Postdoctoral Research Scholar

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

The primary focus of this work will be clinical research in neonatal MRI. This position will

coordinate research involving pediatric MRI, especially work involving neonatal MRI for neuro and cardio-pulmonary applications using MRI-compatible incubator systems. The requirements for this position include facility with set up of MRI protocols on clinical systems, ability to organize and coordinate research scheduling, data collection, and data analysis. The successful candidate will also demonstrate strong communication skills for facilitating collaboration between pediatric radiology and pediatricians in the neonatal intensive care unit and strong organizational skills to support work with MRI clinical and research technicians to guide correct protocol selection and assure consistency and quality of research images. 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. The University of Iowa has state-of-the-art MR facilities including a 1.5T Siemens Aera and 3T Siemens Vida in the Stead Family Children's Hospital as well as research dedicated 3T GE Premier and 7T GE MR950 whole body scanners and a 7T GE MR901 for small animal imaging in the MR Research Facility. Finally, we have an open bay for the placement of the next generation Siemens PET/MR when that becomes available.

Support of Clinical Imaging Research in Neonatal MRI:

• Implement imaging protocols for chest MRI and adapt these for longitudinal studies of lung disease.
• Coordinate and facilitate communications with modality managers, clinicians and researchers involved in pediatric imaging research.
• Support consistency of protocols and quality of image data.
• Develop standard operating procedure (SOP) documents to guide use protocols for clinical research studies.
• Identify and define problems, solutions to resolve hurdles and challenges that emerge during research projects.
• Work independently on basic research tasks, data management 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.
• 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 at scientific results at departmental seminars, and national and international research meetings.

Research Proposal/Grants:

• Assist in developing new grant proposals for research and obtain support for new and/or continuing research activities.
• Participate in writing of scientific papers and grants to disseminate and obtain new funding for continuation of 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.
• Support ongoing clinical research studies through optimization of protocols and collaboration with clinical pediatric radiology faculty
• Review Submitted manuscripts and research proposals.
• Consult and collaborate with research community.
• 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.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Supervision is received from the Vice Chair for Research, Sean Fain, Ph.D.

EDUCATION REQUIRED

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

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

* Demonstrated experience running clinical research trials in a radiology environment

* Demonstrated experience and understanding of special considerations for pediatric research applications.

* Master's degree or higher in medical imaging research.

• At least three (3) years of demonstrated experience developing and supporting clinical research studies involving radiologic imaging.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated strong analytical and data analysis skills.

* Candidate must be committed to the University's goal of inclusiveness and have a demonstrated history of working effectively with persons of all races, ethnicities, nationalities, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations, and religions.

HIGHLY DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior experience with pediatric MRI research.
• Prior research experience with pulmonary MR research.

* Prior experience with patient care a plus.

• Prior success with grant applications and peer-reviewed publications.
• Knowledge of Siemens and GE interfaces and protocol development.