Description

Associate Research Scientist (CADRe)

Position Summary

Columbia University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Scholar with expertise in simulation modeling methods. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of advanced computational disease models, with a primary focus on oral lesions and cancers.

This position involves the design, implementation, and analysis of quantitative disease simulation models, including state-transition (Markov) models, discrete event simulation, systems of differential equations, and agent-based modeling approaches. The scholar will work closely with the Principal Investigator to integrate epidemiologic and clinical data from national datasets and the scientific literature into robust computational frameworks.

The appointment is for two years, with mentoring career development toward grant writing, lead-author publications and presentations at national meetings.  The possibility of renewal is contingent upon funding and performance. Some remote work may be accommodated consistent with university policy.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate disease simulation models using state-transition frameworks and related modeling methodologies.
• Implement simulation models in Python, R, C, C++, or other appropriate programming environments.
• Apply discrete event simulation, differential equation modeling, and agent-based simulation methods where appropriate to the research objectives.
• Integrate model parameters using national datasets for incidence, mortality, and related epidemiologic outcomes.
• Conduct structured literature reviews to inform model inputs and assumptions.
• Apply principles of diagnostic test accuracy, including receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis.
• Perform statistical analyses, including multivariable regression and time-to-event methods, as needed to support modeling efforts.
• Develop and maintain databases of model inputs, outputs, and analytical results.
• Prepare manuscripts, abstracts, and presentations for dissemination in peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences.
• Present regular progress updates to the Principal Investigator and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.

Minimum Qualifications

•  Ph.D. in decision sciences, industrial engineering, epidemiology, biostatistics, mathematics, engineering, computational sciences, or a related quantitative field.
• Demonstrated experience in simulation modeling methodologies, including the following: Markov/state-transition models, discrete event simulation, differential equation modeling, and/or agent-based modeling.
• Strong foundation in probability theory and statistical methods.

Salary Range:

$75,000.00 $85,000.00

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in decision analytic modeling or economic evaluation.
• Proficiency in C, C++, R, Python, or other scientific programming languages.
• Familiarity with standard statistical software packages.
• Knowledge of epidemiologic methods and health outcomes research.
• Experience conducting systematic literature searches using databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase.
• Strong organizational skills for managing complex datasets.
• Excellent written and oral scientific communication skills.

Also please apply on the Columbia Careers website