Research Fellow (Fixed term)

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Physics & Astronomy
Location:  University Park
Salary:  £33,966 to £34,980 per annum (pro-rata if applicable) depending on skills and experience.
Closing Date:  Sunday 07 January 2024
Interview Date:  To be confirmed
Reference:  SCI572323X1

The Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre (SPMIC), University of Nottingham seeks to recruit a postdoctoral research fellow in the field of ultra-high field MRI. This is part of a BBSRC-funded project whose aim is to investigate the thalamocortical system during sleep and attention. Your role will be to develop ultra-high field magnetic resonance structural imaging of the thalamus, with a specific focus on the thalamic reticular nucleus.

The project is a collaboration between SPMIC, the Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham and the Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment (IHN), Aston University. The thalamus is a key controller of information flow within the brain. Thalamic and thalamocortical function are crucial for control of brain rhythms, including those observed to change during sleep onset and performance of attention tasks. Alterations to this system are often noted in the progression of a wide range of neurological and psychiatric disorders but their significance remains unclear. This project will investigate the structure and function of the thalamus in relation to sleep and attention using structural MRI at 7T and 3T EEG-fMRI data.

The position is available from 1st February 2024 on a 2 year fixed term contract. Hours of work are full time (36.25 hours per week), job share arrangements may be considered. 

The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in neuroimaging or an associated area. Candidates should be experienced in MRI data acquisition and analysis, preferably at 7T and/or 3T. Experience in programming using Matlab, R and/or Python is required. Experience with a 7T Philips MRI scanner and/or sequence development/optimisation is desirable.

The successful candidate will work closely with a Post Doctoral Research Fellow at the CHBH, University of Birmingham specialising in EEG-fMRI, and academics at the CHBH and IHN on data analysis and integration of 7T and 3T data sets.

The University of Nottingham has been at the forefront of imaging since the 1970’s and a rich history of novel developments resulted in the award of a Nobel Prize to Sir Peter Mansfield. The Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre remains at the forefront of neuroimaging development with significant contributions in the fields of MRI, MEG, multi-modal imaging, and simultaneous EEG/fMRI. The Centre is equipped with a 275 channel MEG, 7T , 3T and upright MR systems, as well as MR-compatible 64-channel EEG. It also houses the world’s first 192 channel wearable MEG device based on OPMs.

As part of our commitment to improving equality, diversity and inclusion within the school, shortlisted candidates will be given the opportunity to talk to a member of staff representing women, racially minoritised staff , LGBTQIA+ or disabilities communities. This will be separate to the assessment process and will play no role in the decision to appoint.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof. Penny Gowland Tel: 0115 951 4754 Email: [email protected] Or Prof. Andrew Bagshaw Tel: 0121 414 3683 Email: [email protected]

Further details:

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