Research Assistant Position: Predicting Cognition and Behavior with Big Data, AI, and Brain MRI
Prof. Yangming Ou, Boston Childrens’ Hospital / Radiology, Medical School
fall term


Research Description: Computational neuroscience across the lifespan using big data brain MRI and non-MRI dataset (N>70,000) is a major branch of research in our lab. We develop and use AI and medical image analysis algorithms and software tools to analyze brain MRI in 0-100 years of age, and associate MRI information with neurocognitive scores (IQ and sub-domains such as memory, language, cognition, processing speed). Responsibilities: The RA will be closely collaborating with postdocs, research interns, the PI, and clinical collaborators, on multi-site big data brain MRI harmonization, MRI information extraction, MRI-neurocognition association. The RA will be co-author in publications and will be encouraged to write his/her own first-author articles. The RA will be exposed to several projects that are ongoing in the lab ranging from quantification of brain development, AI early detection of brain abnormalities, and AI prediction of outcomes. Requirements and Expectations: We strongly encourage students with background in computational neuroscience, computer science, and data science, or related STEM majors to apply. Previous experience with MRI analysis (AFNI, FSL, FreeSurfer, CONN, etc.)and AI (python, pyTorch, TensorFlow, etc.) are a plus but not required. Strong communication skills and previous publication records are a plus but not required. The RA is expected to work 8-10 hours a week in general, but the hours can be very flexible and vary case by case. Additional Information: The position can be for course credit (MBB90r) or if not for course credit, will be paid. Our lab is located at the newly-renovated Landmark Building (401 Park Drive, Boston). We are working remotely on the high-performance computer cluster (E2 job scheduler) most of the time during the pandemic, and we expect this RA work to be a mix of remote and later partly on site (if conditions allow). The PI's webpage is at https://scholar.harvard.edu/yangming.ou, and the lab's website is here: https://projects.iq.harvard.edu/i3-lab. To Apply: Interested candidates are welcome to email his/her CV to the PI at Yangming.Ou@childrens.harvard.edu. (posted 8/2021)