Postdoctoral Scholar (AI UX Design/HCI Expert)-Pediatrics Research

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Postdoctoral Scholar (AI UX Design/HCI Expert) - Pediatrics Research

Company: University of Tennessee

Location: Memphis, TN, United States

Job Type: Full-time, Temporary

Category: Research Operations / AI & Data Science Research

Date Posted: 2026-08-24

Experience Level: 0-2 Years Post-Doctoral Experience

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI), User Experience (UX) Design, and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) within a pediatric research context.

• The position involves the design, implementation, and rigorous evaluation of software for an agentic AI system aimed at enhancing clinical and population health research.

• Key responsibilities include developing user interfaces and dashboards that facilitate effective interaction with advanced AI models.

• The role demands a strong foundation in AI, machine learning, and quantitative analysis, with a proven track record of research and publication.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw input describes a "Postdoctoral Scholar" role focused on AI UX Design and HCI in Pediatrics Research, this enhancement will frame it within the context of "Research Operations" and "AI & Data Science Research" to highlight the operational aspects of managing and evaluating research systems and technologies. The "0-2 Years Post-Doctoral Experience" suggests a junior postdoctoral level.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and implement the software architecture for the user interface (UI) and dashboard of an agentic AI system, ensuring seamless integration with underlying AI models.

• Develop and refine the agentic AI system's functionalities to support clinical and population health research workflows, focusing on user needs and research objectives.

• Conduct systematic research and evaluation of the AI system's effectiveness, efficiency, usability, and user satisfaction using established HCI and research methodologies.

• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data from user studies and system performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and inform future development.

• Collaborate closely with clinical researchers, data scientists, and AI engineers to translate research requirements into functional and user-friendly system features.

• Prepare research findings for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentation at scientific conferences, contributing to the advancement of AI in healthcare research.

• Document research processes, system designs, and evaluation protocols to ensure reproducibility and knowledge transfer within the research team.

• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI, HCI, UX design, and their applications in medical informatics and health research.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities have been expanded to detail the operational aspects of system development, evaluation, and research dissemination, aligning with a research-focused operational role. This includes emphasis on systematic evaluation, data analysis for improvement, and knowledge transfer, which are core to research operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Ph.D. in a relevant discipline such as Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Information Science, Medical Informatics, or a closely related field.

• A strong academic record with a focus on AI, machine learning, UX design, or HCI is essential. Experience:

• 0-2 years of post-doctoral research experience in AI, HCI, UX design, or a related computational research area.

• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing software, particularly user interfaces and dashboards.

• Proven ability to conduct systematic research and evaluation studies, including experimental design and data analysis. Required Skills:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML): Foundational understanding and practical application of AI and ML principles.

• User Experience (UX) Design: Expertise in user-centered design principles, usability heuristics, and iterative design processes.

• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI): Deep knowledge of HCI theories, methodologies, and research techniques for evaluating interactive systems.

• Software Engineering & Implementation: Proficiency in programming languages (e.g., Python, Java) and experience in developing software applications, including UI/dashboard components.

• Quantitative Analysis & Data Analytics: Strong skills in statistical analysis, data interpretation, and utilizing data to drive research insights and system improvements.

• Systematic Evaluation: Experience in designing and conducting rigorous research evaluations, including user studies, A/B testing, and performance benchmarking.

• Research Design & Methodology: Ability to design, execute, and report on complex research projects.

Preferred Skills:

• Medical Informatics: Familiarity with healthcare data, research workflows, and the application of technology in clinical settings.

• Causal Modeling & Knowledge Graphs: Experience with advanced AI techniques for understanding complex relationships and representing knowledge.

• Agentic AI Systems: Understanding of autonomous or semi-autonomous AI agents and their application in research.

• Dashboard Design & Visualization: Skill in creating effective and informative data visualizations and interactive dashboards.

• Clinical Research & Population Health Research: Awareness of the specific needs and challenges in these research domains.

• Publishing Experience: A track record of publications in reputable HCI, AI, or medical informatics conferences and journals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The skills section has been augmented to include specific AI/ML, UX/HCI, and research methodology skills that are critical for this role. The distinction between required and preferred skills clarifies expectations, and the inclusion of "Agentic AI" and "Causal Modeling" reflects the advanced nature of the research.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Research Project Demonstrations: Showcase projects that involved the design and evaluation of interactive systems, particularly those leveraging AI or complex data.

