Postdoc in Healthcare Operations – Establishing data basis and analytics for surgery planning and control (2021-224-03733)

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At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Materials and Production a position as Postdoc  in Healthcare Operations is open  for appointment from November 1, 2021 or soon hereafter. The position is available for a period of two years.  Department of Materials and Production (MP) has a wide-ranging research and educational environment at Aalborg University. The Department's mission is to meet future demand for new materials and production systems by directing the whole value chain from basic material understanding, materials' applications in mechanical constructions, industrial production and management. The department has several strong, international and innovative research groups which comprise everything from basic science to strategic and applicable research. The activities encompass research as well as education within materials, mechanics, physics, production technique, and industrial management and innovation. Benefitting the industry and additional collaborators several innovative and unconventional collaborations have been and are being developed through interdisciplinary co-operations. Thereby, as an employee at the Department you will become a part of an international research environment, where focus is on innovation, knowledge sharing/building and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Job description

This Postdoc position is supported financially by the Department of Materials and Production, Center of Industrial Production (CIP). CIP is comprising of 12 senior researchers and 15 PhD students. Its objective, among other things, is to study Operations Management in the industrial and services industries. A new and growing research area is Healthcare Operations which is also supported through a collaboration with Aalborg University Hospital.

This research focuses, among others, on establishing data fundaments (through exploiting the existing and identifying new data sources) and analytics as a basis for surgery planning and control of resources and capacities. A cross organizational perspective is expected (e.g. through the involvement of related departments/functions/staff, such as bio-chemical laboratory, radiology, anaesteciology, secretarial and surgical staff and patients). The ultimate goal is improvement of the operational performance  along with reduction of waiting times in the patient flow. Several aspects contribute to underutilization of surgery capacity:  Scheduling done based on accumulated tacit knowledge and, sometimes, incomplete information, uncertain estimates of surgery durations, hospital policies, poor data quality in management information systems. Literature introduces various models for surgery duration modelling and estimation, and for surgery planning and scheduling. The goal of the postdoctoral position is to contribute to operational performance and positive employee and patient outcomes by combining or developing new analytics approaches, taking into account the numerous data sources that exist in a modern healthcare setting. The project will be conducted in collaboration with Aalborg University Hospital.

Beyond research activities, supervision and teaching tasks within the general area of operations management can be expected, where knowledge of the Problem Based Learning (PBL) methodology from AAU is preferable. The position is a fulltime position.

The ideal candidate has documented skills in:

• Application of mixed methods combining qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Prior experience with application of data science, operations research or operations management concepts in a health care setting.
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment as an independent researcher.
• Good written and verbal communication skills English.

Research requires interaction with various staff groups at the hospital, this will primarily be in Danish.

Please enclose the following:

• A project proposal specifying research idea and motivation, brief outline of relevant theoretical background, and suggestions for scientific methodology, considering the application of Artificial Intelligence techniques such as Deep Learning and Machine Learning, but also thoughts on collection and validation of data and challenges, and how to implement new models to the benefit of the hospital.
• Teaching and dissemination qualifications.

Further information concerning the scientific aspects can be obtained from Professor John Johansen by e-mail [email protected]  or Rikke Vestergaard Matthiesen by e-mail [email protected]

 

Qualification requirements:

Appointment as Postdoc presupposes scientific qualifications at PhD–level or similar scientific qualifications. The research potential of each applicant will be emphasized in the overall assessment. Appointment as a Postdoc cannot exceed a period of four years in total at Aalborg University.

The application must contain the following:

• A motivated text wherein the reasons for applying, qualifications in relation to the position, and intentions and visions for the position are stated.
• A current curriculum vitae.
• Copies of relevant diplomas (Master of Science and PhD). On request you could be asked for an official English translation.
• Scientific qualifications. A complete list of publications must be attached with an indication of the works the applicant wishes to be considered. You may attach up to 5 publications.
• Dissemination qualifications, including participation on committees or boards, participation in organisations and the like.
• Additional qualifications in relation to the position. References/recommendations.
• Personal data.

The applications are only to be submitted online by using the "Apply online" button below.

Shortlisting will be applied. After the review of any objections regarding the assessment committee, the head of department, with assistance from the chair of the assessment committee, selects the candidates to be assessed. All applicants will be informed as to whether they will advance to assessment or not.

AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.

For further information concerning the application procedure please contact Mathilde Vestergaard Nielsen by mail [email protected] or phone (+45) 9940 9567. Information regarding guidelines, ministerial circular in force and procedures can be seen here

Agreement

Employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministry of Finance's current Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities. Employment and salary are in accordance with the collective agreement for state-employed academics.

  

Vacancy number

2021-224-03733

Deadline

22/10/2021

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