Research Analyst - Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics

Job Description

The Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics (KCNI) at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is harnessing the power of high-performance computing and novel technologies to integrate and analyze the wealth of data generated about the brain and mental health. Our research is performed in an open science environment, with an emphasis on reproducible data-driven research and a patient-centric approach to accelerate identification and treatment of mental illness. A focus on global collaboration is key to transforming our understanding of mental health and its treatment. The Centre operates as an incubator for medical technologies to identify, manage and treat mental illness, while shaping policy at national and global levels.

Position Description : The Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics has an opening for a casual Research Analyst position. This position provides research support to a Scientist at the Centre. It offers the opportunity to be part of an active and productive interdisciplinary team and to carry out a variety of interesting tasks interfacing research and administration. The project titled "Virtual Reality for Computational Modelling of Social Cognition in Psychotic Disorders" aims to leverage advancements in virtual reality (VR) and mobile neurotechnology to model social cognition and behavioral responses in individuals at different stages of psychosis. The project focuses on integrating VR environments with electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to capture dynamic biological, psychological, and social factors over time. Responsibilities will include supporting study protocol, start-up tasks (e.g., programming using MATLAB and Python), assisting with data collection, logging, documentation, and analysis. Other responsibilities include supporting literature reviews and research dissemination (e.g., abstract or manuscript preparation).

You will support a workplace that embraces diversity, encourages teamwork, and complies with all applicable health and safety and regulatory and legislative requirements. This position is in a stimulating but supportive environment with opportunities for additional training. This casual position is located at 250 College Street at the College Street Site.

Minimum Requirements

The successful candidate for this position will have a Bachelor of Science, one year of research lab / project experience, possess a strong technical background in Virtual Reality (VR) development, with proficiency in creating VR applications using platforms such as Unity or Unreal Engine, and experience in developing interactive and realistic social scenarios within VR environments. They will have a thorough knowledge of electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) data collection methods and equipment, including handling mobile EEG setups for accurate data capture in naturalistic settings, and the ability to integrate EEG and fNIRS data with VR tasks for real-time monitoring. Additionally, the candidate will have expertise in developing and validating computational models that predict social cognition and behavioral responses, with familiarity in using software tools and programming languages like Python, MATLAB, and R.

Proficiency in integrating multi-modal data sources (EEG, fNIRS, behavioral data) for comprehensive analysis, developing algorithms for real-time monitoring and longitudinal analysis, and skills in data visualization and interpretation to identify early markers of cognitive impairment and psychosis symptoms are also essential. Furthermore, the candidate should have experience in integrating cognitive tasks with EEG or fNIRS mobile data acquisition, ensuring seamless data collection and analysis in diverse settings. The successful candidate will have sound knowledge of inclusive environments and will support and implement anti-oppressive and anti-racist best practices in the workplace. The ability to work with stakeholders of diverse identities and ethno-racial and cultural backgrounds is required.