Employment
LAB ASSISTANT II- NEUROANATOMY RESEARCH ASSISTANT
- Preprocessing MRI data using scripted LINUX commands.
- Process/examine MRI brain images on a computer.
- Identify 'landmark' brain structures.
- Mark/outline these structures using the computer mouse.
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Maintain research subject database in Microsoft Excel or Access and update regularly as new information is received.
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Tally research subject responses from testing sessions for database entry.
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Assist researchers in compiling statistical analysis of data using statistical software.
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Make graphs of data using Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator, Power Point or other graphics program.
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Attend afternoon and evening MRI scans on a rotating basis, and interact with subject families and children.
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Schedule MRI scans, confirm dates/times with subject families, researchers, and MRI technician.
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Communicate scheduling information and other study related information to subject families by phone, email, or letter as directed by researchers.
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Act as liaison between researchers and subject families. Relay all questions, concerns to researchers.
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Assist researchers in compiling data and assembling manuscripts, grant applications, and progress reports.
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Create and maintain hard copy filing system.
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Other duties as directed.
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College level coursework completed in Neuroscience, Psychology, Human Development, Biology or in a related field and prior lab experience.
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Basic understanding of neuroanatomy.
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Excellent interpersonal skill with an outgoing and sensitive personality to be able to interact with parents and their children, sometimes, under stressful circumstances.
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Previous experience in a research setting involving human subjects.
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Familiar and knowledgeable with MRI image processing using LINUX/UNIX platform.
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Demonstrated attention to detail and excellent listening and observation skills.
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Precision, consistency, and patience.
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Ability to learn and work with new computer software for anatomical analysis of brain structure.
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Ability to accurately enter, organize, analyze, calculate, and to create and maintain filing systems (hard copies and electronic) data.
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Proficiency in both PC and Macintosh platforms. Proficiency in use of computer software programs (Adobe Photo Shop/Illustrator, MS Word, Excel, MS Access, PowerPoint).
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Experience using Linux and/or Unix computer systems.
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Excellent verbal, written, and electronic communication skills that facilitate professional, effective, and courteous interaction with a diverse population.
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Experience with standard office equipment including copier, fax, and other basic office equipment.
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Preferred: Experience working with infants and developmentally delayed/autistic children.
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Preferred: Knowledge of MRI and/or radiology procedures.
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Special Conditions of Employment: Must have access to reliable transportation, be willing to work afternoons and evenings, and attend MRI scans. Must be physically able to be present in MRI scan area to assist in preparing subjects for scan procedures; therefore, individuals who have metal devices in their bodies or any other medical conditions that may be adversely effected by a high magnetic field are excluded from consideration for this position.
Project Scientist- Molecular Developmental Biologist
Description:
The Autism Center of Excellence (ACE) Research Program (www.autismsandiego.org) is seeking an entry level project scientist to pursue Molecular Developmental Biology. ACE is part of the School of Medicine at the University of California, San Diego, located 2 miles off the main campus and close to the Salk Institute and the Scripps Research Institute. The immediate laboratory, Directed by Eric Courchesne, contains 20 scientists ranging from the B.A. to Ph.D. level. Collaborators of the ACE extend locally (including scientists at the SALK and The Scripps Research Institute) as well as nationally; thus there is rich interdisciplinary climate at the ACE.
Requirements:
Candidate must possess a Ph.D., and prior postdoctoral experience in molecular and/or cellular neurobiology with expertise in developmental research either with animal models or human disorders. Knowledge of in situ hybridization, RT-PCR, brain tissue sectioning, staining, morphometric analyses, gene expression, and/or stereology.
Applicants are welcome to include in their cover letters a personal statement summarizing their contributions to diversity. UCSD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer with a strong institutional commitment to excellence through diversity.
All applicants will be required to submit a CV, Self-Statement of Research Activities, and a minimum of 3 letters of reference.
Contact:
Interested applicants may address questions to Clelia Ahrens-Barbeau cahrensb@ucsd.edu. Please also cc. Dr. Richard Stoner, rstoner@ucsd.edu, Dr. Eric Courchesne, ecourchesn@ucsd.edu and Dr. Karen Pierce, kpierce@ucsd.edu.
SRAIV- Developmental Molecular Biology Researcher
The UCSD Autism Center of Excellence is a state-of-the-art multimodal autism research facility. The ACE applies full-scale psychometric testing, MRI/fMRI, DNA/RNA analysis, and multiple other paradigms to the study of autism spectrum disorders in infants and toddlers. The ACE is part of the UCSD School of Medicine and offers a rich interdisciplinary environment. POSITION OVERVIEW
Under academic supervision of Professor Eric Courchesne, incumbent will analyze perform and oversee the performance of DNA and RNA analysis using postmortem brain tissue; as well as testing for laminar and cell-specific abnormalities related to the underlying neuropathology of autism spectrum disorders.
The incumbent will perform biochemical and gene expression analysis studies, including DNA and RNA assays. They will also use biological markers to test for the presence of pathological patches in samples of autistic and typical brain tissue. The position requires performance of experimental protocols according to the outline of experiments and goals of the projects determined in collaboration with Director. Research will involve improvement of experimental procedures appropriate to the goals of the project. Scientific literature evaluation will be performed to optimize design of experiments and research strategies. Research activities require maintaining accurate and complete records of experiments in lab notebooks and/or computer-based tracking. A high level of computer skill for protocol design and analysis of data, communication skills for oral presentations, and writing skills for written reports of scientific results and progress is required.
