Post-Doctoral Associate

Company: University of Minnesota
Location: Saint Paul
Posted on: January 22, 2023

Job Description:

Apply for JobJob ID344087

LocationTwin Cities

Job FamilyAcademic

Full/Part TimeFull-Time

Regular/TemporaryRegular

Job Code9546

Employee ClassAcad Prof and Admin

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Description:

The Developmental Cognition and Neuroimaging Lab (DCAN Lab) announces the availability of a postdoctoral position with Oscar Miranda-Dominguez, MSC, PhD. The position will support studies using connectotyping to examine personalized maps of functional connectivity and longitudinal trajectories for the association between brain function and behavior. The work will also include support for other federally funded brain imaging studies on the development of attention, learning, and cognition.
While the main focus of this position is on neuroimaging and mathematical modeling, candidates with experience in mental health research, bioinformatics, machine learning, and software development are highly encouraged to apply.

A successful applicant must be able to work well independently, work effectively with a team, and to communicate clearly in a collaborative environment with a diverse range of research tasks and disciplines. Ideally, she/he must also have familiarity with different tools to process and analyze large datasets of structural and functional neuroimaging data, as well as a documented history of software development and support. Duties will emphasize the analysis and write up of existing data for publication, presentation of data at national and international meetings, and conceptualization of the data in hand. There will also be some duties that entail supervision of project staff and data collection, but these will be flexible. Learning and training opportunities will be developed commensurate with the interests and skills of the candidate.
The postdoctoral scholar will have the opportunity to work with a host of talented individuals (Dr. Damien Fair, Dr. Eric Feczko, Dr. Steve Nelson) and draw on new resources from the newly formed Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (https://midb.umn.edu/). S/he will be able to draw on world class neuroimaging facilities and training at the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR).
The Developmental Cognition and Neuroimaging (DCAN) Lab is located in the Institute of Child Development at the University of Minnesota and housed at the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain. Our work focuses on advancing the understanding of brain development in health and disease. We are an interdisciplinary team of researchers trying to:
* Understand basic principles of brain functioning across development (i.e. figure out how the brain works).
* Learn about how neuropsychiatric and other brain-based disorders develop and progress over time.
* Contribute to the prevention and treatment of brain-based disorders.
* Engage unrepresented communities in all aspects of academic medicine and research.

To learn more about DCAN lab and current research studies, please visit the website: https://innovation.umn.edu/developmental-cognition-and-neuroimaging-lab/
The position will provide one year of guaranteed funding, with the expectation the applicant will apply for additional funding for subsequent years. Pay rate will be in line with NIH postdoctoral pay scales.
Please upload a cover letter, a CV, and a one-page career goal statement. Your application will not be considered until all components of the application are complete. Review of applications is ongoing, and the positions will remain open until the posting is removed.POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
Managing Projects (25%)
- Develop and optimize existing code to run in parallel at The Minnesota Supercomputing Institute to characterized personalized maps of brain connectivity
- Design research experiments.
- Optimizing and maintaining codebases locally as well as on GitHub.
- Write new scripts to solve bottlenecks in analysis pipelines.
- Manage fMRI data collection for your project.
- Process raw neuroimaging data using Linux-based operating systems.
- Conduct analyses of neuroimaging data using FSL, freesurfer, and workbench.
- Maintain conformity with ethical standards in research.
- Maintain compliance with good laboratory practice including the maintenance of adequate research records.

Learning & Training (25%)
- Develop expertise in resting state functional connectivity (RSFC), fMRI, image processing, and signals processing.
- Develop proficiency in career skills including: writing, public speaking, networking, and critical evaluation of scientific literature.
- Present scientific work inside and outside the University with excellent oral communication skills.
Writing (30%)
- Evaluate research findings and report results.
- Prepare and submit papers on research with excellent writing skills.
- Assist with grant preparation and reporting.
Other Lab Duties (20%)
- Attend mandatory lab and computing meetings.
- Share feedback and assist other lab members when they are stuck on a project.
- Present findings at lab meetings.
- Contribute towards professional development of yourself and other lab members.
- Engage in open and timely discussion with his/her mentor regarding possession or distribution of code, data or records belonging to their laboratory and any proposed disclosure of findings or techniques privately or in publications.
- Collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group.
- Adherence to all applicable University policies, procedures and regulations. All data, research records and materials and other intellectual property generated in University laboratories remain the property of the University.

Qualifications





REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, Psychology, or related field.
- Background and training should include research experience in a combination of the following domains: mathematical modeling, computational neuroscience, brain image technology, cognitive neuroscience.
- Ability to manage your own projects

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Programming experience in various languages and software (e.g., MATLAB, Linux, C/C++, python, etc.)
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a variety of diverse staff, coworkers, and investigators.
- Experience with functional and/or structural brain imaging (i.e. MRI Imaging)

How To Apply





Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

Diversity





The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Employment Requirements





Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to report complete vaccination against COVID-19 or submit documentation requesting a medical or religious exemption on their first day of employment. To learn more, please visit the University's COVID-19 Response webpage.

About the U of M







The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

Keywords: University of Minnesota, St. Paul , Post-Doctoral Associate, Other , Saint Paul, Minnesota