Research Associate I - Medical Image Analysis and AI

Overview

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/

Houston Methodist Standard

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVEDRefer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

• Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
  • INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
  • COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
  • RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
  • EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

• Practices the Caring and Serving Model

• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

• Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

• Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience

• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

• Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

Responsibilities

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

License/Certification

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• N/A

KSA/ Supplemental Data

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 Research Institute was formed in 2004 to rapidly and efficiently translate discoveries made in the laboratory and the clinic into new diagnostics, therapies, and treatments. The research institute was created to provide the infrastructure and support for these endeavors, and to house the technology and resources needed to make innovative breakthroughs in important areas of human disease. A 540,000 square foot building dedicated to research, the research institute houses over 1,500 staff and trainees, 284 principal investigators and has more than 570 ongoing clinical trials.