Research and Development Scientist and Engineer (24-Month Fixed-Term)

Design, develop, execute and implement specialized equipment or instruments, or systems for a research science and engineering projects. May oversee technicians, collaborate with other engineers and researchers, coordinate interdisciplinary activities and research efforts, and contribute to scientific literature and conferences.

Stanford University is seeking a Machine Learning Engineer (Research and Development Scientist and Engineer 1) to help monitor AI tools that are or will be used autonomously in clinics. The candidate will help build and maintain a system that keeps track of how clinical AI tools are performing over time, including noticing when the data they see differs from what they were built and tested on. The candidate will also help develop automated checks that evaluate whether these tools are working as expected.

The candidate will manage and organize data such as health records, medical images, clinical notes, wearables, and how they interact with AI systems and tools. The candidate is expected to have experience with standard programming and data analysis tools (such as Python), modern software engineering tools (such as Claude Code), and an interest in the safe use of AI in healthcare.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Doctorate degree in computer science, data science, bioengineering, statistics, or other related quantitative fields. Previous research or laboratory experience preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

Frequently grasp lightly/fine manipulation, perform desk-based computer tasks, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.

Occasionally stand/walk, sit, twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasp forcefully.

Rarely kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other), reach/work above shoulders, use a telephone, writing by hand, sort/file paperwork or parts, operate foot and/or hand controls, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh >40 pounds.

• - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

May be exposed to high voltage electricity, radiation or electromagnetic fields, lasers, noise > 80dB TWA, Allergens/Biohazards/Chemicals /Asbestos, confined spaces, working at heights ≥10 feet, temperature extremes, heavy metals, unusual work hours or routine overtime and/or inclement weather.

May require travel.

ADDITIONAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

This will be a hybrid position, with work occurring both remotely and in person on the Stanford campus.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES INCLUDE*:

Design and develop a monitoring system and automated checks for evaluating clinical AI tools, and coordinate the phases of this work.

Develop methods to detect changes in the data clinical AI tools see, investigate unusual or problematic data, determine the cause, and suggest solutions.

Create new evaluation harnesses and software tools, using modern agentic tools, to test and monitor clinical AI systems.

Collect, manage, and clean datasets related to clinical AI tools, and advise faculty, clinicians, and research staff on monitoring and evaluation methods.

Prepare reports, charts, graphs and tables for investigators, contribute to manuscripts and grant applications, and document data sources, evaluation procedures, and software so that others can understand and repeat them.

• - Other duties may also be assigned.

Responsibilities

• Core Duties: Design and develop complex and specialized equipment, instruments, or systems; coordinate detailed phases of work related to responsibility for part of a major project or for an entire project of moderate scope.
• Develop technical and methodological solutions to complex engineering/scientific problems requiring independent analytical thinking and advanced knowledge.
• Develop creative new or improved equipment, materials, technologies, processes, methods, or software important to the advancement of the field.
• Contribute technical expertise, and perform basic research and development in support of programs/projects; act as advisor/consultant in area of specialty.
• Contribute to portions of published articles or presentations; prepare and write reports; draft and prepare scientific papers.
• Provide technical direction to other research staff, engineering associates, technicians, and/or students, as needed.
• Minimum Education and
• Experience
• Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Thorough knowledge of the principles of engineering and related natural sciences.
• Demonstrated project management experience.