SCIENTIST I

University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL
research data mri analysis design management technical protocols acquisition analysis image acquisition quality control assurance training
December 29, 2022
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL
FULL_TIME

Position Summary


This Scientist I is responsible for the design and execution of preclinical MRI experiments that involved advanced imaging to answer key biological questions in a variety of diseases. Also responsible for adding preliminary data and the development of grant submissions. The management involving the MRI, including quality control and assurance, scheduling, troubleshooting, training, ensuring quality data acquisition, initiating collaborative research within investigators across UAB, and planning and executing experiments as well as analyzing and interpreting data are also additional duties of this role.


The primary responsibility of the Scientist is to conduct individually-directed research, develop novel strategies for PET imaging in the core facility that can be extended to University researchers, and provide scientific and technical support for conducting research involving in vivo preclinical studies.


To employ a broad knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures in a particular field of specialization. To plan, coordinate, and conduct research.


Duties and Responsibilities


  • Follows instructions and discussions with the principal investigator and designs research protocols, including developing and extending procedures for the collection, verification, and management of data. This includes conducting literature searches related to the research project.

  • Solves practical problems relating to difficulties with equipment or test subjects.
  • Implements technical or procedural improvements and establishes quality control and assurance. This includes optimization of data acquisition, analysis, and storage.

  • Provides training to trainees and staff for image acquisition and analysis and works in a team environment to complete research projects.

  • Performs advanced and quantitative imaging analysis utilizing specific software to answer hypothesis-driven scientific questions.

  • Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
  • Is involved in developing goals (short term and long term) to continue to advance the institutional core facility (including technology-focused grants) to ensure we foresee and meet the needs of the researchers.

  • Acts independently to develop and optimize novel preclinical MRI approaches strategies that can be extended to core facility users including PIs across a wide range of departments. Thereby, bringing novel innovative imaging-focused (with biological validation) strategies to our core facility that is extended to use to be implemented into preclinical projects across the university researchers. This includes acting independently to collaborate with University PIs to incorporate novel technology into new research endeavors. This includes writing and contributing to papers and grants based on these novel publications and committees for publication or presentation to peers.

  • Ensures a safe and compliant laboratory environment.

  • Collects, analyzes, and interprets experimental data.

  • Maintains imaging equipment including normalization scans, and QC.

  • Oversees preventative maintenance programs and coordinates service and repair.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.


Annual Pay Range: $63,125 - $103,700



Qualifications


Doctor of Philosophy, D.V.M. or M.D. degree in a related field and two (2) years of related experience OR M.D. and Master's degree. OR Master's degree and four (4) years of related experience OR Bachelor's degree and six (6) years of related experience required. Work experience may NOT substitute for education requirements.


Preferred Knowledge/Skills/Experience


  • Ph.D. in engineering, physics, or related field with 3 years of experience working with MRI image acquisition and analysis.

  • Has a working understanding of MRI physics and imaging contrast agents

  • Basic knowledge in clinical and translational science and in MRI protocols

  • Knowledge of in-vivo small animal handling skills: inhalation anesthesia; familiarity with IACUC protocols and guidelines, and in vivo study conduct
  • Ability to conduct studies, design experimental plans, and perform data analysis under minimal direction

  • Ability to troubleshoot problems, interpret data, and communicate results to peers, superiors, and trainees
  • Experience with programming in languages such as Matlab, Python (or similar) at an intermediate proficiency level

  • Has good and recent publication record in the field of MRI

  • Ability to multitask, work independently, time management skills, and organizational skills are preferred

  • Ability to communicate didactically and in written form (publications, abstracts) research

  • Ability to communicate experimental plans and data to imaging and non-imaging scientists at a high level

  • Technical skills include working with radioactive materials, hands-on animal handling, image acquisition, protocol design and quantitative image processing


Primary Location University

Job Category
Scientific Research

Organization
311250000 Radiology Chair Office

Employee Status
Regular

Shift
Day/1st Shift

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