*_Title:_* “Brain Imaging Data Analyst/Programmer”
*_Proposed Start Date:_* 01/02/2014 (Negotiable)
*_Position Summary/Purpose of Position:_*
Candidates are being considered for a Brain Imaging Data Analyst /
Programmer position to support investigators in the Brian and Behavioral
Sciences (BBS) Center who are using cutting-edge brain imaging and
electrophysiological techniques, including conventional and multi-band
task-related fMRI, resting-state fMRI, DTI, and concurrent EEG/fMRI. The
BBS Center is located within the Department of Psychology
(
http://psychology.umd.edu/) at the University of Maryland and has close
ties with the Maryland Neuroimaging Center (Dr. Luiz Pessoa, Director),
conveniently located 5 minutes from the Department by car. Consult with
researchers, staff, and students on the design, collection, processing,
and analysis of high-dimensional brain imaging and EEG data sets.
Participate in the design of long-term and complex studies. This is an
ideal opportunity for tech-savvy individuals with prior experience
working in a neuroimaging or similar biomedical research environment at
the undergraduate, graduate, or post-doctoral levels.
This advertisement is for a Faculty Research Assistant (BS/BA or MA/MS)
or Research Associate/Staff Scientist (Ph.D./MD). The particulars of the
title and compensation will depend on the experience, education, and
professional training of the applicant.
*_Essential Duties and Responsibilities:_*
1.Support the Analysis AND Acquisition of Physiological and Behavioral
Measures (80%):
oWork closely with faculty and trainees to co-develop and refine Matlab,
bash, and Python scripts for processing and analyzing high-dimensional
physiological data using AFNI, ANTS, SPM, FSL, EEGLAB and other
packages. Data includes structural/functional MRI, EEG, and peripheral
physiology
oProgram experiments (i.e., stimulus delivery and response measurement)
in Eprime, PsychToolbox, Presentation, or other software packages
oAssist users with MRI peripheral apparatus (e.g., fiber-optic user I/O
devices), EEG equipment, and apparatus for measuring peripheral
physiology (Biopac) as well as eyetracking
oAssist with fMRI data collection as necessary
oAssist BBL Center investigators with preparing text and figures for
presentations, manuscripts, and grant applications
oCreate and maintain web- or Wiki-based tutorials and documentation.
Lead tutorial workshops.
2.General IT and System Administration Support (20%; as needed):
oFile Server/ Network Administration (updates, upgrades, and routine
maintenance; install and verify installation of updates/patches);
maintain network security; compile, configure, and maintain networked
applications; create, maintain, and audit user accounts across various
systems)
oPlan for anticipated upgrades and performance improvements as the
network grows in computing, storage, and bandwidth needs (e.g., consult
closely with senior researchers and monitor server usage to anticipate
server growth requirements; proactively help to coordinate
data-intensive research projects; assist users with troubleshooting IT
problems; communicate regularly with BBS and MNC Directors, senior
researchers, and users to maintain awareness of current and future user
needs)
oWorkstation Application / Hardware Administration / General IT Support
(e.g., install and configure workstation OS; install and configure
applications on Windows and/or Apple workstations; maintain and update
licensed and unlicensed applications and security-software; maintain and
manage local printers; communicate regularly with BBS Director, senior
researchers, and users to maintain awareness of perceived user needs and
disseminate best practices)
oData Backup and Integrity (e.g., verify that valid backups occur;
troubleshoot and resolve issues; restore archived data as needed; work
with BBS Director, senior researchers, and users to balance,
space/performance trade-offs)
*_Minimum Qualifications Required to Perform Work:_*
oA Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, including psychology,
biology/neuroscience, physics, engineering, computer science, or (must
show evidence that the relevant degree will be completed before the
start of the position)
oFamiliarity with scripting languages (e.g., Java, Perl, Python, Ruby on
Rails), Matlab, Eprime/Presentation/PTB, or neuroimaging software
packages (AFNI, ANTS, BrainVoyager, Camino, DTI-TK, EEGLAB, ERPLAB,
Freesurfer, FSL, GIFT, or SPM)
oFamiliarity with statistics principles (e.g., GLM) and software (e.g.,
R, SPSS)
oPrior experience with or willing to learn IT/system administration
responsibilities “on the job” in collaboration with Department and
University IT staff
oAbility to multitask, manage time effectively, and document projects
oAbility to proactively and clearly communicate and interact with a
multi-disciplinary team of investigators, staff, and trainees in a
variety of settings (e.g., face to face, email, phone, videoconference)
oMust work well independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
with a wide range of expertise and skill sets
oMust be able to contribute to a positive work environment
oMust have flexible working hours to include occasional weekend/evening
ocoverage for emergencies (e.g., unplanned network outages, grant deadlines)
oAbility to clearly and honestly communicate with a wide range of
audiences (IT staff, faculty investigators, scientific staff, graduate
and undergraduate students)
*_Preferences (The ideal candidate would have):_*
oMasters or higher degree in a relevant field of neurobiology, medicine,
psychology, engineering, or IT/CS
oPrior experience with teaching, instruction, or coaching
oPrior experience collecting/analyzing brain imaging or EEG datasets
oPrior experience with managing people and projects
oExpertise in applied multivariate statistics and/or advanced
neuroimaging techniques (e.g., DCM, gPPI, LASSO-PCR, mediation, MVPA) is
also highly desirable
oPrior experience with scientific communication (poster presentations,
peer reviewed publications) and/or successful grant/fellowship applications
*_ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS_*
The position can start at any time. This is a one year position that is
renewable for a total of at least three years contingent on performance
and funding. The University of Maryland is an Equal
Opportunity/Affirmative-Action Employer. Qualified applicants will
receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color,
religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, citizenship status,
Vietnam era or special disabled veteran’s status, or sexual orientation.
The University of Maryland strongly encourages applications from
candidates who would enhance campus diversity.
*_CONTACT_*
For additional information, contact Prof. Shackman (shackman(a)umd.edu
<mailto:shackman@umd.edu>). To apply, please email a cover letter,
relevant transcripts, a current CV or resume, and the names and contact
information for three references. Review of applications will begin
immediately and continue until the position is filled.
--
Prof. Alexander J. Shackman, Ph.D.
University of Maryland
Affective and Translational Neuroscience Laboratory
Department of Psychology | Maryland Neuroimaging Center | Neuroscience
Program (NACS)
Biology/Psychology Building
College Park, MD 20742-4411
Telephone: +1 (608) 358-5025
Email: shackman(a)umd.edu <mailto:shackman@wisc.edu>
http://shackmanlab.org {under construction}
ATN Laboratory: Suite 0124 BPS | 301-405-0042 | shackmanlab1(a)gmail.com
<mailto:shackmanlab1@gmail.com>
Faculty Office: 3123G BPS