Imaging Research Associate San Diego State University

Imaging Research Associate

Req No: 2025-19034
Category: Research/Project
Type: Full-Time Contract
Salary: $24.00 to 32.00
Close Date:

Overview
The salary range for this position is $24.00-$32.00 per hour depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable.

The SDSU Brain Development Imaging Laboratories ( BDIL ; bdil.sdsu.edu ) is an innovative clinical research collaborative co-directed by Drs. Ruth Carper and Inna Fishman. The BDIL is funded by the National Institutes of Health and other agencies to identify neurobiological (brain-based) and behavioral markers of autism spectrum and other related developmental disorders. We implement state-of-the-art multi-modal brain imaging techniques (anatomical, functional, and diffusion MRI) and developmental, diagnostic, and neuropsychological assessments to understand how ASD manifests across the lifespan, from the 1 st years of life through mid- and late adulthood. We work collaboratively with the SDSU Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders ( CADD ; autism.sdsu.edu ), an interdisciplinary group of clinical scientists and autism researchers from several SDSU departments and colleges, including BDIL.
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

Under general supervision of the Principal Investigators at BDIL (Drs. Ruth Carper, Annika Linke) the incumbent will work as part of collaborative research studies on the brain bases of Autism Spectrum Disorders across the lifespan. Primary duties will be in the collection, processing and analysis of MRI data using multiple modalities (structural, diffusion, functional, spectroscopy). The Research Assistant will also have the opportunity to contribute to studies conducted in collaboration with other faculty at or outside of BDIL.
This is an intermediate-level position for incumbents who have hands on experience working in a research setting or have previous experience working as a Research Assistant.

Responsibilities
The Imaging Research Associate is responsible for but not limited to:

Data Collection/Processing/Analysis 60%

• Collect MRI data as an approved Operator of MRI scanner (training in scanner operations will be provided if needed)
• Process collected MRI data, conduct quality assessment
• Help train new students/staff in standard procedures and record keeping
• Assist in development of new analysis and quality assurance procedures for MRI data
• Participate in training for and conduct standardized cognitive assessments
• Conduct statistical analyses and figure development to assist faculty and graduate students in preparation of scientific presentations and papers.

Data Organization and monitoring 20%

• Assist in development and trouble-shooting of REDCap databases for tracking MRI data and measures
• Develop REDCap report tools and R scripts for standardized data exports and status reports
• Conduct data entry, cleaning, processing, accuracy checks, and basic data analyses.

Other Responsibilities as Assigned 20%

• Regularly communicate with the PI, Project Coordinator, other project staff, and participants to assist with scheduling study appointments, including following up with no-shows and rescheduling appointments
• Administrative tasks as needed
• Participate in occasional outreach and recruitment activities
• Contribute to development and preparation of research posters and papers

Qualifications
Knowledge and Abilities

• Ability to understand and follow rules, procedures, and appropriate standards for research with human participants
• Ability to interact effectively with co-workers and study participants
• Sensitivity to the needs and challenges of children/adults with autism, attention deficit, anxiety, or mental health disorders
• Experience with operation of MRI scanners
• Experience with processing of MRI data (structural, diffusion, functional or MR spectroscopy) particularly using FreeSurfer and FSL
• Familiarity with shell scripting languages (e.g. sh, csh, zsh)
• Ability to independently problem-solve and trouble shoot analysis pipelines and scripts
• Upper division training in principals and methods of statistical analysis
• Upper division training in brain anatomy/function
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including occasional weekend and evening hours, to accommodate data collection and/or outreach events
• Experience with database and data capturing software (e.g., REDCap)
• Experience with principals of data organization, cleaning and management
• Ability to comply with Institutional Review Board Human Subjects training and regulations
• Ability to work independently and carry out assignments with or without detailed instructions
• Ability to incorporate feedback from supervisors and collaborators

Required Experience /Education

• Equivalent to graduation from a four year university
• Two years of experience in technical research or statistical work experience

Preferred Requirements

• Undergraduate or masters degree in psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, biology or related discipline.
• Experience working with individuals with autism (adults and/or children) or other clinical populations.
• Experience with imaging research and data analysis
• Experience with programming and/or scripting (e.g. Matlab, R)
• Experience with database software (e.g. Redcap, Access, FileMaker).
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule including occasional evening and weekends to accommodate data collection and outreach events.

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION:

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).

• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.

• Employment decisions are based on an individual's qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support.

• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.

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