Research Assistant
Neurosurgery/Neuroradiology, Imaging Research Center-Pediatric Neuroimaging Research Consortium
Purpose of Position: Coordinate research projects in Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging with the Pediatric Brain Imaging Research Program at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Provide support for collaborative imaging research projects in CHRF involving the use of fMRI in studies of hearing and language disorders.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assume a major role in on-going research projects within the IRC in Pediatric Neuroimaging Research Consortium, in collaboration with brain researchers at CHMC’s Depts. of Neurosurgery, Neuroradiology, and Neurology.
- Demonstrate the ability to understand the scientific principles involved in the research and to apply those principles to troubleshoot and modify procedures/techniques when appropriate.
- To be able to work relatively independently to perform neuroimaging experiments and record data according to established research protocols; Assist in designing, coordinating, and conducting these neuroimaging experiments on the research and clinical scanners in the IRC
- Take the responsibility for developing and applying new scientific methods and computational software tools for imaging data processing, visualization and analysis.
- Conduct preliminary data processing and data analysis, and prepare materials to report the results of the study.
- Recruit, orient, and train research subjects for neuroimaging protocols for the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery/Neuroradiology/Neurology.
- Maintain computerized databases of neuroimaging research subjects and imaging results for compilation in publications and grant proposals.
- Assist PNRC faculty in preparation of grant proposals and scientific publications.
- Collaborate with the PNRC faculty and co-workers in the development of new, basic research projects in MRI of the brain.
- Assist in conducting neuropsychological testing in various in neuroimaging research projects.
Required Skills: Familiarity with medical imaging study design, data processing, and data analysis. Familiarity with computer database programs and programming. Proficient in certain programming languages such as C, Matlab,etc. Excellent writing skills in the English language. Excellent interpersonal skills with children. Skill in psychological testing is desired but not required.
Education/Work Experience: B.S. or M.S. in Biomedical engineering, Psychology, Neuroscience, Physics, Chemistry, or Biology, preferred with previous research experience. Previous experience in functional neuroimaging using PET, SPECT, MRI/fMRI/DTI is desirable. Previous experience in diagnostic imaging is also desirable. Also desired is experience in human research studies involving children and their families.