• System Design & Implementation Examples: Provide evidence of software design, UI/dashboard development, and implementation skills, highlighting problem-solving approaches.

• User Study & Evaluation Case Studies: Present detailed case studies of user research, usability testing, or systematic evaluations, including methodologies, findings, and impact.

• Data Analysis & Visualization Examples: Include examples of how data was analyzed to derive insights and how these insights were communicated through visualizations or reports.

Process Documentation:

• User-Centered Design Process: Documentation demonstrating a systematic approach to understanding user needs, designing solutions, and iterating based on feedback.

• Research Protocol Development: Examples of well-defined research protocols for conducting evaluations, including participant recruitment, data collection, and analysis plans.

• System Implementation & Deployment: Documentation related to the development lifecycle of software systems, from initial design to deployment and maintenance considerations.

• Performance Metrics & Reporting: Examples of how system performance and user satisfaction were measured, tracked, and reported to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section emphasizes the need for a portfolio that demonstrates practical application of AI UX/HCI principles in a research context, focusing on process, methodology, and measurable outcomes. It aligns with the role's research and development responsibilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: $65,000 - $85,000 per year.

• Methodology: This estimate is based on typical postdoctoral scholar salary ranges in research institutions in the United States, particularly for roles requiring specialized expertise in AI, HCI, and research. Factors considered include the experience level (0-2 years post-doc), the specialized technical skills required, and the location (Memphis, TN). University salary scales for postdoctoral fellows often vary by department and funding source. This range is an approximation, and the actual salary will be determined by the University of Tennessee based on the candidate's qualifications and the specific grant funding.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Plan: Access to university retirement savings plans (e.g., 403(b) or 457(b) options).

• Paid Time Off: Vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, conference attendance, and access to university resources.

• Research Support: Access to state-of-the-art research facilities, computing resources, and library services.

• Grant-Funded Position: This is a temporary, grant-funded position, with funding secured until February 28, 2027.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be available for research-related activities, but the role is primarily on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary range has been estimated based on common postdoctoral scholar compensation in US research institutions. The benefits are standard for university positions, and the temporary nature of the grant funding is explicitly mentioned.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education & Healthcare Research. The University of Tennessee is a major public research university system, with its medical center and research arms deeply involved in advancing medical knowledge and patient care.

Company Size: Large (over 10,000 employees). As a major university, the University of Tennessee is a vast institution with numerous departments, research centers, and administrative functions.

Founded: 1794. The University of Tennessee has a long-standing history, providing a stable and established environment for research and academic pursuits.

Team Structure:

• Research Focus: The role is situated within a research team likely part of a Pediatrics department or a dedicated research institute focused on health informatics and AI applications.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Expect to work within a team that includes medical researchers, data scientists, AI specialists, and potentially other UX/HCI researchers.

• Reporting: The Postdoctoral Scholar will report to a Principal Investigator (PI) or a senior faculty member leading the research project.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Research: Emphasis on rigorous data collection, analysis, and evidence-based conclusions.

• Human-Centered Design: A strong focus on understanding and meeting the needs of end-users (clinicians, researchers) through iterative design and evaluation.

• AI & Computational Methods: Utilization of advanced AI, machine learning, and computational techniques to drive research innovation.

Company Website: https://www.utk.edu/ (University System) and potentially a specific URL for the medical center or research institute.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is elaborated to reflect the academic and research environment of a large university, emphasizing the interdisciplinary nature of research teams and the expected methodological approaches.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Early Career Research Professional. This role is designed for individuals who have recently completed their Ph.D. and are looking to gain specialized research experience, develop advanced technical skills, and build a publication record. It's a stepping stone towards more senior research positions or independent research roles.

Reporting Structure: The Postdoctoral Scholar will typically report directly to a Principal Investigator (PI) or a senior researcher who manages the grant and oversees the project's scientific direction. This provides direct mentorship and guidance.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is on advancing the operational capabilities of pediatric and population health research. By developing and evaluating effective AI systems and user interfaces, the scholar contributes to making research more efficient, accessible, and impactful. This can lead to better insights, faster discoveries, and ultimately, improved health outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI UX/HCI, medical informatics, and agentic AI systems through hands-on project work and research.

