Research Associate, Engineer, Health Technology Innovation Program

Position: Research Associate, Engineer, Health Technology Innovation Program - Image-Guided Therapy, AI 

Duration: 4-month period (with potential to extend)

Location: Providence Health Care Hospitals 

Compensation: $18.33 hourly (including benefits)

Overview:

A new initiative supported by PHIR+E and the Innovarium seeks a skilled Research Assistant for a four-month engagement beginning early 2025. This position is ideal for an engineer with advanced knowledge in AI, machine learning, image processing/computer vision, and natural language processing, particularly in the context of image-guided therapy (IGT). The role involves collaborating with physicians to address pressing clinical challenges using AI and IGT technologies.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Collaborate with Clinical Teams:
   Work closely with healthcare professionals to identify and understand clinical problems that could be addressed using AI and IGT.
2. Develop and Implement Solutions:
   Utilize expertise in AI and image-guided therapy to design, prototype, and refine solution tailored to identified clinical needs.
3. Adapt to Project Requirements:
   Demonstrate flexibility and problem-solving skills to meet the evolving technical requirements of the project.
4. Contribute to Program Success:
   Engage in a structured framework that includes problem identification, idea generation, and solution development, contributing to real-world applications in healthcare technology.

Program Responsibilities:

The program configuration allows engineers to engage in clinical immersion, identification and verification of clinical problems, ideation, and the creation of an early proof of concept or prototype for a new medical device. This four-month program is divided into three main phases:

1. Clinical Needs Identification:
   Perform clinical observations by shadowing physicians in various settings, including operating rooms, intensive care units, and outpatient clinics. Identify and document clinical challenges that impose a significant clinical burden.
2. Ideation and Brainstorming:
   Complete thorough analyses of identified problems, including stakeholder and market analyses, and studies of disease fundamentals and treatment options. Research and consultation with faculty, along with literature and patent searches, are also expected.
3. Concept Development and Prototyping:
   Develop a medical solution concept that addresses the identified clinical need and problem. Translate the final concept into a prototype, creating design requirements and generating high-level specifications related to the technical feasibility of the innovation under consideration.

Qualifications:

• Advanced knowledge and experience in AI/ML techniques, including large language models (LLMs), image processing/computer vision, and natural language processing.
• Familiarity with image-guided therapy (IGT) and its applications in healthcare.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability to changing technical requirements.
• A strong entrepreneurial drive, passion for healthcare innovation, and a desire to build impactful solutions, demonstrating creativity, invention, leadership, and business development potential.

Essential Qualities for Success in This Role:

• Entrepreneurial mindset; action and detail-oriented, analytical, sees problems as opportunities, comfortable with ambiguity, self-learner with strong business acumen.
• Proven ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated excellence in problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking.
• Highly motivated individual with the ability to work under pressure.
• Strong interest in innovation and change across health care, design thinking, entrepreneurship, and creativity.
• Proven excellent interpersonal skills and effective oral/written communication skills.
• Background/experience in medicine, engineering, and/or business is an asset.

Benefits:

• Hands-On Experience: Gain practical experience in developing innovative solutions within a hospital setting.
• Professional Growth: Work alongside experts in AI and IGT, enhancing your skills and knowledge.
• Networking: Connect with a diverse network of professionals and industry leaders.
• Compensation: Receive a competitive salary for the duration of the project.

Application Requirements:

To participate in the program, candidates must meet the following criteria:

1. Be a current undergraduate or graduate-level student or have graduated from undergraduate or graduate school no more than two years before the Program start date.
2. Be available Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM for the duration of the fellowship.

Application Process:

When preparing your application, please submit a single PDF containing the following:

• Your resume
• A cover letter
• A copy of your undergraduate transcript (and graduate transcript if applicable)
• The names and contact information for two referees who have agreed to be contacted

Cover Letter Criteria:

In your cover letter, please respond to the following question:

• Why is medical technology innovation an important part of your career pathway?

Please send all applications to KFriess@providencehealth.bc.ca