Research Associate - Health Care Delivery

Mayo Clinic; Rochester (MN); On-site; USD 97,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental coverage

Vision plan

Pre-tax savings (HSA/FSAs)

Competitive retirement package

Job summary

Mayo Clinic is seeking a Research Associate for a 1–2 year paid fellowship in Rochester, MN, focusing on theoretical AI/ML and applied data-driven research in health and biomedical domains. You will work under mentorship to develop principled AI methods and translate them into real-world patient-care improvements.

The ideal candidate holds a Ph.D. or equivalent and has strong publication credentials, deep learning expertise (TensorFlow, PyTorch), and proficiency in Python, Linux, and cloud

Qualifications

• Must have strong expertise in data structures and algorithms, with rigorous understanding of computational complexity and optimization.
• Proficient in stochastic processes, statistical learning theory, and machine learning (including deep learning).
• Strong foundations in probabilistic modeling, generalization theory, optimization methods, and representation learning.
• Advanced programming in Python with scientific computing and ML libraries (Pandas, Scikit-learn).
• Experience with deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow and/or PyTorch.
• Experience in Linux environments and shell scripting.
• Experience with database systems (MySQL, Redis) and containerization (Docker).
• Experience with Google Cloud Platform (GCP) or other large-scale cloud environments is a plus.
• Strong publication record demonstrating methodological rigor and applied impact.
• Excellent proficiency in English, especially scientific writing.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop novel AI/ML algorithms grounded in theory.
• Translate computational methods into deployable healthcare solutions.
• Lead interdisciplinary collaborations.
• Publish high-impact scientific research.
• Contribute to health services research and health policy initiatives.

Skills

Python programming

AI/ML theory

Deep learning

Scientific writing

Education

Ph.D./M.D. or equivalent

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Docker

MySQL

Redis

Linux

Shell scripting

Pandas

Scikit-learn

GCP

Job description

Why Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is top-ranked in more specialties than any other care provider according to U.S. News & World Report. As we work together to put the needs of the patient first, we are also dedicated to our employees, investing in competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit plans – to take care of you and your family, now and in the future. And with continuing education and advancement opportunities at every turn, you can build a long, successful career with Mayo Clinic.

Benefits Highlights

• Medical: Multiple plan options.
• Dental: Delta Dental or reimbursement account for flexible coverage.
• Vision: Affordable plan with national network.
• Pre-Tax Savings: HSA and FSAs for eligible expenses.
• Retirement: Competitive retirement package to secure your future.

Responsibilities

We seek a highly motivated Research Associate with strong foundations in both theoretical artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) and applied data-driven research, particularly in health and biomedical domains. The position is for a 1–2-year paid fellowship working under the mentorship of Dr. Hojjat Salehinejad . The ideal candidate will demonstrate deep expertise in the mathematical and algorithmic principles underlying modern AI systems, as well as the ability to translate these methods into impactful real-world solutions to improve patient outcomes.

Required Qualifications

The candidate must possess strong expertise in:

• Data structures and algorithms, with rigorous understanding of computational complexity and optimization
• Stochastic processes, statistical learning theory, and machine learning, including deep learning
• Theoretical foundations of AI/ML, such as probabilistic modeling, generalization theory, optimization methods, and representation learning
• Advanced programming in Python, including scientific computing and ML libraries (e.g., Pandas, Scikit-learn)
• Deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow and/or PyTorch
• Linux environments and shell scripting
• Database systems (e.g., MySQL, Redis)
• Containerization technologies (e.g., Docker)

Experience with Google Cloud Platform (GCP) or other large-scale cloud computing environments is considered a plus.

The candidate must have a strong track record of peer-reviewed publications demonstrating both methodological rigor and applied impact.

Excellent proficiency in all four English language skills is required, with particular strength in scientific writing and manuscript preparation.

Role And Responsibilities

The Research Associate will work independently and lead research initiatives at the intersection of AI/ML methodology and healthcare transformation. Responsibilities include:

• Designing and developing novel AI/ML algorithms grounded in solid theoretical principles
• Translating advanced computational methods into deployable solutions for healthcare systems
• Leading interdisciplinary collaborations
• Publishing high-impact scientific work
• Contributing to health services research (HSR), health policy, and quantitative health sciences

Research activities may intersect with different clinical departments across the Mayo Clinic where advanced computational and statistical modeling approaches are required. The successful candidate will combine strong theoretical depth with demonstrated ability to implement scalable, clinically meaningful AI systems that improve patient care and health outcomes.

Qualifications

Must have a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in a field deemed relevant by the program.

Exemption Status

Exempt

Compensation Detail

$96,854.10 - $ 113,305.50/ year; Education, experience and tenure may be considered along with internal equity when job offers are extended.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Schedule

Full Time

Hours/Pay Period

80

International Assignment

No

Site Description

Just as our reputation has spread beyond our Minnesota roots, so have our locations. Today, our employees are located at our three major campuses in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, Jacksonville, Florida, Rochester, Minnesota, and at Mayo Clinic Health System campuses throughout Midwestern communities, and at our international locations. Each Mayo Clinic location is a special place where our employees thrive in both their work and personal lives. Learn more about what each unique Mayo Clinic campus has to offer, and where your best fit is.

Equal Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status or disability status. Learn more about the "EOE is the Law" . Mayo Clinic participates in E-Verify and may provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.