Cancer Biology/PISR Post Doctoral Fellow

University of Kansas Medical Center•Kansas City, KS

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The postdoctoral fellow will support the Preclinical Imaging Shared Resource (PISR) within the University of Kansas Cancer Center and the Department of Cancer Biology. This position will develop and apply advanced preclinical imaging methodologies to support interdisciplinary cancer research programs, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), optical imaging, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), photoacoustic imaging, and image analysis. The position offers opportunities to develop independent research projects, contribute to collaborative grant applications, and prepare for an independent academic or industry career in biomedical imaging. The position will work closely with investigators across the University of Kansas Cancer Center, the Institute for Advancing Medical Innovation, and external collaborators to establish innovative imaging biomarkers and quantitative imaging methodologies.

Requirements

Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering, Medical Physics, Imaging Science, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Neuroscience, Cancer Biology, or a closely related discipline.
Demonstrated research experience in at least one advanced biomedical imaging modality.

Nice To Haves

Preclinical MRI
MRI pulse sequence development and optimization
Quantitative MRI analysis
Image reconstruction and image processing using Bruker Paravision
Micro-CT, optical imaging, photoacoustic imaging, PET, or SPECT
Artificial intelligence or machine learning for biomedical image analysis
Python, MATLAB, C++, or similar scientific programming languages
Multi-modal image registration and quantitative biomarker development
Cancer biology, immunology, or neuroscience applications of imaging
Communication
Collaborative
Teamwork
Organization
Critical thinking
Attention to detail
Interpersonal

Responsibilities

Work with PI/faculty mentor to develop, optimize, and apply advanced preclinical imaging techniques to investigate cancer biology, therapeutic response, immunotherapy, and drug delivery in small-animal models.
Design and optimize MRI protocols for longitudinal preclinical studies.
Perform quantitative image analysis and develop reproducible imaging workflows.
Participate in collaborative NIH-, DoD-, and NSF-funded research projects.
Contribute to the development of new imaging methodologies integrating MRI, optical imaging, photoacoustic imaging, and micro-CT.
Assist in the development of AI-based image analysis pipelines.
Design and conduct imaging studies in murine disease models in accordance with approved IACUC protocols, including animal preparation, anesthesia, physiological monitoring, longitudinal imaging, and quantitative image analysis.
Assist in the implementation and validation of next-generation ultra-high-field imaging technologies, including the forthcoming 18.8 Tesla MRI platform, and contribute to the development of multimodal imaging workflows integrating MRI, NMR spectroscopy, optical imaging, micro-CT, and photoacoustic imaging.
Work effectively as part of the research team and mentor/train graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and investigators in imaging methodologies.
Assist in maintaining state-of-the-art imaging instrumentation and implementing new imaging technologies.
Complete research projects under the guidance of the faculty mentor, record and interpret the results of their experiments in an (electronic) laboratory notebook, prepare publication-quality manuscripts (including figures and tables) and publish in peer-reviewed literature.
Read literature articles, develop new ideas, and assimilate the information into his/her project design/interpretation.
Interact on a regular basis with their faculty mentor and members of the laboratory to discuss experimental design and interpretation of results.
Present research aims and findings at department seminars and at scientific meetings.
Write and publish their results as first author in abstracts, manuscripts, and posters.
Submit fellowship applications, as eligible, to bolster research funding and CV building for projects.
Interact with KU Cancer Center donors and local cancer affiliates.
Attend and maintain compliance including all orientation and training sessions designated by the University and the Cancer Biology Department, understand and follow IACUC and biosafety protocols, and attend departmental seminars and regular lab meetings.

Benefits

Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Health expense accounts with generous employer contributions
Employer-paid life insurance
Long-term disability insurance
Various additional voluntary insurance plans
Paid time off, including vacation and sick
Ten paid holidays
One paid discretionary day after six months of employment
Paid time off for bereavement, jury duty, military service, and parental leave after 12 months of employment
Retirement program with a generous employer contribution
Additional voluntary retirement programs (457 or 403b)