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Location

Charlestown, MA | United States

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Job description

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

The Laboratory for Ex Vivo Modeling of Neuroanatomy (LEMoN: is seeking a highly motivated individual to assist with an array of ongoing and future projects in the area of computational neuroimaging. Our group is part of the Laboratory for Computational Neuroimaging (LCN: at the Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging ( The Research Technologist will interact with faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and other research assistants / technicians (RAs/RTs) with different backgrounds, including Machine Learning, Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Psychology, Computer Science, Math, Physics, and Biology. Using these different backgrounds, the lab develops and maintains publicly available software to analyze human brain imaging data and performs cutting edge research in a variety of domains.

This job provides excellent opportunities to travel to scientific meetings, publish articles, and acquire new skills in an array of domains, such as: machine learning, surface scanning, or MRI scanning. We are strongly committed to supporting the professional growth of our trainees, including career guidance and support for future career choices.

The Research Technologist will take on several job responsibilities from a subset of our projects at the LEMoN and must be very organized and comfortable juggling tasks. Potential projects include:

1. Surface scanning of human brain samples using a Shining 3D scanner, in collaboration with other RAs/RTs and researchers at the Massachusetts Alzheimer's Disease Research Center.

• Scanning will be taught and no experience in surface scanning is expected.

• Incumbent must:

• handle human brain tissue.

• learn technical details over a short period of time and follow procedures carefully.

• organize, curate, and process the acquired data with our in-house tools.

• have a sound degree of computer literacy (for scanning and data processing)

• knowledge of UNIX and shell scripting is preferred (for data processing)

2. MRI scanning of human volunteers, using both standard and portable MRI scanners (e.g., Hyperfine Swoop scanner), in collaboration with the Kimberly Laboratory (MGH Neurocritical Care)

• Scanning will be taught but experience with MRI scanners is preferred.

• Organize, curate, and process the data with our machine learning tools.

• Incumbent must have:

• have a sound degree of computer literacy

• preferably, knowledge of UNIX and shell scripting

• good interpersonal and communication skill

• professionalism and respect for subjects rights and individual need

3. Download, curate, process, and analyze large imaging databases downloaded from the Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS) at MGH, which we are using to study the connections between brain structure and ethnoracial & socioeconomic factors.

• Data will be processed with our state-of-the art machine learning tool

• Incumbent must have:

• have a sound degree of computer literacy

• preferably, knowledge of UNIX and shell scripting

4. Help create ground truth for volumetric imaging datasets, manually tracing brain regions in images, using our semi-automated machine learning tools.

• Brain anatomy will be taught, but knowledge of human neuroanatomy is a plu

• A sound degree of computer literacy is required

• Incumbent must be detail-oriented, focused, organized, and able to stay motivated during tedious/repetitive task

5. Debug and test specific elements of our tools, e.g., FreeSurfer (

• Incumbent must:

• have a sound degree of computer literacy and ideally some experience beta testing software

• some knowledge of Python or any other coding language and/or shell scripting

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintains laboratory notebook
• Understands and applies basic scientific techniques
• Conducts analysis of results and may begin interpretation of results
• Sets up and prepares routine experiments as directed
• Prepares lab instruments and equipment
• May perform independent literature searches
• Assists with organizing materials for publication or presentation
• Maintains and orders supplies

• Execute protocols of non-routine experiments
• Assist the PI(s) with determining the most suitable methodology
• Perform basic design and modification of protocols
• Calculate, transcribe and analyze data
• Prepare and present reports
• Organize and summarize acquired data, using scientific and statistical techniques.
• Organize and/or draft material for the preparation of research papers, manuscripts and other documents for publication and/or presentation.
• Participate in the design of experiments or field work.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• 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 both independently and to improve the quality and efficiency of their own work
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• 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

• Analytical skills and the ability to resolve technical problems
• Ability to interpret acceptability of data results
• Demonstrated competence in research techniques and methodologies

Qualifications

EDUCATION:

Required : Bachelor's Degree

Field of Study/Additional Specialized Training: Relevant backgrounds would be Neuroscience, Psychology, Engineering, Computer Science, and/or Biology.

EXPERIENCE:

Required: 3 years of directly related experience.

Applicants with 5 or more years of experience will be considered for Sr. Research Technologist or Research Laboratory Manager.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

May serve as team leader to lab assistants and research technicians.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Position involves working in a fast-paced Computational Neuroimaging Lab. The lab develops and maintains software for MR image analysis and works primarily in a UNIX computer environment. The lab is responsible for several in vivo and ex vivo (human) brain imaging projects. The employee will mostly work in a general office environment, but will occasionally work in a wet lab environment as well (e.g., for surface scanning). The employee may work with sophisticated machinery such as MRI and surface scanners. The employee may be exposed to formaldehyde at levels that are not significant enough to even come close to challenging recommended safety levels.

EEO Statement

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. Applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged.

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