Research Scientist, AI and ML

Key Skills

Aartificial intelligence, C Programming, C++, Effective communication skills, Java Programming, Machine learning techniques, Python Programming, SPARQL

Job Description

Overview: 

We are looking for a Research Scientist specializing in AI and Machine Learning (ML) for biomedical applications involving multimodal data. This position is part of the Multiscale Biomedical Systems Group within the Advanced Computing for Health Sciences Section, Computational Sciences & Engineering Division, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Your work will focus on applying AI and ML to electronic health record (EHR) data, using data-driven approaches to advance cutting-edge research in healthcare systems and medical informatics. You'll handle HIPAA-compliant multimodal research data, including EHRs, medical images, and omics data, to address some of the most complex challenges in healthcare informatics, bioinformatics, high-performance computing, and deep learning. Expertise in AI, ML, anomaly detection, network science, health sciences, and modeling and simulation is required, with a preference for candidates who have applied these skills to medical informatics.

This role involves designing and implementing high-performance applications for biomedical research in a collaborative R&D environment. We seek innovative thinkers who can develop machine learning, statistical, probabilistic, and algorithmic solutions to real-world healthcare and biomedical challenges.

ORNL, a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, has a rich 80-year history of tackling the nation’s most significant challenges. We are proud to support a creative workforce of over 6,000 people. Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is fundamental to fostering an environment that values diverse perspectives and ensures ORNL is a workplace of choice. These principles are essential to achieving our mission of accelerating scientific discoveries and transforming them into solutions for energy, the environment, and national security.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Conduct applied research in AI, ML, and Modeling and Simulation for healthcare, with a focus on multimodal analytics, time-series analysis, and utilizing statistical methods for domain-specific impact.
• Lead the development of novel AI methods applied to biomedical challenges, collaborating with scientists across ACH/CSED in data analytics and architecture research.
• Author peer-reviewed papers, technical reports, and proposals, and represent ORNL through technical presentations at large public forums.
• Develop, optimize, and transition algorithm prototypes into robust implementations based on project requirements.
• Collaborate with CCSD researchers, internal teams, and external sponsors to understand and integrate requirements into algorithm and software development.
• Interpret, report, and present research findings at national forums, and maintain a strong scientific publication profile.
• Contribute to ORNL’s mission by promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, aligning with core values such as Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.
• Engage in cutting-edge research using ORNL’s Leadership Class Supercomputer in a dynamic, collaborative research environment.
• Maintain membership in relevant professional, academic, and research organizations.

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, Computational Sciences, or a related engineering field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in biomedical and health applications.
• Proven expertise in working with big data, a strong publication record, and experience in building information systems that support the discovery of scientific insights for Multiscale Biomedical Systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience conducting fundamental and applied research on biomedical and healthcare data, with a focus on AI, ML, Modeling and Simulation, and High-Performance Computing.
• Ability to devise and implement innovative solutions for nationally significant issues, with proven R&D execution to bring these solutions into practical use.
• Proven experience collaborating with biomedical researchers, internal teams, and external sponsors to incorporate requirements into algorithms and software solutions.
• Experience in big data, streaming data platforms, high-performance computing, and modeling and simulation.
• Proficiency in machine learning/deep learning programming and applications in biomedical data, with a preferred background in natural language processing.
• Hands-on experience working with electronic health record (EHR) data and strong publication records in areas such as healthcare data science, modeling and simulation, and high-performance computing
• Proven research ability, demonstrated by a strong publication record, participation in professional associations, and the ability to produce significant research results.
• Expertise in data integration technologies and core semantic technologies (RDF, OWL, SPARQL).
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently, collaboratively, and adapt to changing research needs in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in programming (e.g., Java, Python, C/C++) and flexibility in research assignments.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with scientists, engineers, and sponsors, and contribute to funding proposals.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov or call 1.866.963.9545.