Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Trustworthy Healthcare AI for Mental Health Risk Prediction

Description
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join our cutting-edge project focused on enhancing the reliability of trustworthy AI methods in mental health risk prediction. This project, led by Aasa Feragen and in collaboration with Melanie Ganz, aims to address critical challenges in the application of AI to mental health diagnostics, particularly in the context of major depressive disorder (MDD).

Key Objectives:

- Investigate the impact of label bias on trustworthy AI algorithms.

- Develop methods to estimate and mitigate bias in AI-driven mental health diagnostics.

- Develop new MDD risk scoring algorithms to illustrate and address these challenges.

- Collaborate with experts in mental health to ensure clinically relevant validation schemes.

Responsibilities:

- Conduct research on algorithmic fairness and transparency in AI.

- Analyze the demographic and cultural dependencies affecting mental health diagnostics.

- Develop and implement methods to mitigate bias in AI algorithms.

- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including experts in AI and mental health.

- Publish research findings in high-impact journals and present at conferences.

Join us in advancing the field of trustworthy AI in mental health and making a meaningful impact on healthcare diagnostics!

The position is with the Neurobiology Research Unit (https://nru.dk) at Copenhagen University Hospital/ Rigshospitalet, which is located in Copenhagen, Denmark (ranked the world's second most liveable city for a third consecutive year). The main supervisors will be Associate Professor Melanie Ganz from the University of Copenhagen, which is ranked the 4th best university in continental Europe, as well as Professor Aasa Feragen from Denmark’s Technical University.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, or a related field.
• Strong background in AI, machine learning, and statistical modeling.
• Excellent programming skills (e.g., Python, R), especially have practical programming experience with machine learning models in python.
• Be ambitious and wish to make a difference in how AI is used in society.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with explainable AI (XAI) and algorithmic fairness
• Experience in healthcare AI or mental health research.
• Knowledge of biostatistics or the Danish language is a plus.

We offer
The Neurobiology Research Unit (NRU) is part of Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet. At NRU, we conduct pioneering translational neuroscience research aimed at advancing preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic solutions for brain disorders. Our work involves a blend of neuropsychological and behavioral assessments, advanced imaging techniques (MRI, PET, SPECT, EEG), and innovative neuropharmacological studies. We collaborate closely with hospital clinics, academia, and industry to ensure our research has immediate, real-world impact. This offers the possibility to engage in collaborative projects that span multiple disciplines, offering a rich and stimulating research experience. Additionally, we provide a supportive and enriching environment for postdoctoral researchers, fostering professional growth and development. Finally, NRU has its own new brain research dedicated 3T MR-scanner, and a mock-up MR scanner facility, both located close to other NRU facilities.

Salary and terms of employment
The terms of employment and salary are in accordance with the agreement between Danish Regions and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the Regions. If approved by the Independent Research Fund Denmark, a special tax scheme is offered for researchers recruited abroad, see https://dff.dk/en/about-us/tax-scheme-for-foreign-researchers/faq-researcher-taxation-scheme.

Duration
The period of employment is 15 months, starting January 1st 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter according to mutual agreement.

Application
The application shall be submitted in English and include a CV, a short motivation letter (maximum 1 page), a copy of the doctoral certificate or letter signed by the promoter that a doctoral certificate is expected in due time, a publication list, and a maximum number of three scientific publications, at least two of which are international journal articles. Teaching portfolio and references can also be included, if available.

Please note that applications will be assessed based on these mandatory enclosures. Applicants cannot expect any additional documentation to be taken into account in the assessment.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, applicants will be selected for interviews. NRU wishes to encourage everyone interested in this position to apply, regardless of personal background.

Further information
For further information, please contact Associate Professor Melanie Ganz (email: [email protected]).

Application deadline
The deadline for applications including enclosures is October 31st 2024 (at midnight 23:59 Danish Time).

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

Department:
Blegdamsvej 9, København Ø

Lokation: Rigshospitalet - Blegdamsvej