SAFE - AI Postdoc

SAFE - AI Postdoc

Job Summary

The University of Utah is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to join the
SAFE-AI study funded by the National Science Foundation.

The initial appointment will be for a one year period, with the possibility of an extension based upon performance and availability of funding. The fellow will be based at the Huntsman Mental Health
Institute in the de Lacy Laboratory, offering the opportunity for community with multiple other postdoctoral fellows and staff members.

The SCI Institute is a world-class research institute located within the new Warnock Engineering Building on the University of
Utah campus. We are a highly dynamic, driven group of over 170 faculty, staff, and students. The overarching goals of the SCI
Institute's scientific computing research are to create new techniques, tools, and systems, by which scientists may solve problems affecting various aspects of human life. We believe that to advance the state-of-the-art and create meaningful computational solutions for such complex systems, one needs to advance research in a number of areas within scientific computing, including:
visualization, simulation, and modeling. The SCI Institute presents a highly challenging, collaborative work environment that can be deeply rewarding for the right individual. Further information is available at http://www.sci.utah.edu/ .

The Huntsman Mental Health Institute at the University of Utah was founded in 2019 with an inaugural $150 million gift from the
Huntsman family and a further $350 million pledged in fundraising efforts. This groundbreaking initiative established a national institute for mental health research and treatment aimed at replicating the success of the Huntsman Cancer Institute, which has grown into an internationally renowned center for cancer research.
HMHI's overall vision is to advance mental health research through innovative collaborations, cutting edge facilities and public-private partnerships.

The University of Utah, an AA/EO employer, encourages applications from women and minorities, and provides reasonable accommodation to the known disabilities of applicants and employees.

Responsibilities

The work:

The fellow will help develop novel frameworks and metrics to evaluate how AI interventions perform in real-world use, applying clinical intervention-science methods across three sub-projects focused on intervention fidelity, efficacy measurement and safety escalation protocols in behavioral and edtech products. The work covers study design, outcome and fidelity measurement, reliability and validity testing, and statistical analysis. The fellow will lead publications and contribute to grant development as well as working in partnership with another postdoctoral fellow focused on technical implementation and testing. There will be opportunities for working directly alongside stakeholders such as policymakers and legislators.

The successful applicant:

We seek a rigorous, methods-minded scientist who is comfortable working across clinical/educational implementation measurement and
AI. They should write clearly and manage several projects at once with independence. The role suits someone building a career in implementation science, digital mental health, and/or AI evaluation.

Preference will be given to applicants with prior experience applying these methods on scientific problems. A PhD in clinical or quantitative psychology, psychometrics, biostatistics, informatics, implementation science, or a related field is required. Applicants need expertise in intervention evaluation or measurement validation, proficiency in Python, and peer-reviewed publications.

Applicants from historically marginalized or underserved backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will be based in Salt Lake City at the
Huntsman Mental Health Institute and the Scientific Computing
Institute. The largest city in the Intermountain West, Salt Lake is renowned for its 11 world class ski resorts on the Wasatch Mountain
Range and plentiful outdoor recreation opportunities including incredible National Parks.

Along with easy commuting and mass transit, historic neighborhoods and a vibrant performing arts scene, these features have attracted many new residents and contributed to the ethnic and cultural diversity that characterizes modern Salt Lake City.

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. in clinical or quantitative psychology, psychometrics, biostatistics, informatics, implementation science, or a related field.

Non-Technical Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills are mandatory. A willingness to collaborate in a highly diverse, multi-disciplinary environment is also essential.

Preferences

• Expertise in intervention evaluation or measurement validation,

proficiency in Python, and peer-reviewed publications.

• Experience in implementation science, digital mental health,

and/or AI evaluation.

• Experience with artificial intelligence, machine learning,

large language models, or generative AI technologies.

• Experience supporting NSF -, NIH -, DOE -, or other federally

funded research programs.

• Experience working with multi-institutional research

partnerships involving academia, government, and industry.

• Experience leading publications, contributing to grant

development, and working on collaborative projects.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN46713B

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Work Schedule Summary:

Department: 00810 - Scient Comp & Imag Instit-Oper

Location: Campus

Pay Rate Range: $70,000-$75,000

Close Date: 02/05/2027

Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/211853

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