MIDB Data Scientist

MIDB Data Scientist
Researcher 6 Position

Position Summary

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 a multi-specialty clinic and multiple research hubs including: Analytics, Informatics, Neuroimaging, Center for Neurobehavioral Development, Translational Neuroscience, Novel Intervention, TeleOutreach, and Community Engagement and Education.

The MIDB is seeking to hire a Research Associate in the Analytics Hub to assist with data management and analysis for MIDB research projects. The successful candidate will have excellent organizational and problem-solving skills and be comfortable learning new technologies and consulting with researcher teams.

Essential Functions

Research Project and Hub Support (85%)

• Serve as a leader and resource for statistical methods and data analysis software and packages.
• Provide the appropriate analytic recommendations for projects that are highly variable and potentially complex.
• Provide expertise to guide the selection of the appropriate design, computing tools, and methods for a variety of research areas, including new and complex studies.
• Interface with research teams, including clear communication of the analytic options available to a research team who may not have experience in such designs or methods.
• Forecast workflow and time demands to maintain adequate funding.
• Consult on grant submissions, taking ownership of sections pertaining to the analytic design and methods of the project.
• Participate in discussions with supervisors and leadership concerning strategies for obtaining new research funds and projects for the Analytics Hub.
• Contribute thoughtful discussions and suggestions related to research and research support, assisting in the design and improvement of research procedures and continually refining research practices so they are successful and optimal.
• Contribute to studies linking high-dimensional data from non-invasive brain imaging (fMRI, MRI) to mental health and cognitive outcomes in large, publicly available datasets (e.g., Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study: ABCD, Human Connectome Project: HCP, UK Biobank).
• Apply regularized regression, machine learning, and psychometric approaches towards the assessment of individual differences in neuroimaging.
• Support the use of these techniques in projects led by faculty and students.

Documentation and Dissemination (15%)

• Active participation in and co-authorship of manuscripts.
• Presentations of results (both written and oral) to diverse teams of researchers and non-researchers.
• Other duties as assigned.

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree or experience in biostatistics, statistics, data science or other fields with equivalent quantitative training.
• Experience in advanced statistical methodology development or Applied Research in Neuroimaging or Genomics field.
• Knowledge of statistical and scientific research design.
• Proficiency in programming in R.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in structural and/or functional neuroimaging data analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in working with consulting or interacting with clients.
• Record of acting independently and taking initiative.
• Experience of leading statistician on research projects.
• Familiarity with MatLab and Python.

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: $90k-$105k; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

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).