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Worcester Polytechnic Institute
  • Position Number: 1202148
  • Location: Worcester, MA
  • Position Type: Computer and Information Technology


Post-Doctoral Fellow

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Department: COMPUTER SCIENCE

Position Status:

Basic Function:
We seek to hire a post-doctoral researcher to join our research team, which includes faculty, several graduate students and a software engineer, for the DARPA-sponsored Warfighter Analytics using Smartphones for Health (WASH) project.
Warfighters face an increased exposure to ailments such as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and infectious diseases. Digital biomarkers are smartphone-sensable user behaviors that can reliably indicate the health status, ailment symptoms and condition of the smartphone user. For example, an ailing smartphone user may exhibit reduced daily step counts, slurred speech, or an increase in sedentary activity states during their day.

Our team is researching and developing machine/deep learning algorithms that synthesize reliable smartphone biomarkers for the detection of ailments. Continuous, real-time assessment of TBI and infectious diseases afflicting warfighters will be enabled by mining data unobtrusively captured from smartphone sensors. Our resulting smartphone biomarker detector will be tested and ultimately deployed on a cohort of millions of smart-phone users.

  • In addition to original research resulting in quality publications on the above topics, the postdoctoral scholar will also assist in managing the project, directing the research of undergraduate and graduate students, coordinating research across the team, and preparing project deliverables for
    the sponsor.

    Research funding for the post-doctoral position is available for 18 months; with a likely extension for a total of 4 years.

  • The ideal candidate will have a PhD in computer science or closely related field, with demonstrated background in statistical analysis, signal processing, machine learning and/or deep learning. Specific research tasks include:

    -Feature engineering of smartphone sensor data
    -Statistical modeling of personalized behavior typical of a smartphone user
    -Detection of higher-order activity states from low-level signals
    -Machine/Deep learning of robust outliers or deviations from normal, healthy behavior
    -Inference of classes of diseases affecting a smartphone user
    -Empirical study and evaluation of robustness of biomarker detectors

    An interest in interdisciplinary research, in particular, in digital health, and a proven track record of high-quality research and academic excellence are expected. Experience analyzing smartphone sensor signals is desirable but not a must. Excellent written and verbal communication in English are required.

  • Founded in 1865, WPI is one of the nations first technological universities. A highly selective private university located within an hour of Boston, WPI is consistently ranked among the top 70 research institutions by US News & World Report. The university is home to an innovative and intensive project-based curriculum that empowers students with the knowledge and skills to address real world problems around the globe, an approach repeatedly cited for excellence by The
    Fiske Guide to Colleges and The Princeton Review.

    Located in the heart of New England, WPI is surrounded by cultural and recreational
    opportunities. The UMass Medical Center, a large number of technology companies and many colleges and universities are located in the immediate area making it ideal for two-career families.

    The deadline for applications is June 30, 2018, with applications continuing to be considered until the position is filled.

    To enrich education through diversity, WPI is an affirmative action, equal opportunity
    employer. Women and members of traditionally underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

    To apply, please send a cover letter, CV, a statement of research interests, and the names and contact information of three references, to:

    Professor Emmanuel Agu (emmanuel@cs.wpi.edu)
    Computer Science Department
    Worcester Polytechnic Institute
    Worcester, MA 01609

    Posting Date: 04/09/2018

    Close Date:

    Open Until Filled:

    Special Instructions to Applicants:


    EEO Information:
    We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against applicants due to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status or disability. We are looking for individuals who value creativity, diversity, inclusion, and collaboration.

    Criminal Background Check Statement:
    A pre-employment criminal records check is required.

    To apply, visit: https://careers.wpi.edu/postings/5615





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