directed by Dr. Moussa Zouache at the John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, is accepting applications for a Research Scientist IIinterested in gaining training and experience in disease modelling and translational 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 degenerative diseases including but not limited to age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma, two primary causes of irreversible vision loss worldwide. This work will involve the design of innovative analytical and computational techniques to analyze, integrate and model multimodal data for disease onset and progression. In doing so, the successful postdoctoral fellow will participate in the creation of next-generation drug discovery platforms for eye diseases.

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 timeseries 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, Assistant Professor at the John A. Moran Eye Center and Faculty for Research and Discovery at the Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine (https://medicine.utah.edu/faculty/moussa-zouache). The Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine at the John A. Moran Eye Center is a world-leading center 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 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, mathematical and computational modeling; communication of findings; preparation of abstracts, posters, and manuscripts; and assistance with grant writing.

Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
Research Scientist, II: Requires a PhD in a scientific discipline and 4+ years of directly related work experience.

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: PRN16785N
Full Time or Part Time? Part Time
Work Schedule Summary: Thursday 8am-5pm.
Department: 00870 - Ophthalmology-Research
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $17,051.00 - $21,220.75
Close Date: 2/24/2026
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/196711