Senior Research Engineer
Salary undisclosed
Apply on
Availability Status
This job is expected to be in high demand and may close soon. We’ll remove this job ad once it's closed.
Original
Simplified
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Senior Research Engineer is a member of the Neuroimaging and Brain Dynamics Lab, a research laboratory within the Vanderbilt Lab for Immersive AI Translation (VALIANT) and is a key individual contributor responsible for advancing AI tools for neuroimaging data analysis. This position leads research projects, manages computational pipelines, mentors junior researchers, and fosters collaborations across disciplines. Reporting directly to the principal investigator of the Neuroimaging and Brain Dynamics Lab, the Senior Research Engineer frequently interacts with cross-institute partners, students, and international collaborators to drive innovation in neuroscience and AI. The Senior Research Engineer will develop machine learning approaches for multimodal neuroimaging data, optimize research workflows, lead Open Science initiatives, and contribute to funding proposals. They will play a crucial role in bridging neuroscience and AI, ensuring the lab's research is at the forefront of technological advancements while maintaining rigorous scientific standards.
About the Work Unit: VALIANT is a pioneering center at Vanderbilt University, dedicated to accelerating innovation at the intersection of artificial intelligence and scientific discovery. Our approach is built on three pillars: cultivating expertise, fostering cross-disciplinary synergy, and making strategic investments. We empower researchers with deep knowledge in informatics and AI, promote knowledge flow across traditional academic boundaries, and create a structured ecosystem for discovery. Our agile decision making model allows us to rapidly identify potential, prototype solutions, advance research, and deploy investments. We continuously refine our focus based on real-world feedback, actively engaging with the VALIANT community to drive intellectual and societal impact.
Key Functions and Expected Performance:
Lead research projects in AI tools for multimodal neuroimaging data analysis, including: Developing ML approaches for integrating and analyzing fMRI and physiological signals, Adapting state-of-the-art ML methods for time-series data to fMRI research, Creating ML models for estimating functional parcellations from structural brain features
Manage and optimize the lab's computational pipelines for efficiency and reproducibility in data processing, ML model development, and downstream analysis
Identify resources and initiate cross-institute collaborations (e.g., with DSI and ACCRE) to streamline workflows
Mentor junior researchers in the interdisciplinary lab, supporting project management, providing technical guidance, and leading discussions on advanced machine learning topics Play an active role in writing and formulating funding proposals at the intersection of neuroscience and AI
Lead Open Science initiatives and develop mechanisms to ensure the lab follows best practices in accessible, transparent research
Chair the annual "BrainHack" hackathon and coordinate the Vanderbilt hub of the international "BrainHack School" educational course
Provide expertise and advice to collaborators on topics in machine learning and fMRI, fostering research collaborations on campus and globally
Develop and disseminate open-source software for visualization, automated artifact detection, and improvement of physiological signal quality
Contribute to multimodal representation learning with applications to neuroscience (e.g., emotion recognition, brain state decoding, event segmentation)
Create interactive visualization tools for fMRI data
Supervisory Relationships: This position does not have direct supervisory responsibility but is expected to mentor students and junior researchers; this position reports administratively and functionally to the principal investigator of the Neuroimaging and Brain Dynamics Lab.
Education and Certifications
PhD in Computer Science, Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field is necessary.
Experience and Skills:
At least one year of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience is necessary.
Extensive experience in machine learning, particularly as applied to neuroimaging data analysis, is required.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously is required.
Experience initiating and managing cross-disciplinary collaborations is required.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are required.
Strong task orientation and ability to meet deadlines is required.
Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in data science and neuroimaging (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB) is required.
Experience with fMRI data analysis and related software tools is strongly preferred.
Knowledge of physiological signal processing is preferred.
Experience in open-source software development and version control systems (e.g., Git) is preferred.
Familiarity with high-performance computing environments is preferred
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.
Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.
ABOUT US
Vanderbilt is a community of talented and diverse staff & faculty!
At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville , Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of America s Best Large Employers as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice through:
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
*************************************************************************************************************************
Vanderbilt University has made the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, the University may require employees to comply with any testing or health and safety measures which the University may require.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.
Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.
