DESCRIPTION

UCSD Department of Psychiatry is one of the most innovative and productive academic departments in the country, offering challenging career opportunities in the diverse areas of advanced educational programs, cutting-edge research, and state-of-the-art clinical services. The department is committed to offering a dynamic learning environment and growing opportunities to its talented and dedicated employees.

Under supervision, the incumbent will assist in the acquisition of MRI scans for methodological and clinical neuroimaging studies in the UCSD Department of Psychiatry, and MRI scan analysis for the Department of Psychiatry and additional national sites. The incumbent will be responsible for data acquisition as the primary MR operator, and for quality review and assistance in image analysis for cross-sectional and longitudinal studies linked to MRI methods validation and clinical correlates of neuroimaging measures. Primary responsibilities also include the assistance in the oversight of standardized data acquisition across multiple sites, cross-site communication, and application of standardized processing locally. Image processing includes the application of Linux-based software for detailed multi-modal neuroimaging research and image analysis; qualitative review of raw and analyzed image volumes and manual interaction with image data as required. Types of MRI data will include structural, diffusion-weighted, spectroscopy, functional, perfusion, and other MRI modalities, each relying on different software and requiring computational skills such as shell scripting. Responsibilities include data acquisition at the MRI scanning facilities, data transfer, protocol verification, database entry and maintenance, modification of basic shell scripts, and data management. Image processing and data management require use of the Linux operating system environment.

Incumbent will be involved in the safety review of any potential MRI contraindications, such as body implants, in coordination with experts in the field. Incumbent must adapt to evolving requirements, maintain clear documentation of all methods, and work closely with investigators to continuously improve data processing, efficiency, data tracking procedures, and manual protocol documentation. With completion of training, incumbent will assist in preparing presentations and graphics using multiple software packages for scientific presentations, publications and scientific manuscripts, and perform information searches on the internet and through library resources. The incumbent will regularly attend and contribute to research meetings and assist with other administrative responsibilities as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Theoretical knowledge of Psychology, Neuroscience, Cognitive Science or a related field.

• Possession of valid CA driver's license, acceptable driving record, and reliable transportation to participants' homes for assessments in a timely manner. Ability to master assessment of research participants and to provide psychosocial interventions.

• Theoretical knowledge of neuroanatomy background.

• Ability to locate neuroanatomic structures for image analysis.

• Strong computer skills including experience with a variety of computer operating systems is essential.

• Strong communication skills (both verbal and written) needed to interact professionally and effectively in the work environment, including ability to conduct psychosocial interventions and assessment of research participants.

• Effective and diplomatic oral and written communication and interpersonal skills and ability to develop collaborations and professional relationships between research staff.

• Demonstrated experience with the operation of a personal computer and software applications, such as Microsoft Word and Excel.

• Proven ability to effectively and accurately document research procedures. Proven ability to read, comprehend, and discuss research materials.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain participant confidentiality.

• Excellent organizational skills, attention detail, and conscientiousness.

• Demonstrated experience in providing instructions and using anxiety reduction and discomfort reduction techniques with research participants while in scanning environment for retention of participants in longitudinal study.

• Experience with structural, functional, diffusion, and perfusion brain MRI research.

• Experience acquiring, reviewing, and processing MR brain images.

• Experience with FreeSurfer, FSL, AFNI or other standard image processing and visualization software.

• Knowledge of the scientific and research method and experience with human subject research.

• Experience and familiarity with Linux and shell scripting.

• Must maintain appropriate human research subjects training and certification.

• Must maintain appropriate MRI safety and operator training and certification.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.

• Must be flexible and willing to work some evenings and weekends.

• Willing to work in several locations (e.g., Main La Jolla Campus, UCSD MRI facilities) including some driving to scanner locations.

• Must have access to reliable transportation.

• Must meet criteria for eligibility to participate in MRI scanning on high field strength magnets, as determined by the MR facility safety and operator training requirements.