Senior Machine Learning Engineer

University of Vermont; Burlington (VT); Remote; USD 125,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Vermont seeks a Senior Machine Learning Engineer to lead ML model development for ARPA-H funded projects. You will design, build, deploy ML solutions in AWS SageMaker, and establish cloud standards for the lab.

You will work with EHR/mobile sensor data to inform life-saving interventions and contribute to the CIRCLE digital twin initiative, including PK/PD extensions and active learning methods.

Qualifications

• MS or higher in engineering, computer science, physics or mathematics plus 3-5 years of applied ML experience.
• Proficient with Python
• Knowledge and experience using tools to integre machine learning algorithms in secure cloud environments (e.g., Docker).
• Proficient with AWS
• Proficient with SageMaker
• Knowledge and experience with machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques.
• Demonstrated track record of working well with a multi-disciplinary team of researchers.
• Works independently with general direction from the principal investigator as needed.
• History of successful academic productivity in terms of publications or presentations at national-level meetings.
• Ability to gain a thorough knowledge and understanding of university policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical development of AI/ML models for the lab’s ARPA-H-funded portfolio.
• Design, build, and deploy ML models in a secure AWS environment (SageMaker).
• Set standards and practices for lab staff in the cloud environment.
• Oversee development of models using EHR and medical sensor data to predict life-saving interventions.
• Lead on the CIRCLE project and develop PK/PD extensions, and apply active learning methods.
• Apply LLM fine-tuning and prompt engineering to medical applications.
• Train, guide, and review junior technical staff.
• Interface with ARPA-H program officers and external collaborators; contribute budgets and computing plans to proposals.

Skills

Python

Docker

AWS

SageMaker

Independence

Teamwork

Academic productivity

Policy knowledge

Education

MS or higher in engineering, computer science, physics or mathematics

Tools

Docker

AWS

SageMaker

Job description

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

The University of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category legally protected by federal or state law.

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For classified staff positions, actual hiring pay dependent on current competitor market conditions, comparable campus peer(s) at time of hire, and candidate’s experience level and length.

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Posting Summary

The An-Cockrell Lab at the University of Vermont seeks a subject matter expert in applied machine learning to lead the technical development of AI/ML models for the lab’s ARPA-H-funded research portfolio. Working independently with general direction from the Principal Investigator, this position designs, builds, and deploys machine learning models in a secure Amazon Web Services (AWS) environment using modern tools such as SageMaker. The position also sets the standards and practices other lab staff follow in that environment.

The role oversees the continued development of models that use electronic health record (EHR) and medical sensor data to predict the need for life-saving interventions. It also serves as a technical lead on the CIRCLE project, a multi-year effort to build a digital twin around the Innate Immune Response Agent-Based Model (IIRABM). This work includes designing multi-organ compartment and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) extensions, and applying active learning methods, including Genetic Algorithms and Deep Reinforcement Learning, to calibrate the model and develop curated drug regimens that support healing. The position also applies large language model (LLM) fine-tuning and prompt engineering to medical applications.

This person solves complex, undefined research problems where established methods may not exist, and their work has a direct impact on project milestones and deliverables. The position trains, guides, and reviews the work of junior technical staff. It serves as a primary technical contact with ARPA-H program officers and external collaborators, and contributes technical content, budgets, and computing plans to future grant proposals.

Minimum Qualifications (or equivalent combination of education and experience)

• 1) A MS or higher in engineering, computer science, physics or mathematics plus 3-5 years of applied ML experience.
• 2) Proficient with Python
• 3) Knowledge and experience using tools to integre machine learning algorithms in secure cloud environments (e.g., Docker).
• 4) Proficient with AWS
• 5) Proficient with SageMaker
• 4) Knowledge and experience with machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques.
• 5) Demonstrated track record of working well with a multi-disciplinary team of researchers.
• 6) Works independently with general direction from the principal investigator as needed.
• 7) History of successful academic productivity in terms of publications or presentations at national-level meetings.
• 8) Ability to gain a thorough knowledge and understanding of university policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Desirable Qualifications

• Familiarity with DARPA or ARPA-H funding

Anticipated Pay Range

$125,000-$145,000

Special Conditions

• A probationary period may be required
• Contingent on continued funding
• This position is eligible for full-time telework in accordance with the university telecommuting policy
• Background Check required for this position

FLSA

Exempt

Union Position

Yes, UVMSU

Posting Details

Position will be posted for a minimum of one week, after which it is subject to removal without notice.

Job Location

Burlington, Vermont, United States

Job Open Date

10/06/2026

Open Until Filled

No

Our Common Ground Statement

The University of Vermont is a welcoming, educationally purposeful community committed to creating an inclusive environment that embraces intellectual diversity and global perspectives. We seek to prepare students to be accountable leaders who will bring to their work a grasp of complexity, effective problem-solving and communication skills, and an enduring commitment to learning and ethical conduct. Members of the University of Vermont community embrace and advance the values of Our Common Ground: Respect, Integrity, Innovation, Openness, Justice, and Responsibility. Staff play a critical role in this effort and the successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to UVM’s mission and advancing Our Common Ground values through the execution of their job duties.

Position Information

• Position Title: Application Development PC4 X
• Posting Number: S6337PO
• Department: Surgery/55770
• Position Number: 00028017
• Percent of Full-Time: 1.0
• Standard Hours at 1.0 FTE: 37.5
• Term (months per year): 12

Supplemental Questions

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Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter/Letter of Application

Optional Documents

1. Other Document (1)