Position involves working in a fast-paced computational neuroimaging lab. The work is fast-paced, the people are laid-back. The lab is comprised of faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and research assistants from different backgrounds including Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Psychology, Computer Science, Math, Physics, and Biology. Using these different backgrounds, the lab develops and maintains methods & software to acquire and analyze MRI data and performs cutting edge research in a variety of domains.
For this position, the Research Technician (RT) will learn how to run MRI experiments on postmortem human brains using several different MRI scanners (small bore 9.4T, whole body 3T, and/or whole body 7T). Responsibilities of the RT will also include preparing the postmortem brain samples to be scanned, processing the MRI data using our in-house software (FreeSurfer), presenting the data at internal meetings, troubleshooting problems that arise, and analyzing data. Our methods are unique and so all new staff will be trained in them. Candidates with skills & competencies (see below) that support their ability to learn these methods quickly will be strong candidates.
Other projects/tasks the RT could be involved in depending on interest and availability:
- Label neuroanatomy on MRI scans
- Management of IRB protocols & projects
- Develop or improve scripts and/or code (via C shell scripting, C++, or Python)
This is a great position for someone looking to go to graduate school or to determine which field is right for them. We are looking for a 2 year commitment to the position.
Work Format: Position may be on-site or hybrid. Due to the nature of running MRI experiments, some on-site work is required. Some experiments require evening or weekend hours once a month or less.
Skills/Competencies relevant to the position:
- A sound degree of computer literacy & willingness to advance computational skills independently (for working in our UNIX environment, scanning, and data processing)
- Elements of project management will be required to stay on top of the many projects the lab has running in parallel
- Candidate must be able to learn many complicated, technical details over a short period of time and carry out procedures meticulously, taking action to prevent mistakes
- Candidate should not easily be discouraged by failed experiments but enjoy the challenge
- Ability to work independently and improve the quality and efficiency of their own work
- Ability to perform multiple tasks independently, manage their time well and adapt to changing priorities
- Ability to work well on a team and enlist others’ support in achieving objectives
The following skills and competencies are not required but are a plus:
- Knowledge of UNIX. All our computers use the UNIX operating system.
- Programming and/or shell scripting knowledge
- Experience with imaging, MRI scanning and/or analysis
- Knowledge of neuroanatomy
Relevant degrees include Neuroscience, Psychology, Engineering, Computer Science, and/or Biology.
Experience:
New graduates with some lab experience (via course work, internships, etc.) or those without any prior research experience will be considered for the Research Technician I position outlined above.
Those with a minimum of 1 year of directly related work experience will be considered for a Research Technician II position.
Individuals with even more experience or advanced degrees should still apply as there is the potential to offer a more advanced position depending on the individual’s experience.
About us:
Position offers great opportunities to work with prominent scientists, people from a variety of fields, a great and fun team, opportunities to publish, as well as guidance and support for future career choices. Please see our website to learn more about the different ongoing projects: https://lcn.martinos.org
Location: Charlestown, MA
Salary: Starting pay with no prior experience is $21/hour. With additional experience, starting pay increases and you may potentially be eligible for more advanced titles which include additional pay. Additional experience may include internships, non-research employment, and completion of a thesis.
Apply: To apply for this position, please see our official job posting here. You may also email your resume and cover letter to Allison Stevens (email below).
Contact: Allison Stevens (allison.stevensplayer@mgh.harvard.edu) – please refer to this as the “Postmortem MRI RA position” in the subject of the email when contacting me.
