K231602
Mentor: Dr. Abdulaziz Ahmed, Department of Health Services Administration
Position: Post-Doctoral Research Fellow – Emergency Department Overcrowding Mitigation
Location: Health Services Administration Department, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
Position Type: Full-Time, Fixed-Term (2 years with the possibility of extension)
Salary Range: Competitive salary plus benefits.
Application Deadline: Applications will be considered until the position is filled
Job Description:
The Health Services Administration Department at the School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, is seeking a highly motivated Post-Doctoral Research Fellow to join a dynamic team dedicated to addressing the critical issue of overcrowding in emergency departments (EDs). The successful candidate will leverage time-series machine learning and discrete event simulation to model, analyze, and devise strategies that improve patient flow and reduce overcrowding, thereby enhancing emergency care delivery.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop predictive models using time-series machine learning to anticipate different ED patient flow measures.
- Analyze data to identify patterns, trends, and insights that can inform policy and operational decisions.
- Build and validate discrete event simulation models to simulate ED operations and test potential interventions.
- Translate complex data insights into practical solutions and policy recommendations for ED management.
- Work in close partnership with healthcare professionals, policy experts, and academic researchers within and beyond the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
- Author and co-author scholarly articles, reports, and research papers for publication in top-tier journals.
- Present research findings at national and international conferences, seminars, and stakeholder meetings.
Essential Qualifications:
- Earned a PhD in Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, Computer Engineering, Health Informatics, or a closely related discipline, with a strong emphasis on machine learning and simulation.
- Demonstrable expertise in the application of time-series analysis and machine learning algorithms.
- Experience with discrete event simulation modeling software applications such as Simio or FlexSim.
- Proficiency in programming with Python, R, or similar languages for complex data analysis and simulation purposes.
- A strong publication record demonstrating rigorous research and analytical skills.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and within an interdisciplinary team environment.
Application Instructions:
Applicants are requested to submit the following:
- A detailed cover letter highlighting their interest in the position, relevant experience, and career objectives.
- An updated curriculum vitae including a comprehensive list of publications.
- Contact details for at least three professional references.
- Copies of two significant publications or writing samples.
Please compile all documents into one PDF file and send electronically to Dr. Abdulaziz Ahmed, PhD (
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and family-friendly environment in which all faculty and staff can excel and achieve work/life balance irrespective of race, national origin, age, genetic or family medical history, gender, faith, gender identity and expression as well as sexual orientation. UAB also encourages applications from individuals with disabilities and veterans.
For inquiries regarding the position, please contact Dr. Abdulaziz Ahmed at [
Review of applications will commence on November 15, 2023, and proceed until the position is filled.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
About our Postdoc Office
UAB is committed to the development and success of outstanding postdoctoral scientists. Here at UAB, nearly 300 postdoctoral fellows are training currently in a variety of disciplines. Competitive postdoc awards are available including internships, grant incentives, funds to enhance education and collaboration outside UAB, and teaching opportunities at local universities. There is also a Postdoc Research Day with monetary awards. The Office of Postdoctoral Education strongly encourages UAB research mentors to follow the National Research Service Award stipend level guidelines, and postdoctoral scholars qualify for health, life, and other insurances. They also have the right to participate in the university’s 403(b) program and enjoy vacation, sick leave, maternity/paternity leave, and other benefits.
About the University
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a research university and academic health center that discovers, teaches, and applies knowledge for the intellectual, cultural, social, and economic benefit of Birmingham, the state, and beyond. UAB is internationally renowned for its intensely collaborative culture that has — for more than five decades — produced breakthroughs in education, health care, research, and service. UAB was ranked #1 in the United States, and in the top 10 worldwide, in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2018 Young University Rankings.
Spanning more than 100 city blocks, UAB is the state of Alabama’s largest single employer with nearly 28,000 employees and has an annual, state-wide economic impact of $12.1 billion. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 “America’s Best Graduate Schools” ranks 16 UAB graduate programs among the nation’s top 25 and eight UAB specialties were ranked among the nation’s top 50 in the magazine’s 2022-2023 Best Hospitals report. UAB research grants and awards are at a record high, totaling $715 million in FY22 — a 50% increase over the past five years. UAB ranks 33rd among all universities in federal research funding and 17th among public universities. UAB's NIH funding continues to grow among peer institutions in the Southeast and beyond, with the university ranking 25th among all universities in NIH funding and 11th among public universities.
UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran’s status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB’s Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.
For more information on Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action at UAB, visit the UAB Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion opens a new website, call (205) 934-8762, or contact the office at 701 20th Street South, AB 336, Birmingham, AL 35294-0103.