UK-Postdoc Jobs in Neuroimaging

University of Cambridge, UK

Open for applications: MRI Phsycist Research Associate/Senior Research Associate and Pet Physicist Research Assistant/Research Associate. Both positions are available at Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute (BCNI), University of Cambridge.

MRI Phsycist Research Associate/Senior Research Associate

Vacancy Reference No: PJ02969
Salary: £25,134 to £32,796 (Research Associate)/ £33,779 to £42,791 (Senior Research Associate, on approval)

This senior post is directly accountable to the Clinical Director of the BCNI, Prof. Ed Bullmore, but with professional responsibility to the Director of MRI at the WBIC, Dr. Adrian Carpenter and Head of MRI at the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, Dr. Christian Schwarzbauer.

This post is to support members of the BCNI in studies with functional neuroimaging and other brain imaging techniques on both Siemens 3T machines; maintaining quality, advancing between-site coordination and availability of sequences. The successful candidate would also be expected to develop their own programme of research in one or more of the following general areas:

• Development and implementation of EPI or other fast sequences; susceptibility distortion corrections, temporal resolution enhancements.
• Temporal evolution of brain activation; optimised sequences for spectral analysis, integrated multivariate imaging, multi-modal (for example; EEG, MEG, MRI) cross-validation.
• Animal imaging in pre-clinical studies; RF coil design and construction, sequence development, physiological monitoring.
• Technology transfer from pre-clinical animal models to in vivo human studies, supporting the strategic aims of the BCNI.

Candidates should have a background in a numerate science and several years’ of previous experience with MRI as well as a proven record of research, including first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals. Collaborative working with colleagues with backgrounds other than MRI will be an integral part of this position. Candidates should be able to demonstrate effective team working and leadership. An interest in neuroscience would be an advantage.

Pet Physicist Research Assistant/Research Associate

Vacancy Reference No: PJ02968
Salary: £21,682 to £24,403 (Research Assistant)/£25,134 to £32,796 (Research Associate)

This position is to support positron emission tomography (PET) projects conducted for BCNI at the WBIC, which is equipped with state-of-the-art PET and MR scanners and two cyclotrons to produce PET tracers. In addition, members of WBIC are developing a combined PET-MR scanner (www.pet-mr.com) that should be fully operational in 2008.

This position is a vital role required to maximise the potential of a world-class neuroscience PET imaging programme at Cambridge, e.g. Dalley et al Science (2007). The main responsibility of the post holder will be data analysis. In addition, the role holder will contribute to PET imaging methodology projects, e.g. motion correction and automated region of interest definition, and provide image analysis support to other PET studies. The post holder will be given opportunity to author papers.

Candidates should have a degree in physics, mathematics or computing. For appointment onto the Research Associate scale candidates should have a PhD in Image Analysis/Processing, PET or a related discipline. Computer programming experience (C/C++, Matlab) would be highly desirable.

Applications should contain a CV, completed (parts 1 & 3) PD18 form and the names and addresses of two referees. These should be sent quoting the corresponding reference number by e-mail to: na241@cam.ac.uk or post to Mrs Nicola Richmond, Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute (BCNI), Department of Experimental Psychology, Downing St, Cambridge CB2 3EB, tel: (01223) 764420, fax: (01223) 764760.

Deadline for applications: 7th March 2008

Both positions have a limit of tenure (31st August 2010) in the first instance, they are core positions that will be included in future funding proposals. Successful candidates will be based at the Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre (WBIC) (www.wbic.cam.ac.uk).