Research Professional 1

Title: Research Computing Staff
Job Code & Class: 8351RM Civil Service
Department: DCAN/CDNI - 11865
Budgeted Salary Range: $53k-58k annually
Work Location: In-person

Position Overview

The Center for Developmental Neuroimaging is seeking a research professional to assist with data processing for a multitude of neuroimaging projects. A successful applicant must be able to work well independently, work effectively with a team, and to communicate clearly in a collaborative environment with a diverse range of research tasks and disciplines. The CDNI is housed at the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain at the University of Minnesota. Our work focuses on advancing the understanding of brain development in health and disease. We are an interdisciplinary team of researchers trying to:

• Understand basic principles of brain functioning across development (i.e. figure out how the brain works).
• Learn about how neuropsychiatric and other brain-based disorders develop and progress over time.
• Contribute to the prevention and treatment of brain-based disorders.
• Engage underrepresented communities in all aspects of academic medicine and research.

This position is based on campus. Per UMN policy, work may be done remotely when appropriate and approved by your manager. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.

Job Responsibilities

Processing Neuroimaging Data (50%)

• Process raw neuroimaging data using Linux-based operating systems.
• High performance cluster computing with Amazon-like storage systems. Conduct quality control of data using various methods.
• Assist collaborators with processing data from other institutions.
• Troubleshoot coding and processing failures at different academic institutions.
• Conduct analyses and processing on neuroimaging data using FSL, freesurfer, and workbench.

Coding/Documentation (30%)

• Documentation of data processing procedures on GitHub.
• Write new scripts to solve bottlenecks in processing pipelines.
• Understand (or be open to learning) the following languages: Python, R, MATLAB, bash.

Other Lab Duties (20%)

• Attend mandatory lab and computing meetings.
• Share feedback and assist other lab members when they are stuck on a project.
• Collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group.
• Adherence to all applicable University policies, procedures and regulations. All data, research records and materials and other intellectual property generated in University laboratories remain the property of the University.

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS or a combination of related education and work experience to equal four years.
• Sufficient computer knowledge with Google suite and Microsoft office.
• Ability to multi-task without losing attention to detail.
• Effectiveness in organizing tasks and setting priorities, communicating with others, interacting constructively with faculty and staff, and the ability to be adaptable, creative, and a quick learner.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous research experience Programming experience in any language.
• Good documentation/writing skills.
• An interest in neuroscience and/or data science.

The Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) is dedicated to fostering the healthy brain function of children across the lifespan with the mission to set and maintain a healthy trajectory for all children toward positive life outcomes through early neurobehavioral and mental health assessment, innovative targeted interventions, informed policy-making, compassionate child-advocacy, and community education. The MIDB's mission of basic and clinical research in the field of neurobehavioral development is supported by its Neuroimaging core, which fosters collaborations within departments at the University of Minnesota and across institutions to build teams with the highest possible degree of expertise.

Pay Range: $53,000-$58,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil Service

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).