Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Advanced MR Spectroscopy

Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Advanced MR Spectroscopy

Johns Hopkins University

in Baltimore, MD

Type: Full-Time

Salary: $62,232 per year

Posted: Today

Application Due: Open Until Filled

Category: Diagnostic Imaging and Radiography

The research group led by Dr. Georg Oetlzschner at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine invites applications for a two-year Postdoctoral Fellowship. The fellow will work on various NIH-funded research projects focused on the development novel data processing and analysis methods for in-vivo MR spectroscopy (MRS) and their application in the human brain. The goals of this work are: (i) to improve the reliability and reproducibility of in-vivo MRS metabolite concentration estimation; (ii) to demonstrate their utility as biomarkers of function and disease; (iii) to disseminate new methods to other researchers worldwide through our collaborative open-source MRS analysis software platform "Osprey".

Key Responsibilities:

The candidate will primarily develop and apply novel methods for modeling in-vivo MRS data:

* - Advance our newly-developed general linear-combination model.

* - Develop appropriate quantitative metrics to evaluate which model is the best one (quantitative information criteria).

* - Develop new sampling methods (based on Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods) to solve optimization problems and characterize the uncertainty of the modeling.

* - Acquire MRS data in healthy volunteers, as well as patients with brain tumors and other disorders.

* - Integrate the newly-developed methods for dissemination via the "Osprey" platforms.

* - Contribute to dissemination, maintenance, and user support of the "Osprey" platform.

Beyond this, there will be opportunities to pursue goals such as:

* - Develop new MRS/MRI pulse sequences.

* - Develop new analysis methods to parametrize and model MRS artefacts such as lipid contamination (and/or eliminate).

* - Develop deep-learning-based methods for processing and analysis.

* - Develop novel quantification routines specifically suitable for pediatric and/or aging cohorts.

The candidate is expected to:

* - Work independently and as a constructive part of a large team of interdisciplinary researchers.

* - Follow all key principles of responsible and reproducible research.

* - Draft and submit manuscripts for publication in field-leading peer-reviewed journals (e.g., Magnetic Resonance in Medicine).

* - Draft and submit abstracts to field-leading annual society meetings (e.g., ISMRM).

Qualifications

Key Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Neuroscience, or a related field.

Experience with signal processing, data modelling, non-linear optimization, and MR physics.

Strong programming skills in MATLAB, Python, R, C++, and/or similar.

Experience working with MRS data is desirable, but not strictly necessary.

Ability to work independently as well as in a collaborative research environment.

Preferred Skills:

Hands-on experience with acquiring and analyzing in-vivo MRS data.

Knowledge in solving complex optimization problems.

Knowledge of statistical analysis methods for biomedical research.

Experience with reproducible research, open science practices, version control (OSF, Git, Docker, Jupyter, R Markdown etc.

Strong publication record in relevant fields such as MRI/MRS, NMR spectroscopy, clinical neuroimaging, etc.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

A detailed CV.

A cover letter describing your relevant research experience and career goals.

Contact information for three professional references.

Salary Range: $62,232 - $62,232 a year

The listed salary range represents the minimum and maximum Johns Hopkins University offers for this position, based on a good faith estimate at the time of posting. Actual compensation will vary depending on factors such as location, skills, experience, market conditions, education, and internal equity. Not all candidates will qualify for the highest salary in the range.

Johns Hopkins provides a comprehensive benefits package supporting health, career, and retirement. Learn more: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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