Research scientist position (postdoc) in biomedical image analysis (Japan)

The Brain Image Analysis Unit at the Center for Brain Science (CBS), RIKEN, Japan, seeks highly motivated individuals who will contribute to the development and implementation of image processing and image analysis techniques with a focus on brain image data.

The work will be done in a highly interdisciplinary research group consisting of scientists from the neural-scientific and medical research fields.  The Brain Image Analysis Unit integrates deep learning techniques into new algorithms to improve state-of-the-art processing and analysis of brain imaging data. Emphasis is placed on developing methods for image registration, image stitching, tracking of neurons and axon fiber bundles, detection, and segmentation of structures and denoising, enhancement, and visualization of images.

CBS website: https://cbs.riken.jp/en/faculty/bia/
Lab website: http://bia.riken.jp/

About the unit and the project

The Brain Image Analysis Unit develops new algorithms for the processing and analysis of multi-modal brain imaging data such as two-photon, bright-field microscopy images, and MRI.
We are in close collaboration with scientists from the neural-scientific and medical research fields. As a member of the Brain/MINDS project, the unit analyzes image data of the brain of the common marmoset monkey to help better understand the structure and function of the primate brain.

Artificial intelligence plays an important role in contemporary image analysis. In particular, machine learning techniques such as deep learning are indispensable for the automated analysis of large image data-sets. The Brain Image Analysis Unit contributes to this exciting new field by integrating deep learning techniques into new algorithms to improve state-of-the-art processing and analysis of brain imaging data. Emphasis is placed on developing methods for image registration, image stitching, tracking of neurons and axon fiber bundles, detection, and segmentation of structures and denoising, enhancement, and visualization of images.

Job description

The selected candidate will join the interdisciplinary Brain/MINDS project, and as a member of the unit will contribute to the development and implementation of image processing and image analysis techniques with a focus on (marmoset) brain image data. The work will be done in a highly interdisciplinary research group consisting of scientists from the neural-scientific and medical research fields.
The emphasis is on developing cutting-edge technologies that improve current state-of-the-art and publishing high impact work in top-tier journals in order to build a substantial resume and strong international collaborations.

Experiences in biomedical image analysis is an advantage but not a requirement. This job may be a great opportunity to apply knowledge and expertise from the computer vision and/or image processing field to new problems in the biomedical field. 

Location

Wako-City (Kanto district, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198). RIKEN is located in very close proximity to the northern part of Tokyo. http://www.riken.jp/en/access/wako-map/.

The RIKEN campus is quite large and offers cafeterias, coffee shops, and a convenient store. From the nearest train station, it is only a 12 min train ride to the Ikebukuro-Station (Tokyo). The  Ikebukuro-Station is a hub which connects many famous places in Tokyo, including Shinjuku (9 min train ride), Shibuya (18 min train ride) or Akihabara (19 min train ride). Many people prefer to avoid crowded streets and trains in their daily life and are living in close proximity to RIKEN. However, those who prefer living close to the nightlife and entertainment spots in Tokyo benefit from commuting out of the city in the morning, and returning in the evening (significantly less crowded than the other way around).

Qualifications

The candidate should have or be expecting to receive a Ph.D., by the time of employment, in related fields and 
have relevant research skills and experience in developing algorithms for the analysis/processing of biological/medical/neural images, computer vision, machine learning, deep learning, optimization, simulation, or similar fields, demonstrated by high-quality publications
good English communication skills 
proficiency in a programming language (such as C++/Python/JS)
good communication skills and ability to cooperate

Application & Employment

Start: October, 2019 (negotiable). A renewable one-year fixed-term employment contract to a maximum of the end of fiscal year 2023 (March 31, 2024), with annual evaluation. For further details, please refer to the job posting URL
https://cbs.riken.jp/en/careers/20190530_w19047_bia_r.html