Project Assistant

The USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute and Laboratory of Neuro Imaging (INI, www.ini.usc.edu) are world leaders in the development of advanced computational and scientific approaches for the comprehensive mapping of brain structure and function. LONI’s unique multidisciplinary environment and cutting edge resources allow for integration of clinical, psychological and genotypic information with neuroimaging phenotypes for research questions in neurology, psychiatry and developmental neurobiology.

The Imaging Genetics Center (http://igc.ini.usc.edu) in Marina del Rey, California is looking for talented full-time Project Assistant to perform research including analysis of brain images. The 30-member team at IGC is the hub of the ENIGMA project (http://enigma.ini.usc.edu/), which integrates brain imaging data from 185 institutions around the world. We are actively involved in some of the largest-ever brain imaging studies of diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, HIV/AIDS, schizophrenia, depression, bipolar illness, and Parkinson’s disease, studying brain scans from thousands of patients. We also lead or participate in numerous studies of typical development, genetics, traumatic brain injury, and brain connectivity. Our laboratory writes and applies novel computational algorithms to study how major psychiatric and neurological diseases affect brain structure, function, and connectivity.

Job Function

The Project Assistant will be in charge of pre/post-processing raw imaging data (MRI, DTI, etc.) and will assess advanced brain features in a range of psychiatric, neurological and developmental disorders. Some projects will involve implementing advanced statistical models including machine learning and deep learning methods to large-scale brain imaging datasets and biobank data. The Project Assistant will:

• Apply expertise to a range of image processing, curation, quality control, and computational tools (i.e., FSL, FreeSurfer)
• Use shell scripting on a regular basis
• Work with the wider lab team to develop realistic but challenging timelines 

Basic Qualifications

The successful applicant will be a reliable, independent worker with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in (bio)engineering, computer science, math, statistics, neuroscience, data science, or a related field.

Computer programming skills in Matlab, Python, R, C++, shell scripting and knowledge of image analysis software such as FSL or SPM are preferred

Knowledge of advanced statistics or genetics is a plus.

This full-time position is ideal for candidates looking to spend a couple of years doing neuroimaging research before medical school or an advanced graduate degree. 

Preferred Education

Master’s degree in applied statistics or a related field.

The hourly rate range for this position is $25.96 - $ 27.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent 

Minimum Experience: 1 year Minimum 

Field of Expertise: Knowledge of neuroscience/neuroimaging data collection procedures and some experience with proposal preparation and production of technical documents

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. 

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at [email protected]. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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