Research Assistant in the Division of Science (Psychology) - Dr. Osama Abdullah
New York University
New York University: NYU - Global: Abu Dhabi: AD_Science: AD_Psychology
Location
Open Date
Apr 30, 2025
Description
The LAMINATE project in the Center for Brain and Health (CBH), New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), seeks to recruit a full‑time Research Assistant (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs per week, fixed‑term — 12 months). LAMINATE is developing a longitudinal, AI‑driven MRI‑lesion and atrophy segmentation platform for multiple sclerosis (MS). Under the supervision of Dr Osama Abdullah, the successful candidate will verify AI‑generated lesion masks, curate expert ground‑truth datasets, and serve as the primary medical liaison to the project’s clinical advisory committee.
Key Responsibilities
- Lesion verification & curation – Review automated lesion segmentations, perform manual corrections, and document discrepancies for model retraining.
- Clinical QC pipeline – Design and maintain protocols that ensure segmentation quality and regulatory compliance across collaborating hospitals (e.g., CCAD, Yas Clinic).
- Medical liaison – Interface with neurologists, neuroradiologists, and the grant’s medical committee; translate clinical feedback into actionable technical requirements.
- Training & mentorship – Coach junior annotators (technologists, students) in neuro‑MRI interpretation and LesionView validation software.
- Scholarly contribution – Co‑author progress reports and, where appropriate, conference abstracts or manuscripts arising from LAMINATE.
- Compliance & ethics – Operate strictly within IRB‑approved protocols and maintain patient‑data confidentiality.
Required Qualifications
- MD (or equivalent medical degree).
- Demonstrated competence interpreting brain MRI (FLAIR, T1, contrast‑enhanced) for MS or other demyelinating diseases.
- Familiarity with lesion‑segmentation software or PACS plug‑ins and confidence navigating DICOM viewers.
- Excellent written and spoken English; ability to convey clinical concepts to engineers and data‑science teams.
- Ability to work on‑site in Abu Dhabi (standard 40‑hour work week).
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior research experience in neuro‑imaging (manual segmentation, quantitative MRI, etc.).
- Exposure to AI/ML projects or clinical‑software validation.
- Peer‑reviewed publications or conference abstracts in neurology, radiology, or related fields.
Application Instructions
Combine the following into one PDF and submit via NYUAD’s online application portal:
- Cover letter (max 1 page) outlining interest in the role and relevant clinical expertise.
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Names and contact details of two referees (one must be a clinical supervisor).
- Proof of medical degree (scan of diploma or transcript).
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled; early submissions are encouraged. Estimated start date: 1 June 2025 (negotiable). For informal enquiries, e‑mail Dr Osama Abdullah (oa22@nyu.edu).
Terms of Employment
NYUAD offers a competitive, tax‑free salary commensurate with experience, furnished housing (or allowance), comprehensive health insurance, annual airfare, and tuition assistance for eligible dependents—all for the one‑year, full‑time appointment.
About NYUAD:
NYU Abu Dhabi is a degree-granting research university with a fully integrated liberal arts and science undergraduate program in the Arts, Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Engineering. NYU Abu Dhabi, NYU New York, and NYU Shanghai, form the backbone of NYU’s global network university, an interconnected network of portal campuses and academic centers across six continents that enable seamless international mobility of students and faculty in their pursuit of academic and scholarly activity. This global university represents a transformative shift in higher education, one in which the intellectual and creative endeavors of academia are shaped and examined through an international and multicultural perspective. As a major intellectual hub at the crossroads of the Arab world, NYUAD serves as a center for scholarly thought, advanced research, knowledge creation, and sharing, through its academic, research, and creative activities.
EOE/AA/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Employer
UAE Nationals are encouraged to apply.