Research Assistant

at  Johns Hopkins University

The Quantis Lab at the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University is seeking a Research Assistant (https://quantis.bme.jhu.edu/). The Research Assistant will work under the general supervision of the faculty investigator and oversee the day-to-day data collection for the faculty member’s research studies. The Research Assistant will interact with the investigators and collaborators in a research environment. This person will be writing, running, and analyzing standard and non-standard reports.
They will assist in carrying out studies of X-Ray CT-based quantitative biomarkers and radiomics in accordance with good research practices in such activities. The activities will include development of image segmentation and registration frameworks, training and validation of machine learning models, pre-processing and quantitative analysis of x-ray imaging data, management of large datasets, lab inventory, record keeping, and own research within the context of laboratory focus. There is the potential for authorship in scientific papers and participation in conferences. The primary focus of the studies will be in skeletal health assessment, in particular in microstructural and morphological evaluation of bone.
Our lab develops imaging technologies to provide accurate quantitative information for medical diagnosis and therapy.
Our research encompasses all aspects of medical imaging sciences: from design of novel systems to improve quantification of features of diagnostic and therapeutic interest, to better image formation algorithms to minimize biases in quantitative measurements, to automated image analysis to extract quantitative markers from multi-dimensional imaging datasets.
We pride ourselves in establishing a creative, stimulating, and diverse environment wherein researchers put their ideas into action and obtain expertise in imaging technology development and/or quantitative image analysis. We also benefit from collaborating with world-class radiology and biomedical engineering groups at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and beyond.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

• Possesses sound organizational skills.
• Have sound documentation skills.
• Able to carry out computational studies reliably and reproducibly.
• Can work on multiple priorities effectively.
• Will execute assigned project tasks within established schedule.
• Can work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Effective communication skills
• Use critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills.
• Familiarity and experience with image analysis, image registration, and quantitative image biomarker extraction from x-ray CT data.
• Knowledgeable and experience with machine learning models for prediction of health outcomes from x-ray CT data.
• Familiarity and experience with Statistical Shape Models and imaging biomarkers of trabecular bone.
• Experience with CT radiomics.
• Understanding of statistical concepts relevant for analysis of experimental data from imaging studies.

SPECIFIC PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to move about comfortably in lab environments.
• Can lift minimum weight, 20 lbs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in related discipline.
• Additional related experience may substitute for required education, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.
  Classified Title: Research Assistant
  Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/03/CD
  Starting Salary Range: $17.20 - $30.30 HRLY ($50,000 targeted; Commensurate with experience)
  Employee group: Full Time
  Schedule: M-F
  Exempt Status: Non-Exempt
  Location: School of Medicine Campus
  Department name: SOM BME Biomedical Imaging Science
  Personnel area: School of Medicine

• Oversee day-to-day data collection for research activities.
• Perform computer analysis of x-ray CT data from a variety of pre-clinical and clinical scanners.
• Perform machine learning model development and validation under the supervision of sr. researchers.
• Assist researcher team with extraction of quantitative biomarkers from CT data.
• Assist research team with radiomic analysis of CT data.
• Write, run, and analyze standard and non-standard reports. Clean data and ensure data accuracy.
• Maintain paper and computerized research files.
• Participate in drafting scientific communications (papers and conference presentations).
• Conduct literature searches to support sr. researchers.
• Participate in weekly laboratory meetings and other ad hoc meetings as needed.