Research Associate in Multimodal NeuroimagingUniversity

We are looking for a Research Associate to work on an ambitious Wellcome Trust funded neuroimaging grant. The project centres on the novel application of hyperpolarised xenon to study gas exchange in the brain. The post doc will be required to acquire pre-clinical data in a multidisciplinary team. Designing MR acquisition protocols and robust data analysis pipelines is essential to this role. Pulse sequences may be developed with the support of other senior scientists. This project seeks to understand the application of hyperpolarised xenon to detect early signs of brain diseases associated with the cerebral vasculature (specifically cerebral Small Vessel Disease). There is a clear route to human translation as these methods are already used in human research in Sheffield. Rigorous physiological validation of the method is the core aim.

We are embarking on an ambitious project with a small team; the successful candidate will be someone that can communicate and solve problems. The opportunity for bold, discovery science is how to interpret the data in the context of previous research, first principles of MRI physics and experimental physiology. Working closely with the PI Isabel Christie, you will acquire hypothesis-driven data. Building upon established tracer kinetic models and prior research at Sheffield, you will tailor image processing methods to derive the value of this data to diagnose deficits of gas exchange and blood brain barrier physiology.

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.