Senior Research Scientist – Magnetic Resonance Imaging

University of Arkansas Fayetteville•Fayetteville, AR

7d•$150,000

About The Position

Established through a transformative gift from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation, the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I3R) at University of Arkansas pioneers solutions to wicked problems through convergence research across academic, industry, government, and non-profit sectors to make a positive societal impact by creating and deploying innovations at scale. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with purpose-driven coworkers in one of the fastest-growing and most naturally beautiful regions in the U.S. You will join a growing team of visionary researchers and thought leaders dedicated to working with a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem to deliver innovative solutions. I³R is committed to building a diverse, collaborative, and inclusive team and cultivating a welcoming atmosphere where all opinions are valued, all voices are heard, and ideas become reality. The I3R MRI facility houses a 3-Tesla Siemens Magnetom Cima.X to support academic and clinical research and care. This state-of-the-art system is designed with several technical advances to enhance imaging capabilities, workflow efficiency, and MRI recipient experience. It has a fast gradient system capable of high-speed structural and functional imaging, and a 64-receiver channel data acquisition system for parallel imaging with acceleration, which permits faster temporal resolution for functional MRI scans. The scanner has industry-leading gradients for human MRI scanning (i.e., gradient rise time = 200 T/m/s on each of the three gradient axes; peak gradient strength = 80 mT/m per axis). Its high performance driven by superior signal-to-noise ratio and AI powered advanced technology delivers high-quality images with faster acquisition time. It has advanced coil technology with a range of options that can be adapted for various anatomical regions and imaging needs and offers sophisticated imaging sequences that support specialized applications such as functional MRI and diffusion tensor imaging. An intuitive user-friendly interface simplifies operation and offers quieter operation and comfortable design to enhance MRI recipient’s comfort during scans. A mock-MRI setup is also in the facility as are adjacent rooms to conduct other human health related studies including use of EEG, and fNIRS. Besides the support potential for advanced clinical scanning, the Magnetom Cima.X offers university researchers opportunities to establish stronger collaborations with the Arkansas Children’s Research Institute, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and the Laureate Institute for Brain Research, for MRI in both adult and pediatric populations. Additionally, I3R researchers conducting medical robotics and mixed reality research seek MRI imaging of various anatomical regions. A full-time MRI Senior Research Scientist position is available at the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I3R) at University of Arkansas. We are looking for a researcher who can engage in state-of-the-art, multi-modal imaging research and in the application and development of novel, advanced imaging methods and data analytic strategies and their applications. The Magnetom Cima.X offers an unprecedented opportunity to be at the forefront of establishing an outstanding research program in multimodal imaging in the Northwest Arkansas region. In addition, there is a tremendous interest and need for support of clinical imaging. Some of the areas of research interest include: 1) development and implementation of novel real-time multimodal EEG and fMRI techniques; 2) development and implementation of quantitative MRI and fMRI protocols and MRS techniques; and 3) development and implementation of techniques for analyzing large and complex data sets involving data from multiple sources (e.g., structural MRI, fMRI, DTI, EEG, bio- and behavioral data). Additional areas of research related to the candidate’s expertise are welcome. This position involves supervising and supporting all aspects of the MRI facility daily operations, ongoing clinical imaging research, and scientific collaboration within the I3R and across the University of Arkansas. It is also anticipated that, through partnerships with healthcare providers, the facility will support the advanced MRI needs for the clinical patient population in Northwest Arkansas and neighboring regions. The position offers excellent opportunities in all aspects of MRI technology development, clinical applications, and data analysis in a dynamic, interactive, and transdisciplinary research environment with a diverse team of researchers that include physicists, psychologists, neuroscientists, engineers, and data scientists. The successful applicant will have the ability to work effectively on interdisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment, work independently and collaboratively with clinical and industry partners, and have excellent communication skills. A professional demeanor and the ability to establish effective working relationships are crucial in building trust and influence to accomplish work within a setting that includes a wide array of individuals, groups, policies, and processes.

Requirements

PhD or MD in Medical Physics, Engineering, Neuroscience or a relevant field with specific experience in MRI research
More than three years of postdoctoral experience
Experience in designing and executing clinical MRI studies with human participants
Evidence of direct role and contribution to the medical imaging field (publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals, presentations at imaging-related conferences and/or developed software codes)
Experience in managing multi-faceted and complex data sets and in performing statistical analysis
Knowledge of structural, diffusion, functional MRI procedures and acquisition protocols
Proven expertise in programming and medical imaging & statistical software
Proven leadership, organizational, and communication skills
Highly creative with exceptional abstract problem-solving abilities and attention to detail
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly the ability to present and publish complex scientific approaches and results in an interdisciplinary field as well as to maintain clear and concise documentation
Excellent ability to work effectively in a team environment, across multiple clinical sites

Nice To Haves

Experience with managing an MRI facility
Experience with high-field Siemens MRI systems
MRI Certified by the American Board of Medical Physics and/or certified by the American Board of MR Safety as an MR Safety Expert
Participation in clinical trials and implementation of MRI biomarkers

Responsibilities

Manage the I3R MRI facility for safe access and use under federal and state required guidelines.
Supervise MRI technologist and other MRI facility personnel.
Lead cross-functional projects with internal research and clinical (medical, operations, statistics, regulatory) teams as well as external partners.
Design and implement customized MRI (structural, functional, diffusion) image analysis methods, leveraging novel and standard methodologies.
Develop and maintain excellent direct relationships with clinical and research partners, supporting them on site or remotely such as setting parameters for MRIs, developing and updating field-specific protocols, adapting and optimizing equipment to their needs.
Maintain accurate research records and documentation of procedures.
Pursue funding to support the development and evaluation of medical imaging as a lead investigator and as collaborator.
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to researchers and graduate students.
Additional duties as assigned.
Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Benefits

The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

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