Data Scientist Position in Neurodevelopmental Disorders Research

The Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, led by Prof. L. Poustka, is committed to advancing research in neurodevelopmental disorders. Our interdisciplinary team, including the research labs of Prof. Luise Poustka, Prof. Peter Marschik, and Dr. Martin Schulte-Rüther, focuses on early detection, diagnosis, and intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other conditions impacting social development. 
Our projects (supported e.g. by DFG, BMBF, Rett Syndrome Foundation, Volkswagen Foundation) span various aspects of neurodevelopment and employ advanced methodologies including:

- Retrospective video analysis using computer vision and machine learning
- Detection of neurodevelopmental conditions using embedded sensor systems
- exploration of behavioral biomarkers through eye-tracking, physiological measures and thermal signatures
- Integration of multimodal data (behavioral, genetic, linguistic, neuroimaging)
- Large-scale cohort comparisons and cross-condition analyses
- Time-series analysis of developmental trajectories, diagnostic markers, and changes with intervention
- computational modelling of behavioral, physiological, and neuroimaging data

We are seeking a talented and motivated Data Scientist to join our dynamic research team. Your role will be crucial in developing innovative analytical approaches to extract meaningful insights from these diverse data sources, contributing to our understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Key Responsibilities:
- Design and implement robust data analysis pipelines for diverse data types (behavioral, audio-visual, neuroimaging)
- Develop and apply advanced machine learning and statistical models to extract insights from multimodal datasets
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to integrate clinical knowledge with data-driven approaches
- Optimize and automate data processing workflows to enhance research efficiency
- Contribute to the development of novel analytical methods for early detection and diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders
- Initiative and assistance in the preparation of scientific publications and grant proposals

Your Profile:
- University degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field with a strong emphasis on data analysis
- Extensive experience in developing data analysis pipelines and working with large, complex datasets
- Proficiency in Python, R, or similar programming languages, with a focus on data science libraries and tools
- Experience with machine learning techniques, particularly in the context of multimodal data analysis
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Excellent communication skills in English; German language skills are beneficial but not required
- Familiarity with neuroimaging data analysis is a plus

We offer a stimulating work environment with state-of-the-art resources, opportunities for professional development, a full-time position with remuneration according to TVL-13. Part-time arrangements can be considered. The position is initially offered for a duration of 2 years with a possibility of extension based on performance and availability of additional funding.

To apply, please send a single PDF file including your CV, a motivation letter, and relevant certificates to martin.schulte-ruether@uni-heidelberg.de. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is October 2024.