Research Specialist D

Job Description

The Research Specialist works closely with the principal investigator as well as other collaborating investigators and CNDS staff in carrying out CNDS research. The Research Specialist works closely with the principal investigator as well as other collaborating investigators and CNDS staff in carrying out CNDS research. He/she conducts human neuroimaging research focused on the neuroscience of depression, post-traumatic stress and anxiety. The Research Specialist will understand and utilize AFNI, ANTs, FSL, Freesurfer, Connectome Workbench, fMRIPrep for existing functional MRI analysis. He/she will design, implement and program functional MRI analysis pipelines using shell scripting, MATLAB, and Python and will use advanced statistical analysis including multivariate methods, data reduction techniques, structural equation modeling, survival analysis and Bayesian hierarchical imaging models, graph neural networks. The specialist will develop new skills and analysis techniques across a number of research methodologies, to adapt the latest advanced analytic techniques to the datasets, for example support vector machine classifiers. In addition, he/she is expected to have advanced programming skills to troubleshoot problem scripts in various aspects of data analysis, including the Real Time data that is transferred to the cloud for analysis, the development and acquisition of novel brain targets for TMS stimulation and troubleshooting data harmonization across sites. He/she will have knowledge of JavaScript, Python and HTML to supervise the maintenance of the CNDS website by other CNDS personnel. The Research Specialist will oversee the management of data for 2 large multi-center grants. For one of them Penn is the data coordinating center, responsible for harmonizing and analyzing the data across all 4 sites. For the other, multi-center grant, Penn is the corresponding site, responsible to NIMH for all data inquiries. He/she will assist with programming methods for a cloud-based data analysis stream, with advanced scripts to implement the data processing to capture the fMRI data in the scanner, transmit it to the cloud where it undergoes machine learning decision making and then is sent back to the scanner. He/she will be responsible for the targeting of brain targets for a new focused ultrasound sonication. He/she will hold an engineering degree or a degree in a related field and will be responsible for maintaining the transducer and its connections as well as for fMRI data analysis of the LIFU intervention. As additional new projects are inaugurated he/she will assist in implementation and will be responsible for data analysis and programming.

Job Responsibilities

• Design, implementation and programming of functional MRI analysis pipelines using shell scripting.
• Acquire data using advanced statistical techniques including multivariate methods, data reduction techniques such as lasso, structural equation modeling, survival analysis and Bayesian inference
• Oversee the management and sharing of datasets for the CNDS including large consortium datasets across 2 different 4-site projects. Oversee data harmonization.
• Train, manage and mentor the coordinators in MRI scanning administration/ knowledge and in data analysis. Supervise maintenance of CNDS website.
• Assume responsibility for new projects. Conduct low intensity ultrasound studies including target development, sonication and fMRI analysis of pre-post circuit effects. Implement the new psychedelic projects.
• Conduct MRI scans as backup
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

• Master of Science and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

• Position is contingent upon continued funding.

• Job Location - City, State

• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Department / School

• Perelman School of Medicine

• Pay Range

• $67,155.00 - $76,973.25 Annual Rate

• Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

• Equal Opportunity Statement

• The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

• Special Requirements

• Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

• University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

• Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galler