Internal Applicants Only - Research Associate
- United Kingdom
- £41,064-46,049 per year
- Permanent
- Full-time
School of PsychologyWe are seeking to appoint a highly-motivated Research Associate, to join our interdisciplinary team developing open-source, low-field MRI technology for neuroscience research in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) settings. Within this Wellcome Trust funded project with 23 collaborators from 14 sites across the world and a wider group of stakeholders, you will lead the research on advanced image reconstruction techniques that jointly process multi-contrast MRI data to maximize image quality-leveraging shared anatomical information while preserving contrast-specific features.We'd like to hear from you if you:
- Are an enthusiastic and ambitious researcher with expertise in image processing, and a strong interest in advancing neuroimaging technology for global health;
- Are excited to contribute to a highly collaborative, international project developing open-source low-field MRI systems for neuroscience research;
- Have research experience in compressed sensing and/or multi-contrast image reconstruction, and are keen to push the boundaries of what is possible with affordable imaging platforms.
To conduct research within MRI Image Processing and Low-Field MRI and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.Main Duties and ResponsibilitiesResearch
- To conduct research within MRI Image Processing and Low-Field MRI and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by timely production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing of high-quality research in academic journals and conferences.
- To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals
- To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required
- To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
- To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate
- To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field
- To participate in School research activities.
- To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects
- Develop and implement joint image reconstruction (/processing) methods for compressed sensing in low-field multi-contrast MRI.
- Design and evaluate accelerated acquisition trajectories optimised for joint reconstruction.
- Optimise reconstruction pipelines to exploit shared anatomical features while preventing contrast leakage.
- Contribute to publications in a timely manner, present findings at international conferences, and engage with global research partners.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate sequences and reconstruction methods into our portable MRI systems.
- Support junior researchers and students, and contribute to the team's open-source software and documentation.
- To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School's profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
- To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
- To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
- Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience * An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields: Developing and applying advanced image processing techniques, such as compressed sensing and regularisation methods --- OR --- Designing, implementing, and testing advanced deep learning (/ machine learning / artificial intelligence) methods for image processing.
- Proficiency in scientific programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB, C++) and debugging.
- Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field
- Proven ability to publish in international journals and conferences, and other research outputs
- Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies.
- Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals
- Proven ability to work without close supervision
- Experience with low-field or non-conventional MRI systems.
- Knowledge of MRI pulse sequence development and trajectory design.
- Evidence of collaborations with industry.
- Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.
- Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.