• Publication & Presentation: Build a strong publication record in high-impact journals and present research at leading international conferences, enhancing professional visibility.

• Networking: Establish connections with leading researchers in AI, HCI, and pediatrics, fostering future collaborations and career opportunities.

• Mentorship: Receive guidance from experienced faculty and researchers, developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and project management skills.

• Potential for Future Roles: Successful completion of the postdoctoral fellowship may lead to opportunities for permanent research positions, faculty appointments, or roles in industry R&D.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section frames the postdoctoral role as a critical developmental stage within research operations, highlighting the learning, impact, and career trajectory for early-career researchers in AI and health informatics.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: University research environment, likely within a medical research institute, a dedicated computer science lab, or a shared research facility at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) in Memphis.

Office Location(s): Memphis, Tennessee, specifically at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center campus (920 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38163). This location places the role within a hub of medical research and clinical activity.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Access to shared labs, meeting rooms, and potentially co-working spaces designed for interdisciplinary teams.

• Technical Resources: Availability of high-performance computing resources, specialized software, and a dedicated IT support team for research infrastructure.

• Research Community: Integration into a vibrant academic community, with opportunities for interaction with other researchers, postdocs, and students.

Work Schedule: While the standard is 40 hours per week, the nature of research often involves flexibility. Occasional work outside standard hours may be necessary to meet project deadlines, conduct experiments, or attend events. The role is primarily on-site to facilitate access to resources and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description is tailored to a university research setting, emphasizing the blend of academic resources, specialized technical infrastructure, and collaborative opportunities crucial for AI and HCI research.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV, cover letter, and potentially a preliminary call to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on your AI, ML, HCI, and UX design knowledge, research methodologies, and software development experience. Expect questions on specific algorithms, user study design, and problem-solving approaches.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present selected projects from your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through your design process, research findings, technical implementations, and the impact of your work.

• Research Discussion: Conversation with the Principal Investigator (PI) and potential team members about your past research, your understanding of the project's goals, and how your skills align with the research objectives.

• Cultural Fit Assessment: Evaluation of your ability to collaborate within an interdisciplinary research team and adapt to the university's research environment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your AI UX/HCI expertise, software development skills, and research evaluation capabilities relevant to this role.

• Detail the Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your approach (design, research, implementation), the challenges faced, your solutions, and the outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness, efficiency, or usability improvements achieved. For research, highlight key findings and their significance.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss the technologies and tools used, and explain your role in the implementation and development phases.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your presentation to ensure clarity, conciseness, and smooth transitions. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• HCI/UX Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical research scenario and asked to outline a design and evaluation strategy.

• AI/ML Problem: You may be asked to discuss how AI/ML could be applied to a specific research problem or how to evaluate an AI system's performance.

• Data Interpretation: Be ready to interpret sample data or discuss methods for analyzing research findings.

• Code Snippet Discussion: Depending on the specific role, you might be asked to discuss aspects of code or software architecture.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for navigating the application process, with a strong emphasis on portfolio presentation and preparation for technical and research-focused interviews, tailored to an AI/HCI research role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Programming Languages: Python (essential for AI/ML, data analysis), potentially Java, C++, or JavaScript for front-end development.

• AI/ML Libraries: TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, Keras for machine learning model development and implementation.

• UX/HCI Tools: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD for UI/UX design and prototyping.

• Data Analysis & Visualization: Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, Seaborn, Tableau, Power BI for data manipulation, analysis, and visualization.

• Version Control: Git, GitHub/GitLab for collaborative development and code management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Statistical Software: R, SPSS, or similar for advanced statistical analysis.

• Research Platforms: Depending on specific needs, tools for managing research data, participant recruitment, and experiment execution.

• Dashboarding Tools: Potentially built using web frameworks or specialized BI tools to display research metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding of how research data systems integrate and automate data capture or analysis workflows can be beneficial.

