Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Center for Advanced Cardiopulmonary Therapies and Transplantation (ACTAT) (Finance)

This project aims to develop and validate a cardiac monitoring algorithm that uses commercially available smartwatches to detect and predict cardiac arrest in real time. Unlike existing consumer wearable technology, which primarily tracks single biomarkers such as heart rate, our approach will integrate multi-parameter physiological data, including heart rate variability, blood oxygen levels, blood pressure, respiration patterns, and signs of consciousness loss. By analyzing these signals together, the system will identify high-risk conditions and issue an early warning before cardiac arrest occurs.

To achieve this, we will collect data from 300 patients, integrating smartwatch-derived physiological signals with hospital monitoring systems and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), which serve as the gold standard for cardiac event detection. The data will undergo statistical and machine learning-based validation using Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Temporal Convolutional Networks (TCN) to improve the accuracy of smartwatch-based monitoring. Our goal is to develop an algorithm that can differentiate between normal physiological variations and early indicators of cardiac arrest, enhancing the reliability of consumer wearable devices for medical use.

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Position Summary:

A biomedical postdoc position provides an opportunity for early-career researchers to gain valuable experience, develop independent research skills, and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge in their field of expertise.

Position Key Accountabilities:

1. Plans and conducts experiments, analyzes data, and prepares publications describing results.
2. Assists in training and mentoring of lab personnel, including graduate students and other trainees.
3. Reads and evaluates literature.
4. Possess interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate and communicate with individuals at all levels.
5. Have strong written and oral communication skills.
6. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education:

Doctoral/Terminal Degree

Physical Requirements:

Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.

Security Sensitive:

This job class may contain positions that are security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code § 51.215

Residency Requirement:

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.