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 normal 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 brain connectivity in a range of neurological and psychiatric disorders – including Alzheimer's, bipolar disorder, brain trauma, and childhood developmental disorders. Some projects will involve implementing machine learning and deep learning methods to large-scale brain imaging datasets and biobank data.
• Will become an expert with image processing and other computational tools (i.e., FSL)
• Will use shell scripting on a regular basis
• Will work with team to develop realistic but challenging time lines 

Basic Qualifications

• The successful applicant will be a reliable, independent worker with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, computer science, math, statistics, neuroscience, 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 $24.93 - $ 26.72. 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: High school or equivalent Minimum Experience: 1 year Minimum Field of Expertise: Knowledge of data collection procedures and some experience with proposal preparation and production of technical documents