Postdoctoral Position – Neuroimaging - Developmental Network Neurobiology Laboratory

The University of Florida, Department of Pediatrics, Neuroimaging - Developmental Network Neurobiology

Laboratory- seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a team.

The postdoctoral associate will perform research in the laboratory of Dr. Brandon Zielinski in the Division of

Neurology, within the Department of Pediatrics. Dr. Zielinski’s research program focuses on NIH-funded

postdoctoral positions in structural covariance, white matter microstructure, and functional connectivity MRI

and related techniques. Applicants should have experience in functional MRI and functional connectivity MRI

(data acquisition, preprocessing, analysis). Experience in high-dimensional computer science using datadriven

techniques (graph theory, ICA, machine learning), in other imaging modalities (DTI; MEG), and in

multimodal integration will be relevant. Experience with AFNI/SUMA, SPM, FSL, Freesurfer, UNIX/LINUX

computational environments and/or programming skills (MATLAB, R, C++; JAVA, Python) is desirable, but not

required. Applicants who have experience in the study of children (especially those with autism), and other

clinical populations may be preferred. Ph.D. degree in Neuroscience (preferred), Computer Science, or other

relevant Neurobiology related field. A strong record of early career research, as well as excellent analytical,

oral, and written communication skills. They will be expected to be able to 1. Follow protocols to execute

existing techniques; 2. Oversee the execution of assigned experiments; 3. Review, approve, or interpret

scientific results; 4. Present researching findings to PI and at laboratory meetings; 5. Maintain laboratory safety

programs and train personnel in laboratory safety techniques; 6. Actively participate in the writing of grants,

papers, and statements of work.

The postdoctoral associate must be able to perform the following essential functions:

Conduct research: Design and execute analysis involving neuroimaging data (fMRI/sMRI/EEG) to investigate brain dynamics and functional connectivity. Deep learning analysis: Develop and implement novel deep learning algorithms and methodologies to analyze large-scale neuroimaging datasets, extract meaningful features, and identify patterns and signatures of brain activity. Data preprocessing and analysis: Perform data preprocessing and analysis using established neuroimaging software packages (e.g., FSL, AFNI, SPM) and custom scripts (fMRIprep). Collaborative research: Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, including neuroscientists, statisticians, and computer scientists, to integrate neuroimaging and deep learning techniques for advancing our understanding of brain dynamics and cognitive processes.

Publication and dissemination: Prepare and publish research findings in high-quality scientific journals and present results at conferences and scientific meetings. Grant proposal writing: Assist in the development of grant proposals to secure funding for ongoing and future research projects.

Mentorship and training: Provide guidance and mentorship to graduate and undergraduate students involved in the lab's research activities. Lab management: Assist in the day-to-day operations of the lab, including data organization and management, equipment maintenance, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols.

Applicants should have experience in functional MRI and functional connectivity MRI (data acquisition, preprocessing, analysis). Experience in high-dimensional computer science using data-driven techniques (graph

theory, ICA, machine learning), in other imaging modalities (DTI; MEG), and in multimodal integration will be relevant. Experience with AFNI/SUMA, SPM, FSL, Freesurfer, UNIX/LINUX computational environments and/or

programming skills (MATLAB, R, C++; JAVA, Python) is desirable, but not required. Applicants who have experience in the study of children (especially those with autism), and other clinical populations may be

preferred. Ph.D. degree in Neuroscience (preferred), Computer Science, or other relevant Neurobiology related field. A strong record of early career research, as well as excellent analytical, oral and written communication skills.

Applications should include a curriculum vitae (CV), and a cover letter, and three letters of recommendations or contact information for three professional references.

Review of applications will begin on immediately and will continue until a sufficient applicant pool has been established.

Final candidate will be required to provide official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at

http://www.naces.org/. (http://www.naces.org/)

The University of Florida is committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information, and veteran status in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training.

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD). Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida's Sunshine Law.