The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Department of Systems Pharmacology AI Research Center (SPARC), is seeking a Scientist I. All qualified candidates are invited to apply for a leading Academic Scientist position in our state-of-the-art AI in Medicine lab. The role is specifically designed for an individual with an extensive post-doctoral background (2 years) in computational drug discovery. The selected candidate will be central to advancing and guiding multidisciplinary research in AI/ML or Computer Sciences/Informatics.

General Responsibilities

• To employ a broad knowledge of principles, practices and procedures in a particular field of specialization.
• To plan, coordinate and conduct research.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

1. Lead Innovative Drug-Discovery Research (40%): Drive groundbreaking projects in AI-enabled drug discovery from conceptualization to implementation.
2. Develop and oversee research protocols, data collection, and milestone achievements. Execute advanced statistical and machine learning analyses on collected research data. Interpret the results and lead the writing and submission of manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, ensuring effective communication of research findings.
3. Write and Secure Research Grants and Other External Research Funding to Expand Operations (15%): Identify various grant and external funding opportunities, lead the writing and submission of applications, and secure funding to expand the lab's research capabilities and operations.
4. Manage and report on the usage of funds to ensure effective allocation.
5. Develop Industrial-Commercial Collaborative Projects (15%): Initiate and maintain relationships with industrial and commercial partners.
6. Lead and participate in multidisciplinary research collaborations, focusing on translating academic research into industrial applications and commercial ventures.
7. Translate Research into Commercial Ventures (10%): Engage in technology transfer activities to transition research findings into commercial applications.
8. Liaise with stakeholders and consult on startup ventures related to AI in drug discovery.
9. Mentor and Train Research Staff (10%): Mentor graduate and undergraduate research assistants and interns in the lab.
10. Conduct hands-on training sessions in relevant computational methodologies and techniques.
11. Evaluate performance and offer constructive feedback to enhance research skills.
12. Manage Lab Operations and Resources (5%): Oversee the day-to-day lab activities, ensuring efficient operations.
13. Manage lab resources, including equipment and budgets, to support ongoing research projects and expansions.
14. Performs other duties as assigned.

Annual Salary Range $63,125.00 - $70,000.00

• Doctor of Philosophy, D.V.M. or M.D. degree in a related field and two (2) years of related experience
• OR M.D. and Master's degree.
• OR Master's degree and four (4) years of related experience
• OR Bachelor's degree and six (6) years of related experience

Work experience may NOT substitute for education requirement.

Preferences

• Knowledge: AI/ML Algorithms and Frameworks: Deep understanding of machine learning algorithms, particularly as applied to drug discovery and pharmacology.
• Pharmacology and Genomics: Extensive knowledge in pharmacology, genomics, structural genomics, and molecular dynamics/docking simulations.
• Chemical Screenings: Proficiency in conducting and interpreting chemical screenings relevant to drug discovery.
• Biomedical Informatics: Familiarity with bioinformatics, biomedical informatics, and data science methodologies as they pertain to drug discovery and clinical research. –
• Grant Writing: Knowledge of grant application processes, including identification of opportunities, proposal writing, and financial management.
• Research Design: Ability to conceptualize, design, and execute complex research projects. - Data Analysis: Expertise in data analytics tools and programming languages such as Python, R, or MATLAB.
• Technical Writing: Proficient in technical writing for both grant applications and scientific publications.
• Project Management: Demonstrable skills in managing timelines, resources, and team members to ensure project success.
• Statistical Analysis: Strong skills in applying statistical methods for analyzing large datasets.
• PhD Degree is required in AI/Machine Learning or Computer Sciences/Informatics with minimum of 2 years of postdoctoral experience in computational drug discovery.

Key Skills

• Collaboration: Exceptional ability to collaborate across disciplines and with external partners in academia and industry.
• Communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills, able to articulate complex scientific ideas to diverse audiences.
• Critical Thinking: Ability to critically evaluate data, design experiments, and make data-driven decisions.
• Adaptability: Capability to adapt to new technologies, research methods, and project requirements.
• Satisfactory performance in this position requires a candidate with an extensive skill set, combining technical expertise with strong leadership and project management abilities.
• The ideal candidate will be able to integrate these skills to drive the lab's research agenda and contribute meaningfully to its expansion and success. We wish to receive candidates that only meet preferred criteria.