Overview
Research Associate in Multimodal Neuroimaging and Physiological Modelling at The University of Sheffield. 2-year fixed term opportunity funded by a Wellcome Trust neuroimaging grant. The project centres on the application of hyperpolarised xenon to study gas exchange in the brain and integrates advanced MRI techniques with tissue oxygen analysis. There is a pathway to human translation, with potential collaborations in London and at the Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, UCL.
The role involves cutting-edge pre-clinical neuroimaging using a 7T Bruker MRI scanner, data acquisition and analysis, optimisation of arterial spin labelling and chemical shift imaging, and development of real-time image processing to support high-quality data collection. Working closely with the PI, you will acquire hypothesis-driven data and tailor image processing methods to derive the value of the data for diagnosing deficits in gas exchange and brain vasculature physiology.
Responsibilities
* Develop a quantitative multimodal neuroimaging method for tissue oxygenation analysis.
* Plan pulse sequences and acquisition parameters.
* Communicate engineering requirements to colleagues/companies to generate robust solutions (RF coils, ventilator circuits).
* Assess and optimise data quality in real time during acquisition.
* Optimise xenon and ASL acquisitions to test grant hypotheses based on literature, expertise, and collaborators.
* Assist the PI to implement a data management plan for MRI Bruker data adhering to FAIR principles.
* Present results to the research group, collaborators, and external audiences at national and international conferences.
* Potential to implement additional MRI methods for quantifying perfusion or oximetry.
* Continuously monitor results and adapt project plans to reflect new developments.
* Contribute to ethical decision-making and align activities with the university sustainability strategy where possible.
* Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
Technical Skills
* Programming proficiency (C, Matlab, Python)
* Hands-on MRI experience
* Image processing skills
Soft Skills
* Excellent verbal and written communication
* Ability to diagnose engineering problems and seek solutions
* Time management
Experience
* Work with MRI (preferably pre-clinical, Bruker)
* Interest in cerebrovascular diseases related to brain ageing
* Multi-modal data integration
Values
* Collaborative and engaged with open science initiatives
* Determined and practical to complete project deliverables
* Ambitious and highly motivated
Further Information
Grade 7.3 - 7.5
Salary £38,784 - £41,064
Work arrangement Full-time
Duration December 2025 – December 2027 (2-year appointment)
Line manager Principal Investigator
Closing Date 06/10/2025
Support and equal opportunities: Our diversity and inclusive culture welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. We are a Disability Confident Employer. A basic DBS check is required. More information on checks and candidate information can be found on the university website.
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