Post Doctoral Research Fellow - SPAN-AD Lab

Post Doctoral Research Fellow - SPAN-AD Lab-(3301099)

Description

The primary objective of this role is to develop innovative computational approaches that advance our understanding of brain dysfunction in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease.

The data we work with include speech acoustic and kinematic recordings, EMG, EEG, neuropsychological assessments, clinical and neurobiological data, and neuroimaging.

The postdoc will contribute to various aspects of data collection and identify and adapt cutting-edge machine learning techniques to encode and classify subtle, yet potentially clinically significant, patterns in neural and speech time-series recorded from multiple anatomical locations.

Additionally, the postdoc will apply expertise in machine learning and signal processing to design new analytical streams and oversee other research staff in the application of these software tools.

As the lead of the data collection team, the postdoc will ensure the effective use of advanced technologies for recording brain activity and speech motor output.

Finally, the postdoc will drive the effort to prepare results for publication.

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

30% : Develop advanced methods for integrating different data modalities (acoustic, kinematic, EMG, EEG, neuroimaging, and FlexNIRS) using machine learning.

The postdoc must be proficient in working with neuroimaging datasets, including all necessary preparatory stages to ensure data quality, in order to complete innovative analyses and prepare manuscripts for publication.

• 30% : Develop signal processing methods for feature extraction, characterizing, and linking neuroimaging data with speech acoustic and kinematic signals.
• 20% : Lead the simultaneous collection of speech and neuroimaging recordings from older adult participants, ensuring skillful deployment and use of equipment while effectively communicating with both study participants and the research team.
• 10% : Prepare and preprocess data for research assistants and study staff.
• 10% : Contribute preliminary data to grant applications.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Will train / mentor and indirectly supervise 1 FTEs.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

• Holding a . in engineering, neuroscience, computer science, speech and language sciences, computational linguistics, or a related field by the start date
• Strong programming skills in scripting language including MATLAB, Python, R, or a similar environment
• Experienced with Natural Language Processing (NLP), Machine Learning (ML), and Data Science
• Strong communication and research writing skills
• Experience with data visualization and statistical modeling / analysis
• Record of scholarship as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and / or conference presentations

SKILLS / ABILITIES

• Excellent computational and scientific writing skills.
• Proficiency in MATLAB or Python.
• Proficiency in distributed computing.
• The ability to communicate effectively in the workplace.
• Enthusiasm and ability to solve technical and computational problems.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• A team player.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Computational work will be conducted in an office environment, using a laptop and / or a Linux workstation.
• The data collection will take place either in a sound attenuated / shielded room or in a bay for magnetic resonance imaging.

TRAINING

We expect that the postdoc will join our lab with the computational skills required to deliver scientific contributions.

Nonetheless, learning about the data specifics and the neuroimaging processing software is expected to take up to 2 months.

Learning to operate the MRI scanner, EEG equipment, and speech recording equipment will take 4 months.

About MGH Institute of Health Professions

MGH Institute of Health Professions is a graduate school in Boston that provides entry-level and post-professional programs in Nursing, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Genetic Counseling, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Physician Assistant Studies.

The PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences and a PhD and Master of Science in Health Professions Education have been added in recent years to meet rising demand for highly educated health care professionals, educators, and researchers.

Integrating classroom learning with research and clinical experience, the Institute grants doctoral degrees, master's degrees, awards certificates of advanced study, and offers continuing education to practicing professionals.

The IHP is the only degree-granting affiliate in Mass General Brigham (MGB), the largest private employer in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The Institute has been recognized multiple times by The Chronicle of Higher Education as a Great College to Work For. A leading health sciences educational institution, MGH Institute provides students with outstanding academic programs, many of which are ranked among the best in the nation.

MGH Institute of Health Professions has announced an organization-wide anti-racism initiative to think boldly about race and bring together all members of the IHP community to address systemic racial injustice as well as oppression more broadly.

The plan seeks to create a supportive and inclusive campus environment and better support the diverse communities the school serves.

We are excited about this new initiative and are hiring employees who are committed to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion and will contribute to our anti-racism and anti-oppression approach