An Imaging Scientist position is available in the Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (LBN) within the Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Aging (NIA), National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Baltimore, Maryland. This is a full-time position for a scientist or engineer with a background and interest in working with structural and functional MRI neuroimaging data. The position will involve neuroimaging data processing, analysis, transfer, and database management for the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA).

The LBN oversees the Neuroimaging Study of the BLSA and collects structural, functional, and neuropathologic imaging data in normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia. Working with the MRI data and collaborating with other LBN members and external colleagues on research projects related to aging and early markers of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s Disease are important aspects of this position.

Environment: LBN is part of the larger MRI research community at the NIA, which has active programs in clinical and preclinical research using clinical 3T and soon-to-be-installed 7T scanners. Data acquisition in the BLSA is year-round and continuous, with an average of 400 participants scanned annually.

Responsibilities:
• Support scientific research by conducting image post-processing (i.e., computation of fMRI network measures, voxelwise linear regression analysis, etc.), developing scripts where needed; make results available to researchers in lab and to external collaborators in a timely fashion.
• Assist investigators in writing scientific manuscripts by drafting and reviewing relevant brain neuroimaging analysis methods and results subsections.
• Ensure completeness of the lab’s neuroimaging archive by regularly checking image transfer status, performing DICOM to nifti conversion, and troubleshooting database maintenance issues.
• Package and transfer neuroimaging data to collaborators and retrieve results from external collaborators, ensuring their appropriate storage in LBN’s imaging archive.
• Work with IT to ensure full functionality of the lab’s computational infrastructure; assess computational demand and oversee upgrade of equipment as needed.
• Perform quality control of structural and functional MRIs as well as processed images.
• Maintain lab’s internal wiki and documentation.

Qualifications:
• Master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering, computer science, neuroscience, or cognitive science area.
• First-hand experience with the acquisition, processing, and/or analysis of structural and functional MRI data.
• First-hand experience with database management.
• Evidence of excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in Unix shell scripting.
• Solid programming skills in at least one of the following: R, Python, Matlab.
• Strong grasp of structural and functional brain MRI analysis workflows and familiarity with neuroimaging software (FSL, SPM, or ANTS preferred).

Compensation: Competitive salary commensurate with experience; comprehensive benefits package.

How to Apply: Interested applicants should contact Dr. Susan Resnick (susan.resnick@nih.gov) and submit a resume with bibliography, a cover letter, and a list of three references, which includes their mailing addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses.

Position Location: Baltimore, Maryland (eligible for hybrid on-site and remote work)
Application Deadline Date: July 31, 2023, or until filled.