Research Assistant (MNNDL - Psychology/Neuroimaging)

Job Description

The National University of Singapore invites applications for research assistant/associates in the Multimodal Neuroimaging in Neuropsychiatric Disorders Laboratory (MNNDL), Centre for Sleep and Cognition, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.  More information on the laboratory is available at www.neuroimaginglab.org.

The MNNDL group at NUS studies the human neural bases of cognitive functions and the associated vulnerability patterns in aging and neuropsychiatric disorders using multimodal neuroimaging and psychophysical techniques. We are interested in the large-scale brain structural and functional networks in healthy developing and aging brain and symptoms-related changes in diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders and psychosis. Statistical, computational, and machine learning methods are developed to analyze and fuse multimodal neuroimaging data. By integrating longitudinal behavior, neuroimaging, and genotype data, our long-term goal is to investigate the interactions among brain network dynamics, behavior, diseases, and genotypes to develop non-invasive biomarkers for early detection, differential diagnosis, progression monitoring, and treatment design.

Key attractions are access to a high-performance computing cluster, two 3T Prisma MR scanner and a MR compatible digital EEG system as well as collaboration opportunities with an excellent network of domestic and international scientists and doctors. Appointments will be made on a two-year contract basis in the first instance, with the possibility of extension. Salary and benefits will depend on qualifications and work experience. Long-term commitment is encouraged with mutual satisfaction.

Purpose of the post

The Research Assistant (RA) will work closely with the Principal Investigator, lab members, and collaborators to ensure successful completion of research projects (including neuroimaging, behavioral, and digital tracking experiments), smooth operation of computing and neuroimaging equipment, and efficient management of neuroimaging database in the lab.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The research assistant will support the effort in conducting cutting-edge neuroscience and machine learning research and development. He/she has the opportunity to learn state-of-the-art neuroimaging techniques, data collection and analysis, with healthy participants and patients with neuropsychiatric diseases. He/she will be primarily engaged in all neuroimaging and behavioral experiments such as subject recruitment, behavioral testing, digital tracking, image data collection, and data analysis. He/she will also support computing server/storage administration (with support from external vendors), neuroimaging equipment maintenance, and general lab administration like website. He/she will also be able to learn how to conduct fMRI scans with EEG recording, interactions with patients, quality control, behavioural assessments, neuroimage processing using automatic or semi-automatic scripts, and implications in neuroscience and disease. The research assistant is expected to learn neuroimaging softwares and assist researchers in IRB application, data preprocessing and database management in various research projects. He/she will be exposed to ongoing research work in machine learning and statistical analysis in the context of neuroimaging, cognitive neuroscience, and neuropsychiatric disorders. The research assistant/associate will have the opportunity to liaise and work with other clinical collaborators across the institutes/hospitals in Singapore on research projects and contribute to the presentations and publications of research work. He/she will assist with any other duties of a similar nature that are delegated by the principal investigator. He/she is expected to maintain the highest standard of professional conduct and record keeping in accordance with policies and procedures.

Qualifications

The applicant should have:

1. Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree with neuroscience/psychology/life science/engineering/computing background with strong interest to learn
2. Excellent written, oral communication skills
3. Prior programming experience in statistical analysis, medical image analysis or database management (e.g., MATLAB, shell, python) is a plus but not necessary
4. Seek organized, reliable, self-motivated individual who is able to work effectively with others and multitask efficiently
5. Expected to commit for at least two years

Remuneration will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Interested applicants are welcome to apply here and/or email Associate Professor Helen Zhou at helen.zhou@nus.edu.sg with the application letter, curriculum vitae, and contacts of two-three references. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

More Information

Location: Kent Ridge Campus

Organization: Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine

Department : Medicine

Employee Referral Eligible: No

Job requisition ID : 19613