REQUIREMENTS
Ĝ Working knowledge and experience in experimental procedures in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, and computer science at a level greater than the undergraduate degree in science or other demonstrated equivalent experience
Ĝ Demonstrated ability to engage in difficult and complex experiments, with controls, to make progress on several related projects
Ĝ Ability to keep detailed and understandable records of experimental procedures, results, calculations, and evaluation of research results
Ĝ Working knowledge of biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, and computer science required to understand how proteins and peptides function in live cells
Ĝ Candidate must possess degree, and lab experience in molecular and/or cellular neurobiology with expertise in developmental research either with animal models or human disorders
Ĝ Frequently contributes to new procedures and making improvements on existing procedures that require trouble-shooting
Ĝ Ability to search new scientific disciplines for consideration in planning experiments of research projects
Ĝ Ability to provide oral presentation and explanation of research methods and results
Ĝ Experience in the proper use and maintenance of laboratory equipment which involves service contract for routine maintenance, and appropriate supplies
Ĝ Excellent communication skills to communicate in person, by phone, and in writing to diverse groups of persons who are laboratory staff, students, administrative staff, and academic faculty
Ĝ Sustained, frequent involvement in meeting deadlines for research results necessary for grant proposals, manuscripts, and presentations at scientific meetings
Ĝ Skilled in the use of multiple types of computer programs for performance of scientific equipment, recording of data, data analysis, statistical evaluation, graphical presentation of results, written descriptions of research, and illustrations of research topics
Ĝ Experience in maintaining inventories of laboratory reagents, antibodies, samples, and related items
Ĝ Knowledgeable of current literature related to biochemistry, microbiology, and related fields, as well as able to learn new techniques and adapt them to ongoing research projects
Ĝ Prosecution of laboratory research using various computer software for scientific equipment, internet, word processing, scientific graphics, statistical evaluation, literature searches, illustrations, and new software as necessary for the required research
SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Ĝ Position requires some travel to lab sites for the purpose of preparation and analysis of tissues
Ĝ Incumbent must be willing to work some nights and weekends, depending on needs of the research
Salary is commensurate with experience and is determined according to University of California salary scales dependent upon qualifications.
For more information, please contact Clelia Ahrens-Barbeau at cahrensb@ucsd.ed or by phone at (858)534-6908.
SRAIII- MRI Research Assistant
The UCSD Autism Center of Excellence is a state-of-the-art multimodal autism research facility. The ACE applies full-scale psychometric testing, MRI/fMRI, DNA/RNA analysis, and multiple other paradigms to the study of autism spectrum disorders in infants and toddlers. The ACE is part of the UCSD School of Medicine and offers a rich interdisciplinary environment. POSITION OVERVIEW
Under general supervision, the incumbent will perform and oversee analysis of structural MRI neuroimaging research project. The primary responsibility will be to conduct high-level analysis and interpretation of data derived from high-throughput processing of MRI and/or fMRI scans. Incumbent will work closely with academic supervisors, postdoctoral researchers, and Center staff to develop and implement best practices for data processing and analysis. Incumbent will utilize specialized procedures to assess image quality, perform detailed image analysis, review of raw and analyzed image volumes and/or functional activation. Experience in the application of Linux-based software for the analysis of structural and/or fMRI images is required.
The incumbent will be responsible ensuring proper execution of data transfer, database entry and maintenance, and MRI and/or fMRI image review and processing. Types of MRI data may include IR-FSPGR, diffusion-weighted, perfusion, and fMRI images. Secondary responsibilities include operating a GE MRI Scanner and upholding the highest standards of MRI safety. Incumbent will also be expected to interact with parents of young children regarding studies at the Center, as well as current literature about autism and neuroscience. Collection of structural and functional MRI data at night is required. Linux-based tools for analyzing MRI and/or fMRI will be utilized, as well as statistical analysis software to relate clinical data to MRI/fMRI data.
REQUIREMENTS
Ĝ Degree in Neuroscience, Psychology, Human Development and Biology or in related field with prior MRI or fMRI lab experience
Ĝ Trained in general neuroanatomy with a demonstrated ability to locate neuroanatomic structures
Ĝ Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and conscientiousness; as well as the ability to delegate tasks as necessary
Ĝ Extensive background in the review and processing of neuroanatomical or functional MR brain images and analysis of data derived from subsequent processing techniques
Ĝ Trained to operate GE Scanner to run experimental MRI/fMRI protocols. Preferred
Ĝ Ability to communicate effectively and accurately
Ĝ Experience with statistical software. Preferred
Ĝ Theoretical knowledge of neuroanatomy and functional correlates
Ĝ Contributes original ideas to scientific and research methodology, with the demonstrated ability to apply reasoning to solve scientific research problems
Ĝ Ability to train and direct MRI/fMRI research staff and students to collect and process structural and/or functional MRI data using Linux based tools
Ĝ Strong computer skills including knowledge and experience using a variety of computer operating systems is essential
Ĝ Experience in Linux and CSH scripting
Ĝ Ability communicate with Directors, programmers, and lab manager to design and implement best practices for MRI and or fMRI research projects
SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Ĝ Must be flexible and willing to work some evenings and weekends
Ĝ Willing to work in multiple locations including driving to scanner locations
Ĝ Must have access to reliable transportation
Ĝ Must be physically present in MRI scan area to assist in preparing subjects and running scan procedures; therefore, individuals who have metal devices in their bodies or any other medical conditions that may be adversely effected by high magnetic field are excluded from consideration for this position
Salary is commensurate with experience and is determined according to University of California salary scales dependent upon qualifications.
For more information, please contact Clelia Ahrens-Barbeau at cahrensb@ucsd.ed or by phone at (858)534-6908.