Imaging Researcher - 134198

Current UC San Diego Health Neurosciences employees who apply by 2/4/2025 will have priority consideration for this position. Recruiters will refer qualified internal candidates after the first 7 days of the job posting. All qualified external applicants and additional internal applicants who apply after the priority date may have further consideration pending the results of the initial review.

The research project will involve multiple neuroimaging studies examining biomarkers of brain aging and dementia. These studies will be partially conducted in collaboration with multiple institutions. These studies will employ structural, diffusion and contrast MRI, amyloid and tau PET, neuropsychological testing, and blood and/or CSF biomarkers, among other tools, to better understand how brain microstructure, vascular integrity, and neuropathology, relate to disease risk and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.

Under the supervision of the project PIs (Drs. Broce-Diaz and Dale), the incumbent will serve as a research project associate for multiple research protocols assessing neuroimaging biomarkers of dementia. Incumbent is responsible for organizing and managing brain imaging research data. Incumbent will manage Linux based workstations for post processing/data manipulation, and data analysis as well as create, maintain and update research databases. Provide support in project administration and publication preparation of imaging research. This may include processing of imaging data, creation of datasets, analysis of data (software used in the lab include matlab, Python and R), and the preparation of manuscripts. May provide assistance and have direct communication with subjects and families involved in research projects. May be asked to complete some lab management duties (e.g., timekeeping).

• Theoretical knowledge in Psychology, Neuroscience, Biology, Cognitive Science, Statistics, Computer science or related field preferred as typically attained by a bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.

• Demonstrated knowledge of human subjects research policies and procedures. Knowledge of the human subject consent process, and federal government regulations pertaining to consenting of subjects. On-line training certificate (acquired on job). Knowledge of IRB, and sponsored research requirements.

• Proven experience and knowledge in a clinical trials research environment including basic understanding of persons with dementia, preferred experience with MRI in order to recruit, schedule, and test patients for clinical study subjects.

• Working knowledge of medical and scientific terminology.

• Knowledge of statistical analysis of quantitative brain imaging data measures using SPSS, Matlab, and other statistical programs.

• Strong demonstrated experienced with computers (Personal computer and Macintosh). Skill with personal computers, word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail software, databases, etc. Specifically Linux OS and the Microsoft office suite (excel, access, powerpoint, word, etc).

• Proven ability to determine sources of clinical data, analyze the data and information obtained, in order to create documents and to propose solutions to issues and to help in developing standardized operational procedures.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality in accordance with Human Subject Requirements.

• Demonstrated ability in researching clinical data in preparation for grant applications and technical manuals, staying abreast of new research developments. Ability to abstract information from protocol and investigator brochure, which requires summarizing large quantities of data.

• Skill in assembling written narrative information using word processing software for documenting image analysis procedures and tracking data.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to use tact and diplomacy with subjects (including patients with cognitive impairment), their families, faculty and institutional staff, as well as when representing the agency in the community.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and communicate effectively and diplomatically at all organizational levels, both verbally and in writing. Ability to work professionally and effectively with a diverse population, including the business community, academicians, staff and students.

• Skill in working independently and following through on assignments with minimal supervision. Good judgment to know when to ask for assistance from supervisor in cases where regulations, policies and procedures are not clear.

• Excellent record keeping, database management, detail oriented, logical, methodological approach to problem solving, strong process orientation, strong administrative and organizational skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize assignments, maintain workflow, and work productively in meeting critical deadlines and milestones.

• Working knowledge of UCSD Human Research Protections Program policies and Procedures.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.