AI - Annotation Lead III (Research Specialist II)

AI - Annotation Lead III

Summary
The Seung Lab at the Princeton Neuroscience Institute is at the forefront of neuroscientific discovery, leveraging high-throughput electron microscopy to map the brain's intricate circuitry. Our mission is to reconstruct neuronal circuits across various species, leading to the comprehensive connectomes—complete wiring diagrams of their brains. This groundbreaking work is revolutionizing our understanding of brain function through a synthesis of anatomical, functional, and computational insights.

We are seeking a motivated candidate to contribute to this endeavor. The AI Annotation Lead will be responsible for identifying, annotating, proofreading and analyzing neurons across various datasets. Additionally, the individual in this role will be expected to manage the work of team members as assigned by the Principal Investigator. This requires the AI Annotation Lead to work independently but also manage and oversee the work of other annotation specialists and off-campus novice proofreaders. The AI Annotation Lead will be expected to demonstrate leadership, proactive behavior, critical thinking, and continuous learning to help drive the team forward.

This full-time position has an initial appointment of one year with possibility of renewal contingent on continued funding and satisfactory performance.

Key Responsibilities

Daily operations - Accomplish daily tasks including but not limited to:

• Manage a team of 15–30 remote novice neural proofreaders, with potential scaling up to 60 based on project needs.
  • Develop and deliver multiple training sessions to equip the proofreading team with the knowledge and skills required for their tasks. Training content includes project goals, core neuroscience principles, proofreading tool usage, and effective proofreading strategies
  • Teach team members how to identify and correct 3D neuronal structures by guiding them through segmentation of neuron morphology and ultrastructure generated by AI systems.
  • Conduct weekly team meetings during evening hours to accommodate international time zones.
  • Respond to daily inquiries to support ongoing training and task assignments.
  • Communicate remote team findings and status to Principal Investigators, postdocs, and researchers to discuss progress, challenges, and insights.
• Annotation of AI- Generated Data Analysis
  • Proofread and annotate data within diverse scientific datasets, including zebrafish, mouse and fruit fly.
  • Generate crucial data from EM images of above organisms, to train artificial intelligence models using custom software(s).
  • Maintain high standards of consistency, precision, and quality in annotations and proofreading by focusing on detail.
  • Address ambiguities in data and offer feedback to optimise the annotation procedures.
  • Contribute to the creation and enhancement of annotation guidelines and best practices.
  • Engage in routine quality assurance reviews to verify the accuracy of output data.
  • Analyze the output data.
  • Work with team members and stakeholders, providing regular and concise updates on progress and outcomes.
  • Provide feedback and conduct beta-testing on custom software tools and platforms used in projects to boost productivity. 
  • Organize and manage data, such as documenting annotation and proofreading procedures to streamline and standardize across the team.
• Leadership and Strategic Responsibilities:
• • Self Direction - Be motivated to understand and deliver the next stages of tasks without requiring constant direction from management.
  • Understand the big picture - Understand the strategic goals of projects and align individual tasks and contributions with these objectives. 
  • Training and Mentorship - Assist team members, off-campus proofreaders and the community by providing training, directing workflow, and addressing inquiries as assigned by the manager.
  • Identify opportunities for efficiency - Constantly evaluate workflows and procedures, make recommendations and implement more efficient and effective methods to enhance team productivity.
  • Continuously learn and adapt - Engage in continuous personal and professional development. Adapt to new situations, challenges, and knowledge effectively.
  • Communication - Communicate as needed with management, team members,  other members of the lab including software developers to ensure project goals are met. Additionally, maintain regular communication with management and  team members about new findings and insights. Share knowledge effectively to ensure all team members are informed and can benefit from new information.
  • Take initiative - Take initiative in decision-making. Proactively address potential issues and opportunities without awaiting direction. As needed, troubleshoot basic software bugs for the team and determine when to escalate issues.
  • Adopt new tools - Identify and integrate new tools and technologies to enhance productivity and outcomes in project workflows without direct supervision. Stay updated with the latest advancements to continuously improve processes.

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s  degree
• 5+ years experience in image data annotation or a related field.
• Good color vision required
• Ability to work at a computer workstation, performing detailed, repetitive tasks.
• Good visuospatial skills
• Exceptional attention to detail with a steadfast commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to follow intricate instructions, manage ambiguity and operate independently.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic atmosphere, demonstrating adaptability and initiative.
• Ability to communicate with various stakeholders in a clear, concise, and professional manner.
• Expert in MS Excel/Google Workspace
• Excellent data organization skills
• Ability to learn and navigate new software with minimal instruction.
• Rich knowledge about synapses, intracellular organelle ultrastructures and neuronal cell morphology to provide annotations for data analysis.
• Outstanding sense of urgency coupled with excellent time management skills.
• Proactive, resourceful, and able to generate results according to defined deadlines
• Basic understanding of machine learning concepts and the critical role of high-quality data.
• Ability to learn tasks quickly and work independently yet assimilate well into a team.
• Ability to think at multiple levels of abstraction.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team setting.
• Ability to run base code/scripts and troubleshoot/debug software
• Familiar with functionalities of custom software tools, such as Eyewire, Flywire, VAST, and OMNI
• Ability to discover and implement innovative tools, thinking creatively to enhance productivity and efficiency, and guide others in adopting these new methods.
• Strong problem-solving abilities, especially in dealing with ambiguous data points.
• Actively and independently seeks opportunities to increase skills and expertise.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters degree in science
• Experience interpreting light and/or electron microscopic images in connectomic field
• Previous experience working with databases and/or collaborating with software developers and researchers in an AI/ML or a technology-centric environment.
• Ability to run base code/scripts and troubleshoot/debug software
• Basic skills in Python, Matlab, R or other programming languages

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.