Research Associate (2 Posts)

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Research Associate (2 posts)

We are seeking to recruit two bright and motivated Postdoctoral Researchers for an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of next-generation MR technologies to directly impact on the care of patients, and involves international collaboration with the Molecular Research Imaging Center (MIRCen,https://jacob.cea.fr/drf/ifrancoisjacob/english/Pages/Departments/MIRCen.aspx ) at the CEA Fontenay-aux-roses (France) and the UCL Centre for Medical Image Computing at the Department of Computer Science (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/medical-image-computing/ ).

The successful candidates will be part of a larger research programme funded by UK Research and Innovation (4+3 years) aiming to develop and establish a 3-component shift of paradigm to address key limitations of current brain microstructure imaging: (1) detailed simulation of the tissue architecture to encode the forward problem (from tissue structure to MRI signal) and optimise data acquisition (2) machine learning to solve the inverse problem (from MRI signal to tissue structure) (3) estimate of uncertainty to quantify ambiguity and significance of the results. Within this programme, the post holder will be responsible for developing innovative imaging techniques that combine biophysical and computational modelling with machine learning (e.g. simulation-based inference) alongside new strategies to quantify and visualize uncertainty in brain microstructure imaging. Initial focus will be on providing robust biomarkers for detecting subtle abnormalities due to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in animal models of multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. The successful candidate will have an amazing opportunity to be working closely within a world-class multi-disciplinary team of engineers, neuroscientists and clinicians.

Post 1 -  Available for 36 months and full-time
Post 2 -  Available for 12 months and full-time.

There is some flexibility in terms of the duration of the project (for example, the FTE could be slightly reduced while extending the overall project duration).

The successful candidate will work closely with Dr Marco Palombo at the Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC) being part of the School of Psychology. CUBRIC offers an inspiring and friendly research environment with ample opportunity for interdisciplinary exchange. The post may also allow to work with external stake holders and international collaborators.

For informal inquiries, please contact Dr Marco Palombo, [email protected] 

Salary: £34,304 - £40,927 per annum (Grade 6).  It is not expected to appoint above £34,304 per annum (salary point 30)

Date advert posted: Thursday, 18 November 2021

Closing Date: Thursday, 16 December 2021

This post has previously been advertised to employees of Cardiff University only.  We now invite external applications.

Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

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 who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world.  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.

“Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/research/our-research-environment/integrity-and-ethics/responsible-research-assessment”

Job Description

Main Function

To conduct research within microstructure imaging through diffusion MRI, computational modelling and machine learning and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Research

• To conduct research within microstructure imaging through diffusion MRI, computational modelling and machine learning and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students. 
• To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals
• To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required
• To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
• To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate
• To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field
• To participate in School research activities.
• To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions,   explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects

• To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally  to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.

• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world

• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

• biophysical modelling,
• computational imaging,
• machine learning,
• medical image analysis.

Additional Information

Evidencing Criteria - It is School of Psychology’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing. Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable. As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement. Please ensure when submitting this document/attaching it to your application profile you name it with the vacancy reference number.
If candidates do not provide written evidence of meeting all the essential criteria then their application will not be progressed.

Cardiff School of Psychology

We are recognised internationally for sustained excellence in research, impact and research-led teaching. We are a large School with over 50 academic staff, over 600 undergraduates and 150 postgraduate students. In the last assessment the School attained the highest rating of ‘excellent’ for its teaching from the HEFCW Teaching Quality Assessment Panel.
Many individuals in the School are leading figures in their research areas. In the last Research Excellence Framework we entered as a unit of over 80 staff with our colleagues in Psychological medicine. We were placed 2nd in our topic area across the UK. We have state of the art laboratories and experimental expertise across the range of psychology, and are currently building one of the largest and best equipped imaging centres in Europe (see: sites.cubric.cardiff.ac.uk).
Our collective aim is to understand the psychological and biological foundations of behaviour at both individual and group levels. The research undertaken in the School ranges from 'synapse to society', and includes normal behaviour in development and adulthood, the breakdown of cognition after stress, trauma and in neurological and/or genetic conditions, as well as key psychological issues of broad importance to society, such as prejudice, reproductive health and understanding risk. The School also contributes to cross-disciplinary University Research Institutes in Neuroscience and Mental Health, Sustainable Places, and Energy Systems Research.

Job Category

Academic - Research