Research Assistant 2

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Position Summary:

The McConnell Brain Imaging Centre (BIC) at the Montreal Neurological Institute (The Neuro), a world-renowned hub for advanced neuroimaging research, is seeking a quality control Research Assistant 2 to help develop tools for semi-automated Neuroimaging QC. In this key role, you will work in a dynamic and fast-paced research institute (The Neuro, Montreal Neurological Institute) to support our teams in generating high-quality data from our state-of-the-art 7T MRI scanner, which will be released within our institute's open-science framework.

Reporting to Dr Najmeh Khalili-Mahani (Associate Director, Montreal Paris Neurobank), and working closely with Dr Boris Bernhardt’s Multimodal Imaging and Connectome Analysis (MICA) lab, you will perform manual QC to rate the quality of the imaging data, towards creating a training dataset for developing machine learning algorithms for increasing the consistency of quality control in two cohort studies: healthy controls and epilepsy patients.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive quality control (QC) of neuroimaging datasets (e.g., MRI, fMRI, DTI, PET), assessing image quality, protocol compliance, and artifact identification.
• Rating the imaging data for motion, distortions, scanner-related issues, and consistency across sites or time points.
• Researching and implementing or containerizing pipelines that can perform quantitative quality control on large data volumes.
• Documenting QC processes for each dataset and maintaining meticulous records to support audit trails and data sharing in accordance with FAIR and Open Science principles.
• Publish code and algorithms as they become available, and present work in scientific meetings.

Qualifications Required:

• Master’s degree in medical imaging, computer science, or a related neuroinformatics fields.
• 3+ years of experience in neuroimaging, focusing on quality assurance or image processing.
• Familiarity with neuroimaging modalities and neuroimaging software (e.g., MINC tools, FSL, FreeSurfer, SPM).
• Strong understanding of neuroimaging file formats (e.g., BIDS, NIfTI, DICOM) and image acquisition parameters.
• Proven track record of working with programming/scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash, MATLAB) for image processing and pipeline development
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Experience working in team-based settings and collaborating with technical and non-technical members.
• Impeccable interpersonal, organizational and time management skills to prioritize and deliver within deadlines.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with Open Science practices and multi-site imaging initiatives (e.g., UK Biobank, HCP, ADNI, etc).
• Knowledge of modern software engineering practices (such as version control, static analysis, automated testing, code reviews...).
• Experience with machine learning and AI solutions in radiology.
• Experience with database design and management.

Desired Technology Stack

• Programming with Python, Bash, SQL, PHP, Perl.
• User interface with React.
• Database with MariaDB.
• Version control with Git.
• Linux systems.

This position is covered by the AMURE collective agreement: https://www.aerum-amure.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/AMURE-2023-2027.pdf

Knowledge of French and English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level # 3-4 on a scale of 0-4.

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

McGill University is an English-language university where most teaching and research activities are conducted in the English language, thereby requiring English communication both verbally and in writing.

Hourly Salary:

$30.75

Hours per Week:

28 (Part time)

Location:

Montreal Neuro.

Supervisor:

Associate Director, Montreal-Paris Neurobank

Position Start Date:

2025-05-05

Position End Date:

2026-05-04

Deadline to Apply:

2025-05-26

This position is covered by the Association of McGill University Research Employees (AMURE) collective agreement.

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca.