Research Professional 6

The DCAN Lab and Center for Developmental NeuroImaging (CDNI) is seeking a Research Professional 6 to lead data analysis of ongoing and upcoming infant neuroimaging projects. A successful applicant must be able to work independently, take a leadership role in data analysis and present and publish research findings.

The DCAN Lab and CDNI is housed at the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain at the University of Minnesota. 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 underrepresented communities in all aspects of academic medicine and research.

To learn more about CDNI and current research studies, please visit the website: https://innovation.umn.edu/developmental-cognition-and-neuroimaging-lab/

Please upload a cover letter and CV/resume. Your application will not be considered until all components of the application are complete. Review of applications is ongoing, and the position will remain open until the posting is removed.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Data analysis and publication (60%)

• Generate novel analysis strategies for investigating developmental differences in infant brain functional networks using supervised and unsupervised community detection algorithms and work on developing age specific templates for supervised algorithms.
• Develop analysis strategies for task based responses in infant functional imaging data, modeling infant specific hemodynamic response functions.
• Develop code bases for the analysis of precision imaging datasets on the whole brain level using supercomputing cluster resources.
• Test hypothesis around developmental plasticity metrics derived from functional MRI data.
• Support training of machine learning models for tissue segmentations of structural MRI data from pediatric patient populations.
• Give guidance in terms of data processing and best practices for infant neuroimaging data, using state of the art processing pipelines for developmental neuroimaging.
• Present novel discoveries at international conferences.
• Publish research findings in peer reviewed journals.
• Supervise students involved in infant neuroimaging projects.
• Supervise staff members involved in infant data processing.

Informing data acquisition (20%)

• Analyze data from different data acquisition techniques to inform best practices for infant fMRI data acquisition.
• Develop strategies for evaluating data reliability and usability for making predictions.
• Support sequence development for ultra-high field imaging.
• Supervise students involved in infant ultra-high field projects.
• Supervise staff members involved in infant ultra-high field processing.

Supporting data acquisition (10%)

• Consult data acquisition team.
• Supervise implementation of novel task paradigm for infant neuroimaging.

Other Lab Duties (10%)

• Attend mandatory center, lab and team meetings.
• Share feedback and assist other lab members when they are stuck on a project.
• Collegial conduct towards 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.

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree with substantial research publication record.
• Background in neuroimaging.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in developmental neuroscience.
• Expertise in analysis of infant brain imaging data.

The Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) is dedicated to fostering the healthy brain function of children across the lifespan with the mission to set and maintain a healthy trajectory for all children toward positive life outcomes through early neurobehavioral and mental health assessment, innovative targeted interventions, informed policy-making, compassionate child-advocacy, and community education. The MIDB's mission of basic and clinical research in the field of neurobehavioral development is supported by its Neuroimaging core, which fosters collaborations within departments at the University of Minnesota and across institutions to build teams with the highest possible degree of expertise.

Pay Range: $90,000-$105,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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) 624-8647.

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

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.

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.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).