Colin and Mavis Laing Research Fellow, MRI Scientist

Location: Parkville
Role type: Full time; Fixed-term for 2 years
Faculty: Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Department/School:  Department of Radiology, Melbourne Medical School
Salary: Level B – $110,236 - $130,900 p.a. plus 17% super

The University of Melbourne would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Owners of the lands upon which our campuses are situated, the Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung Peoples, the Yorta Yorta Nation, the Dja Dja Wurrung People. We acknowledge that the land on which we meet and learn was the place of age-old ceremonies, of celebration, initiation and renewal, and that the local Aboriginal Peoples have had and continue to have a unique role in the life of these lands.

About the Department of Radiology

The Department Radiology is a large and diverse department in the Melbourne Medical School that undertakes research, postgraduate and undergraduate teaching within the University of Melbourne teaching hospitals. Radiology is situated within across all University of Melbourne teaching hospitals with an Imaging laboratory in The Royal Melbourne Hospital and is adjacent to the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences. Areas of special expertise include: neurointerventional radiology, vascular and non-vascular intervention, hepatobiliary imaging and intervention, oncological diagnosis, trauma radiology, breast imaging, musculoskeletal imaging, as well as general and vascular ultrasounds.

The Department has imaging resources devoted to both patient care and research including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-Ray/CT imaging. Researchers within our centre work closely with Radiologists with the aim to develop new techniques that benefit patients who suffer from neurological disorders (especially stroke and dementia). Our facilities include two 1.5T whole-body MRI systems, three 3.0T whole-body MRI systems and one 7.0T whole-body MRI system (housed at the Florey Institute), an MR sequence development environment (IDEA, ICE), and Siemens site scientist support.

About the Role

We are seeking to recruit an MRI scientist to contribute to the research capacity in the department by evaluating and applying MRI pulse sequences using high-field MRI scanners with emphasis on imaging of the human brain and spinal cord. The appointee will work closely with a team of senior MRI scientists, with expertise in sequence development, image reconstruction and clinical application.

This position represents an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic multi-disciplinary research team and participate in important research that has the potential to considerably improve the Neuroimaging research landscape in Australia.

Responsibilities include:

• Perform independent research and provide research support.
• Advance applications of imaging methods such as perfusion, diffusion and sodium on high-field MRI of the human brain and spine.
• Set up, apply and optimize and validate novel MRI sequences focused on neurovascular physiology assessment in the study of neurological disorders (especially stroke and dementia).
• Imaging data analysis including development of MR biomarkers (perfusion and diffusion) and integration with clinical data.
• Develop relationships and collaborate with national and international partners including researchers and clinicians to assist in building and maintaining strong collaborative research program.

About You

You will have experience in quantitative MR imaging particularly ASL or other perfusion techniques in the brain, a demonstrated ability to work independently and a high-level verbal and scientific communication skills.

You will also have:

• A PhD in engineering, neuroscience, medical physics, physical sciences, or a related field.
• Expert-level understanding of MRI physics, common MR pulse sequences, RF pulses, and associated principles of spatial encoding and MR image formation.
• Experience with operation and management of MRI scanners.
• Excellent computer science, problem solving, and analytical skills.
• Experience with independent writing of scientific conference abstracts and journal papers.

Please note: To be considered for this role you must have current valid work rights for Australia.

About the University

The University of Melbourne is consistently ranked amongst the leading universities in the world. We are proud of our people, our commitment to research and teaching excellence, and our global engagement.

Benefits of Working with Us

In addition to having the opportunity to grow and be challenged, and to be part of a vibrant campus life, our people enjoy a range of rewarding benefits:

• Flexible working arrangements, generous personal, parental and cultural leave
• Competitive remuneration, 17% super, salary packaging and leave loading
• Free and subsidised health and wellbeing services, and access to fitness and cultural clubs
• Discounts on a wide range of products and services including Myki cards and Qantas Club
• Career development opportunities and 25% off graduate courses for staff and their immediate families

To find out more, visit https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/staff-benefits.

Be Yourself

We value the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and encourage and celebrate diversity.  First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, females, people of all ages, with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.

Join Us!

If you feel this role is right for you, please submit your application including a brief cover letter, your resume and your responses against the selection criteria^ (found in the Position Description) for the role.

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require any reasonable adjustments with the recruitment process, please contact  us at hr-talent@unimelb.edu.au.

Applications close: 5 April 2023 11:55 PM AUS Eastern Daylight Time

Position description: 0058934_Colin and Mavis Laing Research Fellow_PD.pdf