Research Specialist

The Research Specialist will join the investigative team of the Large-Scale Imaging of Neural Circuits (LINC) project, contributing to an NIH BRAIN Initiative effort to produce first-ever maps of brain connections across scales. This multi-disciplinary project involves experts from nine institutions developing novel imaging technologies and machine learning to create detailed wiring diagrams of the brain.

About the role

The Research Specialist will contribute to the LINC project by collecting and analyzing ex vivo MRI and optical microscopy images. The position offers opportunities to participate in publications and work in a fast-paced research environment at the cutting edge of neuroimaging method development.

Responsibilities

• Investigate, create, and develop new methods and technologies for research advancement.
• Contribute to scientific literature, reports, journals, and presentations.
• Develop proposals and study plans, coordinating institutional and external reviews.
• Supervise routine reports of laboratory studies for industry and academic collaborators.
• Report progress at weekly laboratory seminars.
• Write experimental work for grant applications, book chapters, and journal publications.
• Prepare summaries of laboratory studies for meeting presentations and publications.
• Calculate, transcribe, analyze, and prepare figures of data using advanced statistical techniques.
• Identify, interpret, and apply findings and methods from scientific literature relevant to projects.
• Develop tissue processing and data acquisition protocols for MRI and/or optical microscopy.
• Plan, monitor, and revise data acquisition schedules to meet project milestones.
• Handle and prepare post mortem brain samples for imaging.
• Perform and troubleshoot MRI and/or optical microscopy scans of post mortem brain samples.
• Monitor imaging equipment performance and schedule maintenance with manufacturers.
• Write, test, and troubleshoot computer code for analysis and visualization of imaging data.
• Assist with quality assurance, pre-processing, and annotation of imaging data.
• Maintain lab documentation, software repositories, and data archives.
• Assist with compiling research publications, proposals, and progress reports.
• Onboard and train new research staff on data acquisition, management, and analysis.
• Supervise up to 4 team members, including junior technicians or interns.

Requirements

• Master's Degree in a related field of study (engineering, applied math, computer science, or related field preferred).
• 3-5 years of experience in an academic or laboratory research setting.
• 3-5 years of prior professional experience in a biomedical imaging research lab, performing both data acquisition and analysis.
• Prior experience in MRI or optical imaging.

Skills

• Strong mathematical skills, as evidenced by relevant coursework.
• Demonstrated interest in neuroscience and imaging.
• Excellent organizational, oral, and written communication skills.
• High comfort level with computers and ability to write, test, and troubleshoot computer code.
• Ability to work independently and within an integrated research team.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and handle fluctuating priorities and deadlines.
• High degree of professionalism and attention to detail.
• Problem-solving skills and willingness to take initiative.

Working Conditions

• Position involves working in MRI or optical imaging facilities with fixed post mortem brains, as well as in a computer lab.
• Flexibility to perform or monitor data acquisition on evenings or weekends, depending on scheduling constraints.
• Onsite work location at 149 Thirteenth Street Building 149.

Pay

$63,252.80 - $102,596.00/Annual

Schedule

• Full-time, 40 scheduled weekly hours.
• Day shift.