Employment

Laboratory Technician

Updated 09/12/2024

Purpose: The Keane Vision & Psychosis Lab at the University of Rochester is conducting a search for a full time Laboratory Technician. Our ongoing projects will aim to characterize psychosis-related visual perceptual alterations, understand their clinical relevance, and reveal their neural origins via functional and structural MRI. Duties of the position include: (a) conducting neuroimaging analyses using software such as FSL, Workbench, and Freesurfer; (b) formatting and preprocessing MRI data using Unix/Python/Matlab code on the University cluster; (c) running subjects through a neuroimaging protocol; (d) overseeing the recruitment and scheduling of research participants; (e) overseeing the administration of visual perceptual and cognitive assessments; (f) maintaining and updating study databases (e.g., REDCap); (g) preparing written scientific results for publication and conference presentation; (h) preparing materials for IRB review; (i) coordinating and supervising tasks across different members of the research team; and (j) assisting with administrative/clerical duties, as needed.

Essential Duties

• 35% Neuroimaging data collection and analysis
  • Runs subjects through our neuroimaging analysis
  • Curates, formats, and preprocesses neuroimaging data using lab pipelines
  • Performs analyses to examine structural and functional brain differences in patients
• 20% Participant recruitment
  • Works with PI to implement recruitment strategies
  • Has ability to assess eligibility of the potential study participants via discussion with clinical providers and review of screening measures
  • Conducts informed consent procedures with participants and obtains written consent
• 20% Data management
  • Sets up procedures for developing and maintaining data systems
  • Ensures the integrity and security of all study data at all times
  • Utilizes Matlab, R, Python, SPSS, or Unix/Linux (on cluster) for data analyses
  • Assists in the development of the study (“REDCap”) database and supervises the data entry and data cleaning of other study staff
  • Oversees direct data entry procedures via iPads or by transcribing paper data
  • Completes regular subject chart reviews, ensuring fidelity of documentation procedures
• 15% Coordination/Supervision
  • Develops and updates study protocols and manuals
  • Initiates IRB project approval process for new protocols and project amendments
  • Submits necessary documentation per the Data Safety and Monitoring Plan
  • Promotes achievement of enrollment targets via development of study specific recruitment and retention strategies
  • Directly trains, supervises, and mentors students or interns
• 10% Reporting and dissemination
  • Assists PI in development, writing and editing of presentations and publications of study findings
  • Prepares data reports to sponsoring agencies/institutions, as required.

Candidate will subscribe to the department’s goal of creating a culturally competent environment by treating research subjects and co-workers in a sensitive and caring manner. The Research Coordinator must maintain eligibility to participate in research involving human subjects by completing the Human Subjects Protection Program (HSPP) and NIH’s Good Clinical Practice training. This position also requires participation in available cultural competency training.

Minimum requirements: Bachelor’s degree and at least 1 year of experience in data analysis and programming in Matlab/Python. A candidate with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, cognitive science, or psychology could be a good fit for this position.

Preferred experience (in order of priority)

• Experience performing neuroimaging analyses using Matlab, Python, or shell scripting
• Experience running jobs on a Linux cluster
• An ability to commit to two years of service
• Experience working with clinical populations
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills

The start date is flexible but August is preferred.

Be sure to submit a letter of interest (including contact information for three referees), a CV, and copies of college transcripts. Informal inquiries regarding the position are welcomed (Lab Manager: Jose_Reynoso@URMC.Rochester.edu; Lab PI: brian_keane@urmc.rochester.edu). University of Rochester and local Rochester applicants should apply directly to job id: 242211 via HRMS. External applicants should submit their applications to Jose_Reynoso@URMC.Rochester.edu

The University of Rochester is an equal opportunity employer.