Overview
We seek a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead advanced computational modelling of advanced therapy delivery to the human brain. Datasets include intraoperative gadolinium infusion dynamics, building on a rich intraoperative MRI dataset from a human clinical trials study. The successful candidate will drive modelling beyond existing approaches, aiming to reconcile prediction vs measurement mismatches and deliver next‑generation models for infusion planning and optimisation.
Responsibilities
This PDRA will take a research‑lead in the development and evaluation of advanced modelling approaches that extend beyond the current baseline model, with a strong focus on methodological innovation, realism, and validation against intraoperative observations. By linking infusion behaviour to tissue structure and vascular architecture, the work aims to enable more accurate, subject‑specific predictions of infusate spread, improve planning of trajectory, depth, and flow rate, and enhance targeting and dosing for future interventions.
The successful candidate will work at the Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC) – Cathays campus, a multidisciplinary environment housing physicists, engineers, neuroscientists, psychologists and clinicians. Some work will also take place in the Academic Neurosurgery Department at University Hospital Wales. The project is run and funded by the Advanced NeuroTherapies Centre (ANTC) funded by Welsh Government via Health and Care Research Wales.
The PDRA will access state‑of‑the‑art imaging technology, including unique MRI scanners, and receive training and hands‑on experience with instrument use for human data collection.
Benefits
Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 45 days annual leave (incl. bank holidays), local pension scheme, a cycle to work scheme and other travel initiatives, annual increments within the pay scale, and more. It is an exciting and vibrant place to work, with many different challenges and is a proud Living Wage supporter.
Contact
For an informal, confidential discussion about the role, please contact: Professor William Gray (GrayWP@cardiff.ac.uk); Dr Marco Palombo (PalomboM@cardiff.ac.uk); Dr Leandro Beltrachini (BeltrachiniL@cardiff.ac.uk) or Dr Daniel Gallichan (GallichanD@cardiff.ac.uk).
Employment Details
Full‑time (35 hours per week) available from 1 April 2026 and fixed‑term until 31 March 2029.
Salary: £41,064 – £46,049 per annum (Grade 6). Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances.
Date advert posted: Friday, 10 April 2026
Closing date: Sunday, 26 April 2026
Equal Opportunity
Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.
Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.
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