Postdoctoral Fellow - Amani Fawzi Lab

Cleveland Clinic; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 31,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Cleveland Clinic is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to lead the development of AI tools for retinal imaging, working at the interface of engineering, image analysis, and clinical ophthalmology.

The position offers NIH NRSA scale- based compensation with a commitment to training, collaboration and dissemination within the Ophthalmic Research lab.

Qualifications

• PhD or MD/PhD required.
• MD with relevant laboratory experience may substitute for PhD.
• English proficiency proof required for candidates arriving on J-1, J-2, or F1 + OPT visa status.
• Previous experience in a research or academic setting.
• Scientific writing experience.

Responsibilities

• Independent project design with the goal of data generation, analysis, interpretation and manuscript preparation.
• Model development.
• Real-time performance.
• Labeling & annotation tools.
• Data pipelines.

Skills

Research skills

Communication

Education

PhD or MD/PhD

MD with relevant lab experience may substitute for PhD

Job description

Highly motivated individuals with a PhD or MD/PhD in relevant area are encouraged to apply. This training position, under the direct supervision of a Cleveland Clinic Principal Investigator will provide practical training and experience in a research setting. This position is appointed through Cleveland Clinic Research. The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate a commitment to research, a collaborative work ethic and strong communication skills, both written and verbal. This program is expected to be completed within 5 years. Compensation follows the NIH NRSA Postdoctoral Salary Scale based on total years of postdoctoral experience.

NIH NRSA Postdoctoral Salary Scale

Years of Experience: Stipend for FY 2026

• 0: $63,480
• 1: $63,900
• 2: $64,380
• 3: $66,948
• 4: $69,180
• 5: $71,748
• 6: $74,424
• 7 or More: $77,076

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to lead the development of AI tools for retinal imaging, with an emphasis on real-time image segmentation and interactive labeling tools. Working at the intersection of engineering, image analysis, and clinical ophthalmology, the postdoc will design, build, and validate models and software that turn retinal images (e.g., OCT, OCT-A, fundus photography) into accurate, clinically meaningful annotations. This is a hands-on, research-and-build role: you will own algorithms and the tooling around them, and see them through from prototype to a system that clinicians and researchers can use.

Principal Investigator: Amani Fawzi, MD

Cleveland Clinic Research Department: Ophthalmic Research

Lab Research Topics:

• AI Tools for Retinal Imaging
• Design, build, and validate models
• Real-time image segmentation
• Interactive labeling tools
• Image analysis

Responsibilities:

• Independent project design with the goal of data generation, analysis, interpretation and manuscript preparation
• Model development
• Real-time performance
• Labeling & annotation tools
• Data pipelines

Education:

• PhD or MD/PhD required
• MD with relevant laboratory experience may substitute for PhD

Languages:

• English Proficiency proof required for candidates arriving on J-1, J-2, or F1 + OPT visa status

Work Experience:

• Previous experience in a research or academic setting. Graduate student experience meets this requirement.
• Scientific writing experience

Additional Preferred Qualities:

• Validation
• Collaboration
• Dissemination
• Mentorship

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform work in a stationary position for extended periods
• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment
• Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information
• Ability to distinguish color
• Manual dexterity to handle specimens and repair equipment
• Ability to lift and transport equipment or specimens weighing up to 20 pounds
• May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, bio-hazards, radioactive materials, etc.

Personal Protective Equipment:

• PPE per institutional requirements; may vary by laboratory

Preferred Application Materials:

• Cover letter describing your research interests, relevant experience, and fit for the role.
• Curriculum vitae, including a full publication list and links to code/software where available.
• Names and contact details of two to three referees

Keywords: Postdoc, Research

Pay Range

Minimum Annual Salary: $31,200.00

Maximum Annual Salary: $95,000.00

The pay range displayed on this job posting reflects the anticipated range for new hires. A successful candidate's actual compensation will be determined after taking factors into consideration such as the candidate's work history, experience, skill set and education. The pay range displayed does not include any applicable pay practices (e.g., shift differentials, overtime, etc.). The pay range does not include the value of Cleveland Clinic's benefits package (e.g., healthcare, dental and vision benefits, retirement savings account contributions, etc.).