Research Specialist D

University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine

7d•$67,155 - $76,973•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Master of Science and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Understanding and utilization of AFNI, ANTs, FSL, Freesurfer, Connectome Workbench, fMRIPrep for existing functional MRI analysis.
Design, implementation and programming of functional MRI analysis pipelines using shell scripting, MATLAB, and Python.
Advanced statistical analysis including multivariate methods, data reduction techniques, structural equation modeling, survival analysis and Bayesian hierarchical imaging models, graph neural networks.
Advanced programming skills to troubleshoot problem scripts in various aspects of data analysis.
Knowledge of JavaScript, Python and HTML.
Engineering degree or a degree in a related field.

Nice To Haves

Support vector machine classifiers.
Troubleshoot Real Time data that is transferred to the cloud for analysis.
Development and acquisition of novel brain targets for TMS stimulation.
Troubleshoot data harmonization across sites.
Supervise the maintenance of the CNDS website by other CNDS personnel.
Assist with programming methods for a cloud-based data analysis stream.
Responsible for the targeting of brain targets for a new focused ultrasound sonication.
Maintaining the transducer and its connections as well as for fMRI data analysis of the LIFU intervention.
Assist in implementation and will be responsible for data analysis and programming for new projects.

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

Benefits

Excellent healthcare
Tuition benefits for employees and their families
Generous retirement benefits
Wide variety of professional development opportunities
Supportive work and family benefits
Wealth of health and wellness programs and resources
Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits
Flexible spending accounts
Tuition assistance for employee, spouse, and dependent children
Retirement plans (Basic, Matching, and Supplemental)
Time away from work
Long-Term Care Insurance
Wellness and Work-life Resources
Professional and Personal Development resources
Access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities
Discounts and Special Services
Flexible Work Hours
Penn Home Ownership Services
Adoption Assistance