Focused Ultrasound Analyst

Department
 

BSD RAD- Bader Lab

About the Department
 

The Biomedical Acoustics Development and Engineering Research Laboratory seeks personnel in the field of image-guided focused ultrasound therapies for the treatment of renal tumors. More advanced candidates at the postdoctoral level will also be considered. The overall goal of this project funded in part by the American Cancer Society, Focused Ultrasound Foundation, and Children’s Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation and is to develop an image-guided histotripsy technique for rapid ablation of renal cell carcinoma and neuroblastoma to decrease patient morbidity and mortality. This work will integrate technological advances in ultrasound imaging, computer vision, and advanced robotics to assist in the development of methods to improve clinical outcomes of tumor ablation with focused ultrasound technology. Further information on the project can be found at baderlab.uchicago.edu.

Job Summary
 

The scholar will conduct in vitro studies with high frame rate active and passive ultrasound imaging techniques to monitor bubble cloud activity initiated by the histotripsy source. In addition, the scholar will provide support for in vivo assessment of the approach. Further information on the project can be found at baderlab.uchicago.edu.
This at-will position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding which is renewed under provisions set by the grantor of the contract. Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these grant funds and satisfactory job performance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in vitro studies with high frame rate active and passive ultrasound imaging techniques to monitor bubble cloud activity initiated by the histotripsy source.

• Provide support for in vivo assessment of the approach.

• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.

• Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.

• Supports software and hardware development of medical systems to conduct pre-clinical research with focused ultrasound.

• Program research ultrasound scanner with higher level computing language from VTE position; remove/revise as needed.

• Conduct analysis in signal processing, control systems, image segmentation with neural networks, and programming in high level language MATLAB. 

• Conduct in vitro and in vivo studies with advanced, custom ultrasound imaging to progress treatment monitoring for focused ultrasound procedures.

• Program and test advanced robotic systems.

• Train, test, and implement convolutional neural networks for real-time image segmentation of data collected during focused ultrasound procedures in pre-clinical models.

• Provide support for in vivo assessment of the approach, including orders and/or maintains inventory of reagent, mice and/or lab supplies.

• Following protocols, designs, sets-up and Sconducts basic experiments.

• Analyzes and troubleshoots protocols and data obtained from individual experiments and recommends alternatives and suggestions to improve processes, validity and/or accuracy.

• Maintains detailed records of results which may include collecting, extracting and entering data.

• Manipulates, interprets and/or presents results.

• Prepares charts and graphs for presentations and publications.

• Performs scientific literature searches in support of research.

• May complete portions of grant applications, manuscripts and publications.

• Tracks and summarizes supply expenses.

• Verifies accuracy of invoices.

• Provides technical and administrative support for a research project.

• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.

• Installs, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.

• Maintains recruiting and scheduling research subjects; assisting with developing or amending study protocols; assisting with developing data collection tools; assisting with building databases; and providing general administrative support. Has general awareness in research techniques or methods, regulatory policies and procedures, and relevant scientific field.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• B.S. in physics, biomedical engineering, or a related field.

Experience:

• Experience and productivity in ultrasound-guided therapies and cavitation dynamics strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated experience and productivity in ultrasound-guided therapies and cavitation dynamics strongly preferred.

• Experience with signal processing, programming in a high-level computing language (MATLAB preferred), instrumentation, software, and hardware.

Preferred Competencies

• Proficiency in experimental and numerical techniques, and data acquisition and analysis.

• Programming in high level computing language (preferably MATLAB).

• Highly motivated, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and enthusiasm to work in a multi-disciplinary team.

• Ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy.

• Strong organizational skills.

• Strong communication skills (verbal and written).

• Excellent interpersonal skills.

• Strong data management skills and attention to detail.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Adobe Acrobat.

• Read and understand complex documents (e.g., clinical trials).

• Handle competing demands with diplomacy and enthusiasm.

• Absorb large amounts of information quickly.

• Adaptability to changing working situations and work assignments.

Working Conditions

• Office/Lab.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter addressing current research interests ( preferred)

• Cover Letter addressing current research interests (preferred)

• Contact information for three references (required)

• Dates of availability (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Research

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Non-Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Biweekly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

40

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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