Graduate Research Assistant

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

A full-time Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) position is available at the Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, under the supervision of Dr. Anastasia Yendiki. The GRA will join the investigative team of the Large-Scale Imaging of Neural Circuits (LINC) project, and as such contribute to an unprecedented effort by the NIH BRAIN Initiative to produce first-ever maps of brain connections across scales (https://www.ninds.nih.gov/news-events/highlights-announcements/nih-brain-initiative-launches-projects-develop-innovative-technologies-map-brain-incredible-detail). The LINC project brings together a multi-disciplinary group of experts from 8 institutions (Brigham and Women's Hospital, Columbia University, Harvard University, Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University College London, University of Rochester, Weill Cornell Medicine) to develop novel imaging technologies and combine them with machine learning to produce detailed wiring diagrams of the brain (https://connects.mgh.harvard.edu). The GRA will assist with this effort by developing image analysis algorithms for ex vivo MRI and microscopy images. The position offers the opportunity to participate in publications and to be part of a fast-paced research environment at the cutting edge of neuroimaging method development.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Develop algorithms for image analysis tasks such as registration or segmentation

2. Train and test these algorithms on multi-modal imaging data (diffusion MRI, X-ray and/or optical microscopy) acquired for the LINC project

3. Investigate strategies for generating synthetic data to augment the training set

4. Benchmark the performance of the newly developed methods against existing methods from publicly available software package

5. Prepare scientific manuscripts and conference presentation

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

- Strong mathematical skills, as evidenced by relevant coursework. The ideal candidate will have a degree in engineering, applied math, computer science, or related field.

- Strong programming skills in python, and experience with at least one machine learning / deep learning framework (e.g., tensorflow, pytorch).

- Willingness and ability to gain experience in languages/frameworks beyond prior experience.

- Excellent organizational skills, oral and written communication skills.

- Ability to work independently as well as within an integrated research team.

- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and handle fluctuating priorities and deadlines.

- A high degree of professionalism and attention to detail.

Qualifications

EDUCATION:

Required: Master's Degree

EXPERIENCE:

Required: Two years experience in machine learning for medical image analysi

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Our team is based at the Maritnos Center for Biomedical Imaging. The GRA will work in a computer laboratory environment alongside faculty, postdoctoral fellows, software engineers, and research technicians.

EEO Statement

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.