Postdoc Scholar - Research Associate

The USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute and Laboratory of Neuro Imaging (LONI, 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 Zhao lab focuses on imaging-omics studies to elucidate quantitative and mechanistic aspects of the brain implicated in development, aging and pathological conditions. Integrating large-scale biobank data, big data discovery techniques, and advanced machine intelligence approaches, we identify novel multimodal (imaging, genetics, phenotypes) feature combinations and develop models that explain such interactions in development, aging and neuropathology.

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar Research Associate to join our research efforts to reveal the neurobiological pathways through which the pathological brain structural abnormalities and clinical symptoms of major neurodevelopmental/neurodegenerative disorders arise. The successful candidate will contribute to ongoing computational studies and pursue innovative research projects. We also encourage and support the scholar to compete for fellowships funding and grants whenever possible. This Postdoctoral Scholar Research Associate will serve as a key personnel on Dr. Lu Zhao's research projects. They will participate in all lab activities for the purpose of enhancing and developing research competencies, and will participate in planning, designing and conducting highly technical and complex research projects under the direction of Dr. Zhao’s supervision. They will also analyze research data and provides interpretations, contribute to the development of research documentation for publication and/or prepares technical reports, papers and/or records. This immediate position is a two-year term with a possible extension upon satisfaction. Salary will follow NIH guidelines and will be commensurate with experience.

• A PhD or equivalent doctoral degree (or close to completion) in Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Computational Science, or a related discipline.
• Expertise in neuroimage analysis, medical imaging, genetics, machine learning and/or artificial intelligence.
• Experience in multimodal brain image processing and analysis using software tools such as FreeSurfer, FSL, AFNI, SPM, MRtrix3 or others.
• Computing and programming skills using Matlab, Python, R, and bash scripting.
• Excellent communication and writing skills.
• Knowledge on biobank databases (e.g. ABCD, UK Biobank, ADNI), bioinformatics, web development, as well as understanding about pathophysiology of major neurodevelopmental/neurodegenerative disorders will be highly valuable, but not a prerequisite.

Special Application Instructions (optional):

Review of applications will be immediately and continue until the position is filled. If interested, please send a cover letter and CV to Dr. Lu Zhao (lu.zhao@loni.usc.edu). Applicants are also encouraged to reach out for any inquiries.

The annual base salary range for this position is $62,000 - $70,000. 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.

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 Dfor specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. 

Keck School of Medicine: Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute