PROGRAMMER/ANALYST II
G. OPPENHEIMER CENTER FOR NEUROBIOLOGY OF STRESS AND RESILIENCE
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES
Background:
The G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience (Mayer Lab) in the Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles is seeking a full time Programmer/Analyst for a multi-site funded translational research group studying brain-gut microbiome interactions in obesity and functional pain disorders including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic pelvic pain and interstitial cystitis, and vulvodynia.
This position will use multimodal MRI sequences to study structural and functional circuit dynamics cross sectionally and longitudinally within a dimensional systems biology approach. The programmer’s main responsibilities include: programming and optimizing automated data quality control, preprocessing, computational, and analyses pipelines for large scale multimodal brain imaging and biological data. The candidate should have a strong programming background in one or more of the following areas: bioengineering engineering, computer science, statistics, physics, and/or neuroscience. There will be opportunities to address basic and pathophysiological systems questions, in addition to work in an environment that emphasizes translational and clinical research skills (e.g. target discovery, individualized treatment development and biomarker/predictor development).
The G. Oppenheimer Center of Neurobiology of Stress and resilience is a dynamic multidisciplinary group directed by Emeran A. Mayer, MD, PhD conducting clinical, translational and basic neuroscience research. You will work directly with him and an array of principle investigators, collaborators and co-investigators.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Scientific Programmer and Data Analyst responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
2. Programming and optimizing automated data quality control, preprocessing, computational and analyses pipelines for large-scale multimodal brain imaging, including resting‐state and task-based fMRI, DTI and volumetric data.
3. Implement and support statistical analyses and scripts for biological (e.g. microbiome, genetic, etc.), behavioral, clinical and neuroscience data. This will include performing mathematical calculations/statistical analyses needed for scientific research
4. Implementation of iCloud processing and analyses pipelines such as the Human Connectome Project.
5. Implementation of data visualization programs on MRI and biological data
6. Process and analyze fMRI data: 1st level analysis
7. Work closely with data management specialist on data requests and system upgrades This would include assisting in the creation of databases, query tools for data mining, and documentation on their effective use.
8. Create and update ‘standard operating protocol’ (SOP) documents for various CNSR lab studies and/or procedures
9. Coordinate data integration from multiple ongoing studies
10. Train students and create learning tutorials for basic quality control and preprocessing of neuroimaging data.
11. Maintain detailed logs of work flow, generated codes and scripts, and documentation of processes
12. Communicate issues and concerns as they arise to PIs, nurses and other relevant research staff
Required Qualifications:
- B.A., B.S. Masters or equivalent with background in bioengineering engineering, computer science, statistics, physics, and/or neuroscience.
- Quantitative and extremely proficient with multiple neuroimaging analysis platforms (HCP Pipeline, FreeSurfer, SPM, FSL, AFNI, GIFT, TrackVis, CONN, etc.).
- Strong programming skills and comfort with diverse computing environments required (Matlab, UNIX/BASH language, MySQL, PHP, Javascript/JQuery are essential).
- Strong background in statistics and statistical software scripting (e.g. R, Python, QIIME).
- Experience with data visualization (d3.js or other is a plus)
- Strong interpersonal skills and a high level of organization with careful attention to detail are absolutely required. This position requires a high degree of motivation, organization, and self‐sufficiency, although some training and supervision will be provided.
Additional Qualifications:
- Experience with neuroimaging, biological, and behavioral databases is an advantage.
- Experience with network analyses, machine learning and modeling confer a significant advantage.
- Graphic or Web design skills are considered a plus, but not required for consideration.
Additional Information:
Arpana Gupta, Ph.D.
Arpana Gupta, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Director, Neuroimaging Operations Core
G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience
Ingestive Behavior and Obesity Program
Vatche and Tamar Manoukin Division of Digestive Diseases
David Geffen School of Medicine
UCLA CHS 42-210
10833 Le Conte Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90095-7378
