Computational MRI Research Scientist I

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Computational MRI Research Scientist I to perform interdisciplinary research, combining physical, computational, and life-science research to improve the efficiency and efficacy in the development of militarily relevant medical products for Force Health Protection. Mainly works performing independent research in a focused problem area.

This position will be in support of Domestic Operations/Multiscale Imaging and Integrative Biophysics (MiiB) Unit within the National Institute on Aging's (NIA's) Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience. The MiiB Unit is offering a Computational MRI Research Scientist position to study the effects of repeated blast (RBE) exposure on the brain health of military personnel. This is a full-time primary research fellowship for postdoctoral scholars, which will be mentored by Dr. Dan Benjamini.

The research scientist will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), including Drs. Susie Huang and Brian Edlow, to test for associations between imaging biomarkers of blast-related brain injury, neuropsychological symptoms, and blood-based biomarkers.

The primary goal of this position is to develop neuroimaging biomarkers that detect neuroinflammation resulting from RBE, and to determine the RBE thresholds at which changes from baseline occur over time in symptoms, blood biomarkers, and neuroimaging measures in military personnel.

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

• Formulates research projects, develops innovative approaches, designs and implements experimental protocols related to computational models.
• Continuously surveys the scientific literature to generate novel ideas and advance projects and programs. Develops necessary new technologies and protocols.
• Trains, and in some instances supervises, junior research scientists.
• Collects, processes, and interprets experimental data and model outputs. Presents research methods and scientific concepts at appropriate scientific conferences.
• Prepares research proposals, progress reports, and manuscripts for submission to scientific journals and present research methods and findings at appropriate forums.
• Assists in the identification, development, and maintenance of collaborations with both internal and external research groups for development of new approaches to existing research problems.
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include attendance of and participation in required training for role.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Assigned Lead: May recommend the following: employee hiring, disciplinary action, and starting salaries; provide input on employee performance evaluations.

Education and Experience

• Doctoral Degree in Engineering, Physical Science, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related physical science discipline.
• Minimum of 0-2 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Solid background and experience in diffusion MRI.
• Background in signal or image processing.
• Solid programming skills: MATLAB/Python/C/C++.
• Experience with the acquisition and/or analysis of MRI data.
• US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Physical Capabilities

• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in an office setting.
• The project will be carried out on the Siemens 3T Connectome 2.0 MRI scanner at MGH (Gmax=500 mT/m, max slew=600 T/m/s). In addition, the Scientist will have access to the NIA preclinical and clinical MRI scanners, which include 7T and 9.4T Bruker animal scanners, preclinical 14T Bruker vertical scanner, clinical 3T Philips MR7700 and 7T Siemens Terra.X scanners.

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $73,800-$77,400. Actual salary will be determined based on experience, education, etc.

Benefits

• HJF offers a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on your health and well-being, from medical, dental, and vision coverage to health savings and retirement plans, and more.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.