We are seeking an enthusiastic, experienced and motivated Magnetic Resonance Research Scientist to join the MR Research Group at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. We encourage applications from candidates who have recently completed a PhD or post-doctoral appointment in Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
In this role, you will develop novel acquisition methods on the hybrid MRI-linear accelerator (MR-Linac) system at The Christie, and advance image processing and analysis techniques to establish quantitative imaging biomarkers, with a focus on pancreatic cancer. The position will involve developing diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI, and oxygen-enhanced (OE)-MRI approaches to improve radiotherapy guidance and evaluate treatment response. You will also contribute to research funded by CRUK and NIHR for other tumour sites, supporting projects in biology-guided adaptive radiotherapy and imaging biomarker development The role involves close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of MR and radiotherapy physicists and clinicians at The Christie and The University of Manchester.
The Christie MR imaging facilities include an Elekta MR-Linac system, Philips Ingenia MR-RT system, 2 x Siemens Aera, a Siemens Skyra and a Siemens Sola MR system. The MR Research Group is part of the wider MR Physics Group that supports over 50 MR systems across 12 NHS Trusts at sites across the North West of England.
Main duties of the job
The main duties of the job are to:
* Develop quantitative MR acquisition methods on MR-Linac and diagnostic MR systems with a focus on pancreatic cancer.
* Develop and employ processing and analysis techniques to derive quantitative imaging biomarkers for radiotherapy-guidance and treatment response monitoring.
* Incorporate MR imaging biomarker techniques into radiotherapy workflows and test suitability.
You should have experience in the safe operation of MR systems and expertise in developing quantitative MR acquisition methods, as well as programming tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for image processing and analysis. A PhD in magnetic resonance imaging (or a closely related field) is essential, along with excellent communication skills and the enthusiasm to contribute within a highly collaborative team of scientists, radiographers, and oncologists.
For further information or an informal discussion, please contact Michael Dubec (MR Research Lead) by email (michael.dubec@nhs.net) or phone (07507 373869)
About us
The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country. We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years. We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.
Job responsibilities
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Management1.1. Assist the MR Research Lead in the planning, provision and development of research collaborations and study management.1.2. Supervise and direct the work of trainee clinical scientists.1.3. Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students working within and collaborating with the MR Research Group.
Magnetic resonance imaging2.1. Develop MR methods, including acquisition, processing and analysis frameworks for quantitative MR imaging for radiotherapy guidance and treatment response monitoring with a focus on pancreatic cancer.2.2. Take a lead in certain areas of scientific support as defined by the MR Research Lead. Some aspects of this role may require occasional travel nationally or internationally e.g. conferences and meetings.2.3. Take a lead and develop novel magnetic resonance techniques in the field of oncology and imaging for radiotherapy planning and apply these techniques to clinical research studies.2.4. Work safely with magnetic resonance systems and associated equipment e.g. phantoms.2.5. Collaborate and liaise with clinical colleagues and other professionals working within the field of MR both locally, nationally and internationally where appropriate.
Research3.1. Liaise with the MR Research Lead to carry out defined research projects in-line with existing and future research grants and programmes of work.3.2. Develop and employ novel MR acquisition, image processing and analysis pipelines, including diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), Oxygen-Enhanced (OE)-MRI, and Dynamic Contrast Enhanced (DCE)-MRI techniques on standard MR and MR Linac systems.3.3. Develop tailored software to carry out processing and analysis tasks as part of defined research projects.3.4. Present results via written scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at approved scientific meetings.3.5. Work with the MR Research Lead to maintain all the requirements of Research Governance.3.6. Develop research collaborations with other centres both nationally and internationally as well as industrial partners.
Teaching and training4.1. Contribute to various teaching commitments, formally and informally at universities and institutions relating to the education of radiologists, radiographers and scientists involved in MR as well as university undergraduate and postgraduate courses.4.2. Assist in the training of clinical scientists and trainee physicists undertaking placements in MR.
Professional5.1. Undertake continuing professional development.5.2. Participate in mandatory study days.5.3. Identify any training needs to the MR Research Lead.5.4. Participate in training courses as required by the MR Research Lead.5.5. Keep abreast of developments and maintain in-depth knowledge in techniques, legislation and good practice relating to MR.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Honours degree in an appropriate physical science or engineering.
* Higher degree in medical physics or biomedical engineering (MSc or equivalent) oPhD or equivalent evidence of research training
* PhD or equivalent evidence of research training
* HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist
* Corporate membership of IPEM or other equivalent professional body
Experience
* Significant experience in magnetic resonance
* Experience working with quantitative MRI techniques
* Supervision of students and trainees
* Knowledge of MR safety guidelines and relevant legislation
Skills
* Programming skills (e.g. Python, Matlab) for image processing and analysis
* Good interpersonal skills
* Clear and articulate communicator
* Scientific writing and presentation
* Teaching aptitude to communicate complex MR physics principles at a range of levels to varying staff groups
* Effective collaboration with other organisations
Knowledge
* Expert knowledge of magnetic resonance physics
* Knowledge and experience of MR safety matters
* Understanding of research, development and clinical governance
* Working knowledge of quality management systems
* Wide experience of MR clinical applications
Values
* Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours
Values
* Programming skills and data analysis
* Record of dissemination / publication of scientific work
* Experience in advanced MR imaging techniques
* Expertise and experience in preparation of scientific papers or presentations
* Supervision of MSc and trainee research projects
* Expertise in research methods
* Experience in pulse programming and image reconstruction
* Evidence of obtaining research funding
Other
* Enthusiasm and commitment
* Ability to travel to other centres and meetings in the UK and overseas.
* Ability to endure light physical effort, for example manipulation of test equipment.
* Ability to cope with occasional exposure to unpleasant working conditions/ prolonged use of VDU.
* Ability to cope with occasional indirect exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances'
* Current driving license
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
£47,810 to £54,710 a yearPer annum, Pro rata
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