Post-Doctoral Fellow - Artificial Intelligence for Neuroscience - Temporary full-time 2023-5434

Our Artificial Intelligence and Computational Neurosciences (AICONS) Lab at the University of Toronto and Black Centre for Brain Resilience & Recovery, Sunnybrook Research Institute are seeking a postdoctoral fellow to lead development of novel AI algorithms for the analysis and modeling of MRI and (light-sheet) microscopy data. Our work combines technical and translational research, focusing on the development of novel AI and computational tools to probe, predict and understand neuronal and vascular circuit alterations, and model brain pathology in neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and traumatic brain injury. The successful candidate will join a diverse, multi-disciplinary team of researchers who specialize in the development and application of computational tools and AI for neuroscience. The candidate will be expected to work independently and as a team member with investigators, clinicians, staff (software developers, research assistants and technicians), other postdocs, and graduate/undergraduate students. This will be performed in collaboration with our internal and external international collaborators (in USA, Switzerland, and Germany), including neurologists, radiologists, surgeons, psychologists, physicists, and computer scientists. This position is in support of CIHR-funded projects to study early structural and functional network dysfunction in neurological disorders.

The position requires working closely with the PIs Dr. Goubran (expertise in computational neuroscience, AI, and neuroimaging), Dr. Black (internationally recognized expert in neurology, small vessel disease, and cognition) and with graduate students, imaging analysts and software developers in the lab. The fellow will develop AI algorithms for multimodal image analysis, connectomics, and prediction of cognitive decline using large multi-site clinical imaging studies and trials (with thousands of subjects) in collaboration with teams at McGill, Stanford, Harvard, and Wisconsin universities. We encourage new approaches and ideas, as well as independent projects that align with current studies. Our team also leads the computational and neuroimaging analyses for several cutting-edge trials at the Harquail centre for Neuromodulation at Sunnybrook, including those focused on Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and refractory psychiatric disorders. Our institute houses state-of-the-art imaging (MRI and microscopy) facilities and advanced compute infrastructure. There will be opportunities to contribute to many publications and present at/attend international conferences and workshops.

Required Qualifications/Special Skills include: 

• PhD obtained within the last 5 years or graduating PhD candidate in computer science, biomedical engineering, biophysics, neuroscience, or a related discipline
• Experience with machine and deep learning libraries Scikit-learn, Pytorch, Tensorflow, Keras
• Strong research record
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency with programming languages (Python/MATLAB, C/C++, etc.)
• Intermediate knowledge of Linux and scripting
• Ability and willingness to work in a dynamic interdisciplinary team environment

Assets:

• Advanced knowledge of ML models for image processing, segmentation, or registration
• Advanced knowledge of computer vision
• Experience with designing data analysis workflows and incorporating existing tools
• Working knowledge of
  • neuroimaging software: FSL, FreeSurfer, SPM, ITK
  • or microscopy software: Fiji/ImageJ, Ilastik
• Python software packaging, virtual environments, Anaconda/Conda, Jupyter/IPython
• Experience with statistical analyses and relevant software such as R or SPSS
• Experience with version control systems (Git) and software testing

This is a funded position. Stipend levels are in line with experience and CIHR/NIH stipend levels.

Compensation depending on education and experience. A 2-year minimum commitment is required.  This position includes health and dental benefits.

• University of Toronto
• Temerty Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research and Education in Medicine
• Sunnybrook Research Institute
• Dr. Goubran’s Department of Medical Biophysics Profile
• Black Centre for Brain Resilience & Recovery
• Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation

To apply for this position, please:

Send a cover letter and Curriculum Vitae and the names of three potential references to:

Ms. Kimberly Allen

kimberly.allen@sunnybrook.ca

Please put “AICONS lab AI postdoc” in the subject line

Deadline for application: Until the position is filled.

We thank you in advance for your interest. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.

Application screening will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.