Postdoctoral Scholar - Research Associate

The USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute and Laboratory of Neuro Imaging (INI, www.ini.usc.edu) are world leaders in the development of advanced computational and scientific approaches for the comprehensive mapping of brain structure and function. LONI’s unique multidisciplinary environment and cutting edge resources allow for integration of clinical, psychological and genotypic information with neuroimaging phenotypes for research questions in neurology, psychiatry and developmental neurobiology.

LONI is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate under the primary mentorship of Dr. Leon Aksman. Dr. Aksman is an Assistant Professor of Research Neurology at LONI. He focuses on understanding the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. To do this he develops and applies data-driven disease progression models that integrate neuroimaging (PET and MRI), biofluids (e.g. cerebrospinal fluid), cognitive tests and other complementary measures such as post mortem immunohistochemistry. He is also interested in understanding how various dementia risk factors (e.g. hypertension, physical inactivity, low education, air pollution) affect the brain’s structure and function.

This postdoctoral position is broadly focused on Alzheimer’s disease progression modeling and dementia risk factors. The postdoctoral scholar will have the opportunity to analyze neuroimaging data from the LASI-DAD project, a unique, in-depth study of aging and dementia in India. The aim is to understand how various dementia risk factors that LASI-DAD has measured are associated with brain structure, brain function and dementia progression. Other potential projects include developing and/or applying computational models to understand the spread of Alzheimer’s pathologies (e.g. amyloid plaques or tau tangles) using PET or immunohistochemistry based measures.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in neuroimaging/neuroscience, computer science, mathematics, physics, electrical engineering or related areas
• Strong research skills and ability to work independently
• Good communication skills
• Effective problem solving/critical thinking skills
• Expertise in Python, Matlab or R
• Strong publication record
• Minimum education: PhD or equivalent doctorate within previous three years
• Minimum experience: 0-1 year

The annual base salary range for this position is $70,000 – $77,611. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Minimum education: PhD or equivalent doctorate within previous three years