Student Worker Opportunity

The Emotion & Cognition Lab (http://gero.usc.edu/labs/matherlab/) in the USC School of Gerontology (http://gero.usc.edu) uses functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging to answer questions like: How does emotion influence how we perceive and remember what happens around us? How do heart-brain connections contribute to emotional well-being? Why is it that older adults tend to experience less negative affect than younger adults? We are currently integrating our magnetic resonance imaging analysis pipeline with a new cloud computing neuroimaging platform (Flywheel.com) and seek someone who is motivated and hard-working to join our team and help implement analyses and deploy them to this cloud-based data management and analytic processing system. This opportunity would be ideal for graduate students who wish to gain valuable experience in 3D image analysis, machine learning techniques, functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cutting-edge algorithms for MRI analysis, cloud-based software development and large-scale datasets.  Talented undergraduates are also welcome to apply.

Responsibilities. This role involves assisting in the implementation of fMRI processing algorithms within the Flywheel platform helping to advance the state-of-the-art in fMRI analyses. In addition, this role will involve training other lab members in optimal use of the cloud-based processing pipeline and helping them implement sophisticated neuroimaging analyses using this platform.

Desired skills. Candidates must have at least 2 years of Python programming experience in a Linux/Unix environment and some experience with git. Experience with the following is highly desirable:

  • Google Cloud Platform and/or Amazon Web Services
  • Docker
  • Go

Previous neuroimaging experience is not required, but familiarity with computer-based image analysis (e.g. registration, segmentation), scientific computing and mathematical methods would be a significant advantage. The ideal candidate will be an intelligent, hardworking and highly motivated individual who can work well as part of a research team. Ability to communicate technical information clearly and train others to use the new tools and procedures developed will be critical.

Compensation. Remuneration will be at an hourly rate commensurate with skills and experience of the candidate.

Employment eligibility. Candidates must be able to provide legal evidence that they are authorized to be student workers at USC.

How to apply. Candidates should send their CV and any other pertinent information in an introductory email to matherlab@usc.edu. Promising candidates will be contacted directly.