Project Assistant

Talentify; California (MO); On-site; USD 74,386,000 - 83,097,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Southern California Imaging Genetics Center is seeking a talented Project Assistant to perform research on brain imaging data and connectivity. The role involves pre/post-processing MRI/DTI data and applying machine learning methods to large neuroimaging datasets.

Ideal candidates hold a bachelor’s/master’s in engineering, CS, math, statistics, or neuroscience, with programming in Matlab, Python, R, and shell scripting, and experience with FSL or SPM.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, CS, math, statistics, neuroscience, or related field.
• Programming skills in Matlab, Python, R, C++, shell scripting, and knowledge of imaging tools.
• FSL or SPM experience preferred for neuroimaging analysis.

Responsibilities

• Pre/post-processing of raw imaging data (MRI, DTI, etc.).
• Assess brain connectivity in neurological and psychiatric disorders.
• Implement ML/DL methods on large-scale brain imaging datasets.
• Develop expertise with image processing tools and shell scripting; manage timelines.

Skills

Matlab

Python

R

C++

Shell scripting

Image analysis concepts

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

FSL

SPM

Job description

The USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute and
Laboratory of Neuro Imaging (INI, www.ini.usc.edu) are world leaders in the
development of advanced computational and scientific approaches for the
comprehensive mapping of brain structure and function. LONI’s unique multidisciplinary
environment and cutting edge resources allow for integration of clinical, psychological
and genotypic information with neuroimaging phenotypes for research questions in
neurology, psychiatry and developmental neurobiology.

The Imaging Genetics Center (http://igc.ini.usc.edu) in Marina del Rey, California is looking for talented full-time Project Assistant to perform research including analysis of brain images. The 30-member team at IGC is the hub of the ENIGMA project (http://enigma.ini.usc.edu/), which integrates brain imaging data from 185 institutions around the world. We are actively involved in some of the largest-ever brain imaging studies of diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, HIV/AIDS, schizophrenia, depression, bipolar illness, and Parkinson’s disease, studying brain scans from thousands of patients. We also lead or participate in numerous studies of normal development, genetics, traumatic brain injury, and brain connectivity. Our laboratory writes and applies novel computational algorithms to study how major psychiatric and neurological diseases affect brain structure, function, and connectivity.

Job Function

The Project Assistant will be in charge of pre/post-processing raw imaging data (MRI,
DTI, etc.) and will assess brain connectivity in a range of neurological and psychiatric
disorders – including Alzheimer's, bipolar disorder, brain trauma, and childhood
developmental disorders. Some projects will involve implementing machine learning and
deep learning methods to large-scale brain imaging datasets and biobank data.
Will become an expert with image processing and other computational tools (i.e., FSL)
Will use shell scripting on a regular basis
Will work with team to develop realistic but challenging timelines

Basic Qualifications

The successful applicant will be a reliable, independent worker with a bachelor’s or
master’s degree in engineering, computer science, math, statistics, neuroscience, or a
related field.

Computer programming skills in Matlab, Python, R, C++, shell scripting and knowledge
of image analysis software such as FSL or SPM are preferred
Knowledge of advanced statistics or genetics is a plus
This full-time position is ideal for candidates looking to spend a couple of years doing
neuroimaging research before medical school or an advanced graduate degree.

Preferred Education

Master’s degree in applied statistics or a related field.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Minimum Experience: 1 year Minimum
Field of Expertise: Knowledge of data collection procedures and some experience with
proposal preparation and production of technical documents

The hourly rate range for this position is $25.96 - $ 29.00. When extending an offer of
employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not
limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Minimum Education: High school or equivalent
Minimum Experience: 1 year
Minimum Field of Expertise: Knowledge of data collection procedures and some experience with proposal preparation and production of technical documents

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at [phone], or by email at [e-mail]. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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