• Database Technologies: Familiarity with SQL or NoSQL databases for data storage and retrieval may be required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is detailed to reflect the tools commonly used in AI research, UX design, and data science, providing candidates with a clear understanding of the expected technical proficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Discovery: A commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge through cutting-edge research and technology.

• Collaboration: A belief in the power of interdisciplinary teamwork to solve complex problems.

• Rigorous Inquiry: An emphasis on scientific integrity, evidence-based decision-making, and thorough evaluation.

• User-Centricity: A dedication to designing systems and solutions that effectively meet the needs of their users.

• Impact: A drive to contribute meaningfully to advancements in pediatric health and research methodologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where researchers from diverse backgrounds (medicine, computer science, statistics) work together towards common research goals.

• Open Communication: Encouragement of open dialogue, sharing of ideas, and constructive feedback to foster innovation and resolve challenges.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that values sharing research findings, technical insights, and best practices through presentations, discussions, and documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines the core values and collaboration styles typical of a university research setting, focusing on aspects relevant to AI, HCI, and health research professionals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Research to Practice: Bridging the gap between theoretical AI/HCI concepts and practical, implementable solutions for complex clinical and population health research.

• Data Complexity & Availability: Working with potentially sensitive, heterogeneous, or limited datasets common in medical research.

• System Usability in Research Settings: Designing interfaces that are intuitive and efficient for researchers who may have varying levels of technical expertise.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with the fast-changing landscape of AI and HCI technologies and methodologies.

• Grant Funding Limitations: Navigating the constraints and timelines associated with grant-funded research projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced AI/HCI Techniques: Gaining hands-on experience with state-of-the-art AI models, UX research methods, and HCI evaluation techniques.

• Domain Expertise: Developing a deeper understanding of pediatric and population health research challenges and opportunities.

• Publication & Dissemination: Enhancing skills in scientific writing, data presentation, and public speaking through conference participation and manuscript preparation.

• Project Management: Developing skills in managing research timelines, resources, and collaborations within a grant framework.

• Networking: Building a professional network with leading academics and practitioners in AI, HCI, and medical research.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential challenges inherent in advanced research roles and highlights the significant learning and development opportunities available to a postdoctoral scholar in this field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex AI or HCI research project you've worked on. What was your specific contribution, and what were the key challenges and outcomes?" (Focus on articulating your process, problem-solving, and impact.)

• "How would you approach designing a user interface for an agentic AI system intended for clinical researchers who may have limited technical backgrounds?" (Demonstrate your user-centered design process and understanding of user needs.)

• "What systematic evaluation methods would you employ to assess the effectiveness and usability of an AI-powered research dashboard?" (Showcase your knowledge of HCI research methodologies and data analysis.)

• "Discuss your experience with AI/ML libraries and programming languages. How have you used them in your research?" (Be ready to detail your technical skills and practical application.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working at the University of Tennessee and specifically on this pediatric research project?" (Connect your research interests and career goals to the specific opportunity.)

• "How do you approach collaboration within an interdisciplinary research team?" (Highlight your teamwork, communication, and ability to work with diverse perspectives.)

• "What are your long-term career aspirations after completing your postdoctoral fellowship?" (Show your ambition and how this role fits into your career path.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the methods used, the results, and the implications.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your thought process, design decisions, and research methodologies. Show how you arrived at your solutions.

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs and research.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical implementation, research choices, and findings.

• Showcase Adaptability: If applicable, discuss how you adapted your approach based on feedback or unforeseen challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to the AI UX/HCI research context, focusing on questions that probe technical depth, research methodology, and collaborative capabilities, along with specific portfolio presentation guidance.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Postdoctoral Scholar position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete the online application form through the University of Tennessee's Oracle Cloud portal.

• Tailor Your CV: Ensure your Curriculum Vitae highlights your Ph.D. research, relevant publications, AI/ML, HCI/UX skills, software development experience, and any user study or evaluation work.

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Clearly articulate your interest in this specific role, your relevant expertise, and how your skills align with the project's objectives and the University's research mission.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Organize digital examples of your work, including research projects, UI/dashboard designs, and case studies of user evaluations. Be ready to present these effectively.

• Research the Team: Familiarize yourself with the Principal Investigator's research, recent publications, and the overall goals of the pediatric research initiative to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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