"Neuroimaging Research Assistant (Physical Science Research Professional 1)"

Stanford University is seeking a Physical Science Research Professional 1 to apply knowledge and understanding of a scientific discipline or related technology in laboratories engaged in research in the physical sciences. Typically apply specific scientific or technical knowledge to research projects, guided by broad policies and professional knowledge.

The Neuroimaging Research Assistant is primarily responsible for the performance of neuroimaging-related research, including the coordination of participant recruitment and appointment logistics, preparation of experiment-related software and continued maintenance of data analysis pipelines, testing and debugging of MRI sequences and assessment of data quality, and performance of MRI scanning sessions including the acquisition of neuroimaging data from healthy participants and participants with neurological disorders, including aphasia, cerebral palsy and ALS.

Duties include:

• Serve as primary contact with research participants, sponsors, and regulatory agencies. Coordinate studies from startup through close-out.
• Determine eligibility of and gather consent from study participants according to protocol. Assist in developing recruitment strategies.
• Collect and manage patient and laboratory data for clinical research projects. Manage research project databases, develop flow sheets and other study related documents, and complete study documents/case report forms.
• Monitor expenditures and adherence to study budgets and resolve billing issues in collaboration with finance and/or management staff.
• Interact with the principal investigator regularly, ensuring patient safety and adherence to proper study conduct.
• Ensure essential documentation and recording of patient and research data in appropriate files per institutional and regulatory requirements.

Other duties will include:

• Install complex research computing hardware and software.
• Maintain computer software, tracking all software updates and testing equipment function after such updates.
• Operate MRI machines safely and effectively.
• Arrange, schedule, and execute multiple neuroimaging scanning sessions per week
• Help design and execute on participant recruitment strategies for healthy participants and people with aphasia, cerebral palsy and ALS and related disorders.
• Maintain data collection records tracking all relevant aspects of each neuroimaging session.
• Ensure data quality through regular inspection of data and regularly running analysis pipelines on newly collected data.
• Meet regularly with researchers to plan and practice execution of research sessions.
• Assemble unique systems to perform new, unusual or special tests.
• Conduct a broad range of experiments involving advanced technology; contribute to the design of experimental protocols to achieve the scientific objectives of the research project.
• Work closely with Supervisor and with colleagues at other universities.
• Assist with other neurotechnology research projects, as assigned by Supervisor.
• Function as the principal technical specialist for the research unit or for a specific research project.
• Attend weekly lab meetings (in person at Stanford University or by videoconference); may present data.
• Submit abstracts, present posters, and assist with research manuscripts.
• Assist with participant recruitment efforts.
• Lead some aspects of event planning, such as assembling invite lists or securing a venue.

* - Other duties may also be assigned.*

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree with coursework in engineering, biology or neuroscience.
• 1-2 years related experience in neuroscience or electrical or computer engineering.
• Extraordinary interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a complex, multi-institutional team.
• Ability to comfortably and sensitively interact with study participants.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative and prioritize tasks.
• Ability to coordinate activities with colleagues at multiple sites.
• Superb organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to document research activities.
• Familiarity with Linux / Unix command line is advantageous.
• Experience with data analysis in Python is advantageous.
• Experience in neuroimaging is advantageous.
• Excellent writing and communication skills in the English language.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Safeguards the privacy of information and keeps appropriate information confidential.
• Ease interacting with and taking direction from multiple levels including physicians, scientists, and engineers via teleconferences and/or videoconferences.
• Previous experience in a research environment is advantageous.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):

Bachelors’ degree and two years of experience in related scientific field, or combination of education and relevant experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):

• Demonstrated experience applying multidisciplinary scientific principles and practices to perform and assist with experimental design and coordinate laboratory activity.
• Demonstrated experience with analysis and interpretation of research data, and ability to recognize irregularities and invalid results.
• Demonstrated ability to organize data and develop models allowing for integration and display of data.
• Basic experience with scientific software applications, systems, or programs relevant for the job.
• Ability to coordinate and work with scientific or research staff and assist with technical procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and to provide information to scientific and research staff

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES:

Must possess and maintain a valid California non-commercial Class C Driver’s License.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Frequently stand, walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat, grasp lightly, use fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, perform desk-based computer tasks, use telephone, write by hand, lift, carry, push and pull objects weighing over 40 pounds.
• Occasionally sit, kneel, crawl, reach and work above shoulders, sort and file paperwork or parts.
• Rarely climb, scrub, sweep, mop, chop and mix or operate hand and foot controls.
• Must have correctible vision to perform duties of the job.
• Ability to bend, squat, kneel, stand, reach above shoulder level, and move on hard surfaces for up to eight hours.
• Ability to lift heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in a dusty, dirty, and odorous environment.
• Ability to drive day or night.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

May work extended or unusual work hours based on research and project requirements.