Data Analyst I

A full-time Imaging Informatics Analyst/ Neuroimaging/Computational Data Analyst position is available at the A.A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging/Center for Neuroimaging in Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorders at Massachusetts General Hospital, an affiliate of Harvard Medical school, for NIH-funded research projects studying imaging biomarkers of cognition and disease progression in individuals with neurodegenerative disorders with a focus on Huntington's disease and Alzheimer Disease in Down Syndrome. The Martinos Center offers an excellent training environment and resources for career advancement, as well as a wealth of institutional expertise in all areas of medical imaging. The position requires strong computer science skills, high-level technical and analytical skills, strong troubleshooting abilities, strong research and writing skills, and the ability to work independently. The research is firmly rooted in multimodal imaging. Dr.Rosas' group specializes in the use of MRI analysis (e.g., structural, diffusion, functional) and PET analyses for the in vivo assessment of physiologic parameters (e.g., blood flow, glucose metabolism, neurotransmitter system function and neuropathological protein accumulation (e.g., amyloid-beta plaques, hyperphosphorylated tau).
Working independently, under minimal supervision, the incumbent will be responsible for acquiring and analyzing high-resolution structural, diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), resting functional MRI, physiological and MRI under carbon dioxide challenge using software developed at the Martinos center as well as acquisition and pre-processing of PET data. Additional responsibilities will include data pre-processing, quality assessment, harmonization, data analyses using both in house and publicly available algorithms as well as group level statistical analyses, use of prediction models/support vector machines/machine learning approaches to understanding disease onset, disease progression and phenotypic variability.
We are interested in integrating multi-modal approaches. This includes collaborations in the application of machine learning and deep learning methods that build on the multimodal research that utilizes multiple types of intra-subject information (e.g., structural and functional MRI, functional PET, behavioral measures) and inter-subject information to provide robust and informative outcome measures.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The responsibilities of the this role are varied and involve all aspects of research with particular emphasis on the following:

• Acquisition of psychophysiological and brain imaging (MRI, PET) data (as above)

• Implementation and management of data processing pipelines

• Conducting analyses on all MRI and PET data which may include: structural, diffusion, arterial spin labeling, cerebrovascular perfusion/reactivity, functional MRI; amyloid/tau/glucose PET pre-processing. Ensuring that protocols are adhered to; flexibility to modify acquisition as needed

• Regular, direct interaction with researchers from within and outside the Martinos Center to assist with imaging data analysis using a range of tools including Bash scripting, Matlab, FSL, Python, FreeSurfer, R, and Statistical Parametric Mapping software

• Ensuring Q/A, with an emphasis on validation, quality evaluations, standardization

• Maintenance of well-organized records and reports, data base entry, database management and query resolution

• Entering data; ensuring that safety reporting is conducted

• Daily communications with PI

• Preparation of research reports for publication and dissemination at scientific conferences

• Day to day operations, as needed, including running participants through the experimental protocols, transferring data, curating data, entering data into RedCap databases, pre-processing, data backup.

• Trouble shooting

• Assisting with the daily maintenance of servers/ensuring integrity of the data structure of the lab

• Working closely with CRC's

• Updating lab SOP's as needed

• Assisting with statistical analyses

• Presenting at lab meetings

• Assisting with study visits/data acquisition, as requested

• Participate in other aspects of research, including academic manuscript development and support for grant writing, as relevant to the skills and interests of the analyst

• Perform other related duties as required/needed, including execute protocols of non-routine experiments

• Assist the PI(s) with determining the most suitable methodology

• Evaluating new methods for analysis

• Perform basic design and modification of protocols

• Prepare and present reports

• Organize and summarize acquired data, using scientific and statistical techniques

• Organize and/or draft material for the preparation of research papers, manuscripts and other documents for publication and/or presentation

• Assisting with training and supervision of new staff

• Develop neuroinformatics tools to track data provenance and project management

• Assist with the training and oversight/supervision of other members of the staff/research team

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:
Required:

• Proficiency in Bash scripting, Python and Matlab

• Some prior experience with neuroimaging software and analysis (e.g., FSL, FreeSurfer, SPM)

• Superior Linux skills and proficiency in bash scripting

• Ability to install and validate new software and teach basic use to new users

• A strong commitment to the development, validation, and implementation of robust and tractable software pipelines

• Ability to work with patients with cognitive difficulties

• The ability to work in an interdisciplinary, diverse, and international team

Preferred:

• Understanding of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

• Basic knowledge of neuroscience and neuroanatomy

• Experience with further fields of relevance, such as High-Performance Computing, machine learning, deep learning, and neuroinformatics would be beneficial

• Basic experience with scientific research summaries and presentations (Excel, Word, Powerpoint)

• Experience with statistical analyses (e.g., R software)

• Proficiency in website building/maintenance using content management systems (e.g., Word Press) Proficiency in statistics and programs such as SPSS are especially desirable. Ability to work independently and as a team member. Analytical skills and ability to resolve technical problems. Must have excellent organizational skills and be able to maintain accurate records.

EDUCATION:
Minimum: Bachelor's Degree.

Preferred: Master's Degree.

Field of Study/Additional Specialized Training: Preferably in medical physics, computer science, bioengineering, mathematics, statistics, neuroimaging, or related field; Hands-on experience designing, developing, implementing, and validating software solutions, with a focus on neuroimaging, neuroinformatics and machine learning applications.

EXPERIENCE:

Required: 1-2 years of experience in Linux (UNIX)-based environments. 1-2 years of experience in software or data management or 1 year of experience if directly related to Matlab, Python, FreeSurfer and/or MRI data.

Preferred: 2 years of experience in neuroimaging analysis.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

No hazardous material exposure;
No exposure to dangerous or adverse working conditions;
No patient contact.

The General Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

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