Clinical Data Analyst – Brain and Metabolism Imaging

About Us

Pennington Biomedical Research Center, a campus of Louisiana State University, is at the forefront of medical discovery related to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and dementia. The Center conducts basic, clinical, and population research, enabling both focused and translational science. Research is supported by multiple NIH Research Centers and includes approximately 65 faculty and 20 postdoctoral fellows across 44 laboratories and 13 core service facilities. Located on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Pennington Biomedical features state-of-the-art research facilities.

About the Role

Pennington Biomedical Research Center is seeking a Clinical Data Analyst to support research efforts in the Brain and Metabolism Imaging laboratory. The role involves managing and organizing biomedical imaging datasets, providing technical support for computational neuroscience research, and coordinating the acquisition, storage, and processing of imaging data such as MRI and PET scans.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and optimize automated neuroimaging processing pipelines for multimodal MRI datasets using Python, MATLAB, Bash, and neuroimaging software including FreeSurfer, FSL, ANTs, and SPM.
• Manage Linux workstations and high-performance computing (HPC) environments, including software installation, system configuration, troubleshooting, performance optimization, and job scheduling.
• Administer Linux user accounts, groups, file system permissions, shared storage, and access controls to ensure secure, reliable, and efficient utilization of research computing resources.
• Process MRI scans through the creation, implementation, and maintenance of imaging analysis pipelines, and troubleshoot processing errors to ensure data accuracy and workflow efficiency.
• Prepare presentation materials, including PowerPoint slides and Excel spreadsheets, to summarize study progress and findings.
• Track data collection and imaging completion across study participants to ensure timely and accurate dataset updates.
• Collaborate with undergraduate students, study staff, doctoral researchers, principal investigators (PIs), and postdoctoral fellows across multiple study sites to coordinate and maintain data integrity.
• Compile imaging metrics, statistics, and other data for reports, grant submissions, and research documentation.
• Provide administrative and operational support to the Lab Manager and Principal Investigator as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the goals of the research program.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Biostatistics, Information Systems, Data Analytics, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of one (1) year of professional experience in database management/data analysis using SPSS, SAS, or other statistical software.
• Experience administering Linux systems, including user account management, file permissions, software installation, shell scripting, and system troubleshooting.
• Programming knowledge in Python, MATLAB, and Bash for workflow automation and data processing.
• Experience using neuroimaging software such as FreeSurfer, FSL, ANTs, SPM, or comparable medical image analysis tools.
• Experience working with high-performance computing (HPC) or distributed computing environments, including workload management systems (e.g., HTCondor), container technologies (Apptainer/Singularity or Docker), and scientific computing workflows.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel for data manipulation and analysis.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure data accuracy and integrity.
• Effective time management skills to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in writing detailed reports and presenting data insights to non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three (3) to five (5) years of professional experience in database management/data analysis using SPSS, SAS, or other statistical software.
• Experience with database management systems (e.g., SQL).
• Familiarity with research methods and data collection techniques.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Flexibility to adapt to new tools, technologies, and methodologies.

Benefits

Pennington Biomedical Research Center offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents, including:

• Health, life, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Retirement options.
• Various leave options and paid holidays.
• Wellness benefits.
• Tuition exemption for qualified positions.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Employee discounts.

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana will be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, and may not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check. Pennington Biomedical Research Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.