Assistant Research Scientist-Radiology

The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics department of Radiology is seeking a a full-time Assistant Research Scientist within the Radiology Department. The primary function of this position is to develop innovative pulse sequence and image reconstruction methods and analyze quantitative MR imaging for the assessment of neurological disorders within the MR Research Facility. This will include the development of new MR elastography as well as imaging techniques that are sensitive to brain tissue damage and alterations in biomechanical property. This will include the development of analysis tools to generate quantitative results from the acquired data. In addition, this position will report the results from these efforts in scientific publications as well as support the writing and submission of grant applications.

The incumbent is expected to work in a fast-paced research environment with diverse team of investigators, students, and staff members. In addition, the incumbent will work with state-of-the-art imaging equipment including research dedicated 3T, 7T whole body and brain only scanners and a small animal 7T scanner.

Position Responsibilities

Experiments, Simulation, Modeling or Theoretical Investigation:

• Identify and define problems, solutions to which can be approached through a scientific research process.

• Design and execute experiments

• Work independently on basic research tasks with oversight by Faculty or Principal Investigator (PI).

• Contribute to documentation of equipment and procedures.

Data/Research Analysis and Evaluation

• Collect and perform statistical data analysis. Evaluate data to establish relevance to the problem or problems being investigated.

• Perform basic data analysis techniques.

• Compare results of scientific investigations to previously published work.

Dissemination of research results

• Prepare research results for publication in reports, papers, journals, books, grants and other media.

• Present results in in departmental seminars and professional meetings.

Research Proposal/Grants:

• Develop new grant proposals for research and obtain support for new and/or continuing research activities.

• Maintain liaison with sponsoring agencies and organizations as well as with other research and educational institutions.

• Participate in determining research priorities and planning programs of research.

• Contribute to progress reports required by funding agencies.

Services:

• Provide service to the scientific community, University and General Public.

• Review Submitted manuscripts and research proposals.

• Consult and collaborate with research community.

• May participate in national and international meetings within discipline.

Human Resources/Supervision:

• Mentor graduate students.

• May provide functional and/or administrative supervision for staff.

• Provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling to assure outcomes are achieved.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

Quantitative Research:

Knowledge of and the ability to use numerical methods to compile information about a given situation or condition.

Research Analysis:

Knowledge of and the ability to locate, interpret and evaluate research findings compiled and documented by others and use this material to support empirical research.

Research Documentation:

Knowledge of and the ability to utilize tools and techniques for producing well-written, meaningful and usable documentation of research findings.

Research Ethics/Compliance:

Knowledge of practices, behaviors, applicable laws, rules and regulations governing proper research conduct. Ability to demonstrate ethical and compliant behavior in diverse situations.

Research Safety:

Knowledge of the procedures and programs in place in the organization to ensure employee, student and subject safety (occupational safety, fire, patient, animal, drug, radiation, environmental safety and emergency plans). Ability to take appropriate action in case of emergency.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Supervision is received from the MRI Recharge Center, Xi Peng, PhD

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Functional supervision may be exercised over support staff and students

Pay Grade: 5A

Pay Structure A: https://hr.uiowa.edu/pay/pay-plans/professional-and-scientific-pay-structure

Benefits Highlights:

• Regular salaried position located in Iowa City, Iowa

• Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans

• For more information about Why Iowa?, click here

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A Ph.D. in an engineering or science field such as Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, or Computer Science is required.

• Training in MR imaging, medical imaging or related scientific discipline is required.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.

• Demonstrated strong analytical and data analysis skills are required.

• Experience with MRI pulse sequence development is required.

• Experience with MR image reconstruction is required.

• Experience with MR data analysis is required.

• Experience with Python is required.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior postdoctoral training in MR imaging/elastography is highly desired

• Prior research experience in MR elastography or MR imaging (e.g. quantitative imaging) sensitive to brain tissue damage and malformation highly desired.

• Prior success with grant applications and peer-reviewed publications is highly desired.

• Knowledge of GE EPIC pulse programming environment is desired

• Prior experience with ultra-high field MR imaging and spectroscopy is desired.

• Development experience in medical image analysis of different imaging modalities (e.g. MRI ) is desired.

Application Process: In order to be considered, applicants must upload Cover Letter and Resume (under submission relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.

For additional questions or concerns, please reach out to Xi Peng at xi-peng@uiowa.edu.

Additional Information

• Classification Title: Asst Research Scientist/Engin

• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific

• Schedule: Full-time

• Work Modality Options: On Campus

Compensation

• Pay Level: 5A

Contact Information

• Organization: Healthcare

• Contact Name: Xi Peng

• Contact Email: xi-peng@uiowa.edu