Software and AI Research Coordinator

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career. 

JOB SUMMARY

The School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME) at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is a partnership between the Faculties of Applied Science and Medicine, established in 2017. The School is a nucleus for education and training, research, and innovation in biomedical engineering, creating new knowledge, new academic and training programs, and fostering translation and innovation. Its vision is to transform health and healthcare for all, achieved through innovative research and education at the convergence of engineering, medicine and biology. Through collaborative, innovative, and interdisciplinary approaches and building on UBC’s academic and research excellence, the School of Biomedical Engineering aspires to be a global leader in biomedical engineering research, education and translation. The SBME has two locations on Vancouver’s campus, the Gordon B Shrum building and the Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). For more information about the School of Biomedical Engineering, please visit https://www.bme.ubc.ca/.

The computational cancer biology and pathology artificial intelligence team at the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) SBME, seeks a motivated Software and AI Research Assistant with experience in machine learning and medical imaging. This position entails performing research and analysis, conducting analyses, assisting researchers and principal investigator in reviewing documents, and assisting in developing funding applications. More specifics can be found below.

ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS

The successful candidate will report to the Principal Investigator (Dr. Ali Bashashati) or a designate.

WORK PERFORMED

• Performs literature review related to histopathology image analysis and the application of machine learning in this field, creates reports based on the review, and present them to senior staff.

• Contributing to prototyping and developing machine learning algorithms specifically designed for medical imaging applications. In addition, performs analysis of tissue images of cancer using machine learning methods that have been prototyped.

• Assists researchers and principal investigator in reviewing documents and assists in developing funding applications

• Troubleshoots AI algorithms for application in histopathology images.

• Develops operating procedures for AI code documentation and review.

• Oversees the progress of projects and participates in complex research activities.

• Supervise junior staff and interns, providing guidance and support.

• Participates in drafting and preparing scientific manuscripts for publication in ensuring accuracy and clarity.

• Participates in research findings and analysis results presentation during lab meetings and collaborative meetings with internal and external partners.

• Maintains a clean AI code repository and regular code reviews.

CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR

Works within well defined guidelines and procedures, but exercises judgment in establishing priorities and carrying tasks through to completion; new or unusual problems are referred to supervisor

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under general supervision in carrying out familiar phases of duties and responsibilities; receives instructions du ring orientation and on subsequent new assignments or changes in procedures Works under minimum supervision, receiving specific instructions only on unusual problems or on matters which depart significantly from established policy and procedure.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

None. May have supervisory responsibilities for a small group of employees at lower classifications and may have input into staff selection and performance evaluation.

Minimum Qualifications:

 Completion of a university degree in a relevant discipline or technical program and a minimum four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some positions may require a graduate degree.
- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS

• Preferably with practical basic algorithms and data structures in practical implementation experience.

• High-level programming languages (e.g., Python), proficiency in multiple languages is preferred.  

• Preferably with medical imaging research experience with a background in applying advanced techniques and methodologies.

• Basic computer vision and image processing techniques with experience in real-world applications is preferred.