Assistant/Associate Project Scientist– Neuroimaging Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease – Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute
Position overview
Application Window
Open date: January 13, 2026
Next review date: Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Tuesday, Feb 17, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
The Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applications for an Assistant or Associate Project Scientist in the Jagust Lab, in the area of neuroimaging biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias as well as cognitive aging.
This position was created to support the SCAN project in the Jagust Laboratory. The lab focuses on using brain imaging measures – specifically PET and MRI scanning – to study brain aging and dementia. The SCAN study includes data that comes to the lab from 37 Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center imaging sites across North America. William Jagust is the PI of SCAN, so in addition to the Jagust Laboratory serving as the PET Core and completing quality control and analysis of thousands of PET and MRI scans, we have management and administrative needs to keep the study running smoothly.
The individual in this position would work primarily with Drs. Harrison and Jagust and would spend 100% of their time working on SCAN-related efforts. Their role would include streamlining our SCAN project operations, managing the team of staff research associates working on SCAN and ensuring that there is consistency between SCAN and other studies for which we have promised compatibility, when feasible. This individual would also be responsible for monitoring SCAN timelines to ensure target dates are met for study deliverables, progress reports, renewals and regulatory compliance. This individual would also monitor timelines for other SCAN Core labs and ensure that all collaborators stay up to date with their workflows. Finally, this individual would take on some administrative tasks for SCAN including managing regular Zoom meeting invites, drafting messaging and communicating with sites and helping to lead updates to websites, site tools and similar.
Responsibilities:
- Interact with multiple laboratory members to define and monitor SCAN goals and timelines in terms of key data output
- Monitor ongoing progress of SCAN by examining data outcomes and coordinating with data analysts at Berkeley and at other SCAN Core labs
- Keep updated contact lists for SCAN and schedule/coordinate and take running notes for regular leadership meetings
- Identify opportunities to streamline SCAN workflows
- Monitor data quality by comparing results to expected standards and reconciling results across multiple databases (e.g., LONI, XNAT, Mayo QC reports)
- Produce regular reports on multiple SCAN Project outcomes in graphical and tabular forms
- Produce figures for manuscripts, presentations and grant submissions
- Contribute to and/or lead manuscripts focused on SCAN data
- Perform tasks to maintain infrastructure such as ordering supplies, maintaining laboratory computers, managing scheduling of large complex team meetings and manage travel reimbursements
Qualifications
PhD (or equivalent international degree)
At least two years Post-PhD research experience
PhD in neuroscience, psychology, data science or computer science
Experience in research study coordination and management
Experience in data analysis or data management using database software
Proficiency with any or all of the following data analysis and computing software: Python, R, Matlab
Demonstrated expertise in basic biostatistics
Ability to track research progress, prepare graphical and tabular reports on research progress
Ability to contribute to grant applications including data analysis, drafting, revising
Ability to prepare figures for manuscripts and scientific presentations
Demonstrated high impact publication record and interest in continuing to lead manuscripts
Demonstrated proficiency to work as part of a research team
Ability to show attention to detail, collate results from multiple projects and amalgamate results to track deliverables
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Research Statement - Please discuss research accomplishments and proposed plans. This can include, for example, your publication record, awards, presentations, inclusive research practices that promote the excellence of your research, and areas for future research.
(Optional)
- 3-5 required (contact information only)
Help contact: tessaharrison@berkeley.edu
About UC Berkeley
UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy (APM 210 1-d). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community, which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.
The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.
For more information, please refer to the University of California’s Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy and the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy.
In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
Unless stated otherwise, unambiguously, in the position description, this position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
- “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
- APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment