Research Scientist - Department of AI&I

The Research Scientist will play a key leadership and scientific role within the sponsoring research program, contributing to the design, execution, and dissemination of innovative research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, health communication, and digital health equity. This individual will significantly contribute to grant writing and serve as co-investigator or co-principal investigator on extramural grant applications led by the principal investigator, with opportunities to serve as principal investigator on collaborative projects.

The Research Scientist is expected to develop and lead a focused research portfolio leveraging emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and social network analysis, to advance health communication, reduce misinformation, and address health disparities across diverse populations. The role includes leading research on digital health interventions such as AI-driven communication tools, chatbots, behavior ontologies, and virtual agents, studying the diffusion of health information and misinformation across media ecosystems, and advancing ethical and equitable applications of AI in healthcare.

The individual will serve as a key internal and external representative of the research program, collaborating across multidisciplinary teams including clinicians, data scientists, and informaticians. They may represent the principal investigator at national or international meetings and contribute to strategic partnerships with academic, industry, and public health stakeholders.

The Research Scientist will lead and manage independent and collaborative research projects in AI-enabled health communication and digital health, contribute to programmatic development in areas such as virtual trials, AI-driven patient engagement, and health equity research, mentor trainees and junior investigators, provide intellectual leadership in study design and methodology, and support teaching and training activities aligned with the investigator’s program.

The Research Scientist candidate must have a doctoral level degree and a minimum of 6 years of postdoctoral research training at Mayo or elsewhere (8 years preferred). Candidates must demonstrate a strong, independent research program in health communication, digital health, or AI in healthcare, particularly involving social media, misinformation, or health disparities. Expertise in computational methods such as natural language processing, machine learning, or social network analysis applied to health-related data is expected. The candidate should have experience in interdisciplinary collaboration with clinical, public health, or biomedical research teams and a track record of extramural funding, high-impact publications, and national or international recognition.

The candidate must hold or be eligible for an academic appointment at Mayo Clinic and demonstrate the ability to contribute to an established, high-impact research program.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience leading research on AI-enabled health promotion, digital interventions, or chatbot-based communication tools is preferred. A strong background in health misinformation, risk communication, or crisis communication is desirable. Expertise in cultural, behavioral, and social determinants of health is highly valued. Experience working with large-scale social media or real-world data and prior funding from agencies such as NIH or foundations are also preferred.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, refugee or asylee.

Why Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is top-ranked in more specialties than any other care provider according to U.S. News & World Report. As we work together to put the needs of the patient first, we are also dedicated to our employees, investing in competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit plans – to take care of you and your family, now and in the future. And with continuing education and advancement opportunities at every turn, you can build a long, successful career with Mayo Clinic.
Benefits Highlights

• Medical: Multiple plan options.
• Dental: Delta Dental or reimbursement account for flexible coverage.
• Vision: Affordable plan with national network.
• Pre-Tax Savings: HSA and FSAs for eligible expenses.
• Retirement: Competitive retirement package to secure your future.