Neuro-Memory and Aging

Full Time

72680BR

Job Summary

The Rabinovici Laboratory (RabLab) at UCSF is hiring a full-time Data Analyst to aid in processing, managing, and analyzing data for ongoing neuroimaging studies that aim to improve the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and basic understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and other incurable neurodegenerative diseases that cause dementia in 50 million worldwide; a number that is expected to triple by 2050 in the absence of effective therapies. We use a combination of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cutting-edge radiolabeled ligands (injected intravenously and imaged with positron emission tomography, or PET) to study the structural and molecular features of neurodegenerative disease in living patients. Our team works closely with physicians and scientists across multiple disciplines to learn how the brain changes in dementia versus healthy aging, to validate PET tracers against pathology detected at autopsy, to compare brain imaging measures to genetic and environmental risk factors for dementia, to study relations between in vivo pathology and cognitive decline or behavioral changes, and to associate PET and MRI measures of dementia to blood and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers.

The Data Analyst is a junior-level, post-baccalaureate research position that is closely integrated with nearly all aspects of our research program. Key responsibilities include: (1) organizing and processing multimodal neuroimaging data using established pipelines, (2) performing data quality checks and resolving problems as they come up, (3) researching and implementing new data processing and analysis techniques, (4) assisting neurologists in providing PET imaging results to dementia patients and their caregivers, (5) responding to data requests and fulfilling collaborative commitments with other research labs within and outside UCSF, (6) performing statistical analyses, creating publication-quality figures, and assisting in writing methods and results for publication, and (7) working closely with clinical research fellows, postdoctoral scholars, senior scientists, and faculty on their research projects and grants. We prefer a minimum 2-year commitment, with many Data Analysts moving on to top graduate programs and medical schools.

Although not a strict job requirement, Data Analysts are often given opportunities to develop their own research projects that they can submit to present at international scientific conferences and write for publication in peer-reviewed journals. These projects are undertaken voluntarily and in addition to regular job responsibilities, and they usually begin after at least 8-12 months of on-the-job experience, as there is a ramping-up period for learning and contributing efficiently to key responsibilities outlined above.

To see the salary range for this position (we recommend that you make a note of the job code and use that to look up):TCS Non-Academic Titles Search (ucop.edu)

Please note: The compensation ranges listed online for roles not covered by a bargaining unit agreement are very wide, however a job offer will typically fall in the range of 80% - 120% of the established mid-point. An offer will take into consideration the experience of the final candidate AND the current salary level of individuals working at UCSF in a similar role.

For roles covered by a bargaining unit agreement, there will be specific rules about where a new hire would be placed on the range.

To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

Department Description

Our laboratory is under the scientific direction of Dr. Gil Rabinovici, MD and Dr. Renaud La Joie, PhD. Data Analysts are directly supervised and mentored by Dr. Daniel Schonhaut, PhD and Dr. La Joie. The lab’s mission is to advance the understanding of heterogeneous neurodegenerative diseases using novel molecular imaging tools and other biomarkers, with the goal of developing personalized care and tailored treatments for people with cognitive impairment and dementia. We are housed within the UCSF Memory and Aging Center (MAC) in the Department of Neurology. Along with conducting our own research program, we serve as the PET Imaging Core for the larger MAC community and for several ongoing, multi-site research studies and clinical trials. The MAC is directed by Dr. Bruce Miller and includes specialists from a wide variety of disciplines—including neurology, neuropsychology, geriatrics, geropsychiatry, pharmacy, nursing, social work, and speech pathology—who work together to evaluate patients, design care and treatment plans, refer patients for enrollment in research and clinical trials, and foster community engagement and equitable access to clinical care and research involvement. MAC investigators evaluate and care for people with declining memory and cognitive capabilities due to a wide spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases associated with aging, including Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal syndrome, rapidly progressive dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and Huntington’s disease.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a field related to statistics, computer science, biomedical engineering, computational biology, neuroscience, or psychology and minimum one year of  related experience, or an equivalent combination of experience/training in these areas
• 1+ years of research experience in an academic or industry laboratory (can include work as an undergraduate researcher, depending on the level of involvement)
• Programming experience, especially in a research or data science setting. Emphasis on Python, MATLAB, or R; experience with Bash/Linux also valued
• Experience working with PET or MRI imaging data, including familiarity with common data formats (DICOM, NIFTI) and neuroimaging visualization and analysis packages (e.g. SPM, FreeSurfer, FSL)
• Coursework completed in statistics, computer science, linear algebra, research methods, neuroscience, neuroimaging, aging and neurodegeneration, cell and molecular biology
• Experience working with spreadsheet data, creating scientific figures, and preparing slides for presentation. Knowledge of software to carry out these tasks (e.g. Excel, Photoshop, Illustrator, PowerPoint, Keynote)

Preferred Qualifications

• Completed a Master’s degree or undergraduate honors thesis demonstrating ability to design, execute, and present independent research
• Can implement, interpret, and plot results from statistical analyses with minimal supervision (e.g. linear and logistic regression, mixed-effect models, ANOVA, ROC curve analysis)
• Scientifically curious and strongly motivated to learn both applied research skills and domain-specific knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
• Self-driven and a quick and dedicated learner. Can identify and solve problems largely independently and bring larger issues to the team’s attention preemptively
• Responsible, dependable, and organized. Can complete assignments on time, respond to emails and requests promptly, communicate needs effectively, and pay strong attention to detail
• Team-oriented. Responsive to guidance and direction, motivated to help others, willing to work on less personally fulfilling but critical tasks to support wider research and clinical teams

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values.

In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available at diversity.ucsf.edu

Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California San Francisco is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Job Code and Payroll Title

006256 RSCH DATA ANL 2

Job Category

Professional (Non-Clinical)

Bargaining Unit

99 - Policy-Covered (No Bargaining Unit)

Additional Shift Details

M-F, 8AM - 5PM