Research Associate | Temporary Full Time (1.0 FTE) | CHEO Research Institute

CHEO

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The CHEO Research Institute is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to support its neuroimaging research program within the Nakua Research Group. This senior role will lead the development and maintenance of the group’s neuroimaging infrastructure and contribute to the design and execution of studies focused on intergenerational psychiatry. The lab investigates the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the intergenerational transmission of psychiatric symptoms, using large population-based cohorts and lab-specific studies. The Research Associate will work in an interdisciplinary environment integrating multimodal neuroimaging, clinical, and biological data, in close collaboration with clinicians, neuroscientists, and international research consortia. Responsibilities include contributing to the strategic development of research programmes, leading data-driven investigations, and coordinating across collaborative networks. Expertise in human neuroimaging, imaging pipelines, bioinformatics infrastructure, and data sharing is required. The Research Associate will work closely with Dr. Nakua to help shape the lab’s infrastructure and research direction. The ideal candidate thinks independently, is self-directed, and takes initiative to bring novel ideas to the table.

Requirements

PhD in neuroimaging, bioinformatics, computational neuroscience, or a closely related discipline (Essential)
Technical expertise in data management of large datasets (Essential)
Experience working with compute clusters and high throughput neuroimaging data analyses (Essential)
Proven ability to design research projects, develop scientific hypotheses, and analyze data (Essential)
Experience working with neuroimaging pipelines (e.g., MRIQC, fMRIPrep, BIDS) (Essential)
Knowledge of FAIR data principles and experience contributing to or managing shared research data resources or platforms (Essential)
Strong scientific writing skills, with experience preparing manuscripts for submission to high-impact journals (Essential)
Experience with omics and data-driven analyses (Essential)
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary and international research environment (Essential)
Proficiency in bioinformatics and computer skills – R, high throughput data analysis, sequencing (Essential)
Experience working with Linux Systems (Essential)
Broad interest in computer systems, GPU, high throughput analyses, and IT skills (Essential)
Curious and self-driven to solve problems and complete projects and tasks to completion (Essential)
Eligible to work in Canada
Compliance with CHEO RI’s Universal COVID-19 Vaccination Policy
Police Record Check

Nice To Haves

Outstanding organizational, accountability and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple research activities simultaneously (Preferred)
Experience with methods assessment, development and innovation pertaining to neuroimaging research (Preferred)
Experience storing and analyzing data using the Digital Resource Alliance Canada computing clusters (Preferred)
Excellent written and verbal communication skills (Preferred)
Bilingualism (English/French) (Preferred)

Responsibilities

Organize and manage clinical and neuroimaging data collected from lab-specific studies.
Develop and maintain the neuroimaging infrastructure and pipelines (e.g., fMRIPrep, BIDS, etc.) within the lab.
Process neuroimaging data using current gold standards and updating processing pipelines based on latest upgrades.
Obtain access, download, and store data acquired from publicly available datasets.
Perform quality control on adult, child, and infant neuroimaging data.
Maintain secure and organized storage systems for all laboratory data in accordance with TCPS 2, ICH‑GCP, and institutional policies and the associated protocols.
Design, implement, and oversee bioinformatic and analytical approaches for the analysis of multidimensional datasets (including multimodal neuroimaging, genetic, clinical, environmental data).
Contribute to the development of FAIR-compliant data resources and support responsible data sharing in national and international research platforms.
Lead and contribute to research projects in intergenerational neuroimaging studies, transdiagnostic clinical samples, multidimensional data integration, data-driven analyses.
Support the study start-up process, including the development and completion of Research Ethics Board (REB) submissions.
Contribute to data analysis for publications and grants.
Contribute to the development and preparation of grant applications to various funding agencies.
Contribute to the preparation of manuscripts, reports, and presentations for scientific publication and dissemination at conferences and workshops.
Supervise and mentor trainees and graduate students involved in the lab.
Represent the research team at national and international conferences and academic meetings.
Contribute to the strategic planning and coordination of the lab run by Dr. Nakua.
Perform other duties as assigned or directed to meet the goals and objectives of Dr. Nakua’s Research Group.