Postdoctoral Scholar

Department Overview

The Division of Informatics, Clinical Epidemiology and Translational Data Science (DICE), one of 11 divisions in the OHSU Department of Medicine, is a national leader in biomedical informatics research and education. Faculty benefit from OHSU's highly collaborative environment, including access to a number of teams and resources related to innovation with and translation of AI, as well as the Advanced Computing Center. OHSU values a diverse and culturally competent workforce and is proud to be an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization.

A postdoctoral researcher position is available in the Division of Informatics, Clinical Epidemiology and Translational Data Science (DICE) in the OHSU Department of Medicine. This position will be co-mentored by Dr. Annette Totten in DICE and Dr. Mitchell Brinks at the Casey Eye Institute.  

The focus of this postdoctoral position will be on evaluating various aspects of the Oregon Vision Health Network program known as Vision Bridge. Vision Bridge is a telehealth and informatics-based model delivered in primary care practices. It is designed to improve access to eye health screening and eye care to patients with limited access to traditional ophthalmologist or optometrist care.  

The postdoctoral researcher will work with the program team to investigate important gaps in the evidence on early intervention in primary care settings to detect and initiate care for glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration, as well as other eye diseases. Areas of focus may include:  

• Designing additional trials that evaluate screening utilizing contemporary screening and diagnostic modalities and including vision-related outcomes, function, and quality of life to provide direct evidence on effects of Vision Bridge’s telehealth and mobile screening services.  

• Identifying optimal screening approaches, such as strategies that target higher-risk populations. 

• Verifying the diagnostic accuracy of current screening tests and risk assessments when applied to screened populations, including improving the utility of artificial intelligence to aid in the analysis and interpretation of screening tests.

• Clarifying how telehealth approaches to screening can be implemented in primary care settings to facilitate access and assessing the impact of approaches to referrals for specialty care.

• Quantifying the long-term effects of screening and subsequent treatment on visual impairment, quality of life, function, and future health and social needs and examining how effects of treatment vary by patient characteristics.

The initial appointment is for one year; renewal for a second year is expected if progress is satisfactory and funds are available. All postdoctoral positions are customized to the level of experience of the trainee and the programmatic work expected of them.

Function/Duties of Position

Research design & conduct

• Under the mentorship of faculty in DICE and the Casey Eye Institute, design and perform quantitative and qualitative research studies related to early detection and intervention for eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration in primary care settings.   
• Conduct data analysis by working with internal and external evaluation, informatics, and healthcare teams.

Dissemination in collaboration with team members

• Prepare and submit manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals. 
• Monitor the progress of publications and presentations. 
• Prepare oral and poster presentations.  
• Participate in national research and policy efforts aimed at the prevention of blindness. 

Development and management of research funding

• Maintain timelines for proposal submissions, coordinate team contributions, and draft proposal text.
• Assist in identifying new sources of funding and developing sustainable and effective research funding.

Required Qualifications

• Completed PhD, MD, DDS or equivalent doctoral degree.
• One year of work experience, or equivalent in thesis research and other research projects.
• Experience with publication and scholarly dissemination.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills are critical.
• The successful candidate must be able to work well independently and assume responsibility for specific phases of research projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work well with team members are essential.
• Strong problem-solving skills and creative thinking are essential.
• Ability to work independently; willingness to serve as a positive and professional role model.  

Preferred Qualifications

• Some experience or familiarity with community-based, public health, primary care or health services research is desirable.

Additional Details

• This is a hybrid position with primary office location on OHSU campus. Must be able to travel occasionally to ophthalmology clinic locations throughout Portland and the state of Oregon
• Applicants must be able to stand or sit for long periods of time; able to bend, reach, lift and carry up to 25 lbs; have the ability to utilize computer equipment, multi-line phones, pagers, intercom system, and office equipment.

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