The Senior Research Engineer is a member of the Neuroimaging and Brain Dynamics Lab, a research laboratory within the Vanderbilt Lab for Immersive AI Translation (VALIANT) and is a key individual contributor responsible for advancing AI tools for neuroimaging data analysis. This position leads research projects, manages computational pipelines, mentors junior researchers, and fosters collaborations across disciplines. Reporting directly to the principal investigator of the Neuroimaging and Brain Dynamics Lab, the Senior Research Engineer frequently interacts with cross-institute partners, students, and international collaborators to drive innovation in neuroscience and AI. The Senior Research Engineer will develop machine learning approaches for multimodal neuroimaging data, optimize research workflows, lead Open Science initiatives, and contribute to funding proposals. They will play a crucial role in bridging neuroscience and AI, ensuring the lab's research is at the forefront of technological advancements while maintaining rigorous scientific standards.
About the Work Unit: VALIANT is a pioneering center at Vanderbilt University, dedicated to accelerating innovation at the intersection of artificial intelligence and scientific discovery. Our approach is built on three pillars: cultivating expertise, fostering cross-disciplinary synergy, and making strategic investments. We empower researchers with deep knowledge in informatics and AI, promote knowledge flow across traditional academic boundaries, and create a structured ecosystem for discovery. Our agile decision making model allows us to rapidly identify potential, prototype solutions, advance research, and deploy investments. We continuously refine our focus based on real-world feedback, actively engaging with the VALIANT community to drive intellectual and societal impact.
Key Functions and Expected Performance:
Lead research projects in AI tools for multimodal neuroimaging data analysis, including: Developing ML approaches for integrating and analyzing fMRI and physiological signals, Adapting state-of-the-art ML methods for time-series data to fMRI research, Creating ML models for estimating functional parcellations from structural brain features
Manage and optimize the lab's computational pipelines for efficiency and reproducibility in data processing, ML model development, and downstream analysis
Identify resources and initiate cross-institute collaborations (e.g., with DSI and ACCRE) to streamline workflows
Mentor junior researchers in the interdisciplinary lab, supporting project management, providing technical guidance, and leading discussions on advanced machine learning topics Play an active role in writing and formulating funding proposals at the intersection of neuroscience and AI
Lead Open Science initiatives and develop mechanisms to ensure the lab follows best practices in accessible, transparent research
Chair the annual "BrainHack" hackathon and coordinate the Vanderbilt hub of the international "BrainHack School" educational course
Provide expertise and advice to collaborators on topics in machine learning and fMRI, fostering research collaborations on campus and globally
Develop and disseminate open-source software for visualization, automated artifact detection, and improvement of physiological signal quality
Contribute to multimodal representation learning with applications to neuroscience (e.g., emotion recognition, brain state decoding, event segmentation)
Create interactive visualization tools for fMRI data
Supervisory Relationships: This position does not have direct supervisory responsibility but is expected to mentor students and junior researchers; this position reports administratively and functionally to the principal investigator of the Neuroimaging and Brain Dynamics Lab.
Education and Certifications
PhD in Computer Science, Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field is necessary.
Experience and Skills:
At least one year of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience is necessary.
Extensive experience in machine learning, particularly as applied to neuroimaging data analysis, is required.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously is required.
Experience initiating and managing cross-disciplinary collaborations is required.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are required.
Strong task orientation and ability to meet deadlines is required.
Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in data science and neuroimaging (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB) is required.
Experience with fMRI data analysis and related software tools is strongly preferred.
Knowledge of physiological signal processing is preferred.
Experience in open-source software development and version control systems (e.g., Git) is preferred.
Familiarity with high-performance computing environments is preferred
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.
Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.
ABOUT US
Vanderbilt is a community of talented and diverse staff & faculty!
At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville , Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of America s Best Large Employers as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice through:
- Working and growing together as a community of communities... we are One Vanderbilt.
- Providing a work environment where every staff and faculty member can be their authentic and best self, while providing the resources and opportunities to learn and grow.
- Encouraging development, collaboration, and partnership both internally and externally while fostering the value that every member of the Vanderbilt community can lead and grow regardless of title or position.
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
*************************************************************************************************************************
Vanderbilt University has made the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, the University may require employees to comply with any testing or health and safety measures which the University may require.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.
Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.
Employers have access to artificial intelligence language tools (“AI”) that help generate and enhance job descriptions and AI may have been used to create this description. The position description has been reviewed for accuracy and Dice believes it to correctly reflect the job opportunity.
Report this job Similar Jobs
