Imperial College London
Job Description
Job Title:
Research Associate
(Diffusion Tensor Imaging of the Fetal Brain)
Section:
Imaging Sciences Department
Division:
Institute of Clinical Sciences
Job Family and Level:
Research and Education, Level B
Salary Range:
£26,720 - £31,340 per annum
Responsible To:
Professor Jo Hajnal
Works closely with:
Professor Mary Rutherford
Working Relationships:
Members of the Imaging Physics and Engineering
group, members of the Perinatal Imaging Group, Staff
of the Robert Steiner MRI Unit
Funding:
Action Medical Research
Location:
Hammersmith Hospital campus of Imperial College,
East Acton
Duration:
Full-time, fixed-term for two years
Project Title:
Fetal diffusion tensor MR imaging to assess tissue
microstructure and connectivity in the developing brain
Research Programme
Our research is focused on developing both Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (MRI), and we have recently been awarded an Action Medical Research
grant to continue these developments, specifically to make fetal diffusion tensor
imaging (DTI) a reality.
Our approach builds on successful development of slice to volume (SVR)
reconstruction methods that allow single shot Fast Spin Echo images, which can
freeze fetal and maternal motion, and can then be combined to form high resolution
3D volumetric images. This has lead to new opportunities in the neuroscience of
brain development and is likely to lead to improved fetal care.
DTI is a primary method for exploring brain architecture and will be invaluable for
exploring fetal brain development. We have demonstrated a proof of principle
capability to perform DTI in subjects who are moving unpredictably. The next phase
of the programme is to develop MRI acquisition.
The programme is a multi-disciplinary collaboration between scientists and medics
with excellent access to both technical resources and suitable patient groups.
Recruitment of research subjects is vigorous, so there is great scope for rapid
progress from initial ideas to in vivo demonstration.
Job Summary
The post is funded by Action Medical Research to investigate new and innovative
methods to observe and study the developing human brain. A particular focus is DTI.
The post holder will be responsible for developing new imaging and reconstruction
methods and for conducting early experimental verification of these methods in
selected pregnant subjects. This will involve sequence development, consideration of
RF coil requirements and testing of new methods. Reconstruction of acquired data is
an essential part of the programme and is likely to require significant innovation.
You will be working as part of an integrated interdisciplinary team. Our research is
currently done on a Philips 1.5T Achieva scanner that is about to be upgraded to 32
channel operation, but we also have two 3T Philips Achieva scanners and it is
possible that the research will make use of these as well. There is excellent access
to scanners for both your research needs and for scanning fetuses.
Research Duties
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To explore and develop fetal MRI methods, particularly diffusion tensor
imaging (DTI)
To take initiatives in the planning of research
To identify and develop suitable techniques, and apparatus, for the collection
and analysis of data
To conduct data analysis
To ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times and maintain accurate
and complete records of all findings
To write reports for submission to research sponsors
To publish in high quality journals and to present data at national and
international meetings
To present findings to colleagues and other collaborators
To provide guidance to staff and students
To attend relevant workshops and conferences as necessary including
Group/Unit research meetings and internal seminars
To develop contacts and research collaborations within the College and the
wider community
To collaborate with other allied scientists within Imperial College and
elsewhere in London and abroad, as appropriate
To actively participate in the research programme of the Group and Unit
To promote the reputation of the Group, the Department and the College
Willingness to work out of normal working hours (including weekends) if the
requirements of the project demand
To comply with the College, Division, and Unit safety practices and to attend
courses on safety when appropriate
Other Duties
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To undertake appropriate administration tasks
To attend relevant meetings
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To comply with relevant College policies, including Financial Regulations,
Equal Opportunities Policy, Promoting Race Equality Policy, Health and
Safety Policy, Information Systems Security Policy, Intellectual Property
Rights and Register of Interests Policies
To undertake any necessary training and/or development
Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by line
manager/supervisor
Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and so the post holder may be required
to undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above key
responsibilities.
The post holder is expected to observe and comply with all College policies
and regulations, for example Health and Safety, Data Protection etc.
Imperial College is committed to equality of opportunity and to eliminating
discrimination. All employees are expected to adhere to the principles set out
in our Equal Opportunities in Employment Policy, Promoting Race Equality
Policy and Disability Policy and all other relevant guidance/practice
frameworks.
Person Specification
Qualifications
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PhD in Magnetic Resonance (MR) Physics or Image analysis or a related
discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience
Knowledge / Experience
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Knowledge of MR physics and/or image reconstruction methods
Knowledge of diffusion tensor imaging would be an advantage
Knowledge and experience of sequence development would be an advantage
Practical experience in a broad range of techniques including in vivo MRI,
image analysis, data processing
Computer literate with a good knowledge prototyping environments such as
Matlab
Knowledge of research methods and statistical procedures
Experience with the use of appropriate imaging software
Skills and Abilities
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Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature
Ability to develop and apply new concepts
Creative approach to problem-solving
Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to deal with a wide range
of people
Excellent written communication skills and the ability to write clearly and
succinctly for publication
Ability work collaboratively in a small interdisciplinary research team
Ability to organise own work with minimal supervision
Ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines
Personal Attributes
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Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative
Flexible attitude towards work
Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times
Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role
Willingness to travel both within the United Kingdom and abroad to conduct
research and attend conferences
Application Guidance
Please read the person specification carefully and describe, as part of your
application, how much you feel you meet each of the criteria. If you need more
space, please attach additional sheets to the application form.
The recruitment monitoring section of your application will be detached and will be
used only for monitoring and audit purposes as a basis for supporting our
commitment to Equal Opportunities.
An application form and full CV quoting reference number HM2010063 should be
sent, by the closing date of 9 June 2010, online via the Imperial College
iRecruitment website.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted as soon as possible after the closing date.
Thanks you for your interesting this post. We look forward to receiving your
application.