Technical Director - Preclinical Imaging Core

University of Kansas Medical Center•Kansas City, MO

1d•$103,014 - $164,822•Onsite

About The Position

The Technical Director will provide scientific, technical, and operational leadership for the Preclinical Imaging Shared Resource (PISR) within the University of Kansas Cancer Center and the Department of Cancer Biology. The Technical Director will oversee the daily operation of the PISR and its portfolio of advanced pre-clinical imaging technologies, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), optical imaging, photoacoustic imaging, and quantitative image analysis. The Technical Director will report directly to the Director of the PISR and will supervise PISR scientific staff, including postdoctoral fellows, trainees, and other technical personnel as assigned. This position will work closely with investigators throughout the University of Kansas Cancer Center, the Institute for Advancing Medical Innovation, and collaborating institutions to design and execute sophisticated pre-clinical imaging studies and to develop innovative quantitative and multimodal imaging methodologies. The position combines scientific leadership, advanced imaging expertise, personnel supervision, instrumentation oversight, investigator consultation, training, quality assurance, and collaborative research. The Technical Director will play a central role in the continued development and expansion of the PISR, including implementation of next-generation ultra-high-field MRI and multimodal imaging technologies.

Requirements

Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Biomedical Engineering, Medical Physics, Imaging Science, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Neuroscience, Cancer Biology, or a closely related discipline.
Three (3) years of experience in preclinical biomedical imaging and research that includes all of the following areas:
Experience that requires expertise in preclinical biomedical imaging, with significant experience in at least one advanced imaging modality.
Experience designing, conducting, and analyzing preclinical imaging studies.
Experience that required the capability to operate and troubleshoot sophisticated biomedical imaging instrumentation.
Experience working with small-animal models and familiarity with animal preparation, anesthesia, physiological monitoring, and longitudinal imaging studies.

Nice To Haves

Preclinical MRI experience, particularly high-field or ultra-high-field MRI
Experience with Bruker MRI systems and ParaVision
Experience with MRI pulse sequence development, optimization, and troubleshooting
Experience with Quantitative MRI and development of imaging biomarkers
Experience with Micro-CT
Experience in Optical imaging
Experience in Photoacoustic imaging
Experience with PET or SPECT
Experience with multimodal image registration and quantitative image analysis
Experience with Artificial intelligence or machine learning for biomedical imaging
Experience using Python, MATLAB, C++, or related scientific programming environments
Experience with cancer biology, immunology, drug development, or neuroscience applications of imaging
Experience in management or operation of a shared research resource or biomedical imaging facility
Experience in the development of standard operating procedures, quality assurance programs, and reproducible imaging workflows
Experience with Collaborative NIH-, DoD-, NSF-, or other federally funded research
Experience with preparation of instrumentation or research grant applications

Responsibilities

Direct the day-to-day scientific and technical operations of the PISR under the supervision of the PISR Director.
Develop, optimize, validate, and maintain advanced preclinical imaging protocols.
Provide expert consultation to investigators regarding selection of imaging modalities, experimental design, longitudinal study design, quantitative endpoints, and image analysis.
Develop reproducible quantitative imaging workflows and imaging biomarkers.
Promote integration of MRI, micro-CT, optical imaging, photoacoustic imaging, and other complementary imaging technologies.
Evaluate emerging imaging technologies and recommend strategic implementation within the PISR.
Supervise PISR postdoctoral fellows and other scientific or technical personnel as assigned by the PISR Director.
Coordinate day-to-day scientific activities and establish priorities for PISR staff.
Train graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, research staff, faculty investigators, and other authorized users in imaging methodologies and appropriate instrument operation.
Ensure that users demonstrate appropriate competency before independent instrument use where applicable.
Foster a collaborative, rigorous, service-oriented environment within the Shared Resource.
Oversee scientific operation, performance monitoring, and routine quality assurance of PISR imaging instrumentation.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for imaging systems and experimental workflows.
Troubleshoot technical problems and coordinate with institutional personnel, manufacturers, and service engineers when necessary.
Maintain documentation of instrument performance, maintenance, calibration, and quality-control procedures.
Participate in planning for equipment upgrades, new instrumentation, software implementation, and facility expansion.
Assist the PISR Director with strategic planning for future imaging capabilities.
Lead technical implementation and validation of next-generation MRI capabilities, including the forthcoming 18.8 Tesla MRI platform.
Develop and optimize high-field and ultra-high-field MRI protocols for preclinical applications.
Establish reproducible workflows for quantitative and longitudinal MRI.
Facilitate integration of MRI and NMR spectroscopy with optical imaging, micro-CT, photoacoustic imaging, and other complementary technologies.
Support development of advanced image reconstruction, quantitative analysis, and AI-assisted imaging pipelines.
Meet with investigators to define imaging objectives and develop technically rigorous experimental plans.
Support interdisciplinary cancer research involving tumor biology, therapeutic response, immunotherapy, drug delivery, pharmacokinetics, and related areas.
Participate in collaborative NIH-, DoD-, NSF-, foundation-, and industry-funded research projects.
Assist investigators in developing imaging components of grant applications, including experimental design, feasibility assessment, methodology, and resource descriptions.
Contribute scientific expertise to manuscripts, abstracts, presentations, and other scholarly products arising from PISR-supported research.
Participate in collaborative research leading to development of new imaging technologies and methodologies.
Oversee and participate in imaging studies involving murine and other approved preclinical disease models.
Ensure appropriate procedures for animal preparation, anesthesia, physiological monitoring, recovery, and longitudinal imaging.
Ensure that imaging activities are conducted in accordance with approved IACUC protocols, institutional biosafety requirements, and applicable University and Cancer Center policies.
Maintain required institutional training and ensure that supervised personnel maintain appropriate training and compliance.
Assist the PISR Director in developing and implementing operational policies for the Shared Resource.
Help coordinate instrument access, project prioritization, training, and efficient utilization of PISR resources.
Monitor technical aspects of ongoing projects and identify potential operational or scientific barriers.
Participate in preparation of Shared Resource reports, Cancer Center Support Grant documentation, instrumentation proposals, and other institutional reporting as requested by the PISR Director.
Participate in PISR advisory activities and interactions with institutional leadership, collaborators, donors, and external stakeholders as appropriate.
Represent the PISR at scientific meetings, institutional committees, seminars, and other professional activities when requested by the PISR Director.
Contribute to maintaining the PISR as a state-of-the-art, scientifically rigorous, collaborative imaging resource supporting the research mission of the University of Kansas Cancer Center.
Maintain awareness of advances in preclinical imaging, image analysis, and related technologies.
Participate in departmental seminars, Shared Resource meetings, and relevant Cancer Center activities.
Perform other duties as assigned by the PISR Director.
Conducts activities in a professional and ethical manner, and in accordance with KUMC Policies and applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations.
Performs job responsibilities in a safe and secure manner.
Coordinate work with other University areas ensure integration and support of the University mission.
Develops, maintains and expands job-specific knowledge and skills to keep pace with industry changes and supports the university's commitment to excellence and innovation.
Participates in relevant committees, task force, or other similar activities.

Benefits

health, dental, and 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 is available after six months of employment
paid time off for bereavement, jury duty, military service, and parental leave is available after 12 months of employment
A retirement program with a generous employer contribution
additional voluntary retirement programs (457 or 403b)