Postdoctoral Research Associate - Radiology - Computational Imaging Research Center

Position Summary

An immediate opening for a postdoctoral position is available at the Breast Image Computing Lab, within the Computational Imaging Research Center (CIRC) of the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology (MIR), at Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM) in St. Louis. 

The Breast Image Computing Lab, directed by Dr. Aimilia Gastounioti, offers meaningful projects at the forefront of translational breast imaging research. The selected candidate will lead or participate in projects developing, implementing, and applying computational breast image analytics and artificial intelligence algorithms for breast cancer screening applications. A priority area is breast cancer risk assessment models for 2D and 3D mammography, with a primary focus on racial disparities towards bringing effective risk models to a larger breast cancer screening population than being targeted today. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to work in a highly collaborative and multi-disciplinary environment and to closely interact with world-class radiologists, medical physicists, oncologists, biostatisticians and imaging scientists. They will also have ample opportunities to publish research methods and scientific findings in academic journals and at premier scientific conferences. We are dedicated to maintaining a vibrant and diverse working environment and to providing as many opportunities as possible for young trainees to pursue their scientific and professional goals.

CIRC is a multi-investigator research center with over 40 students, postdoctoral fellows, staff, and clinical fellows that provides a collaborative environment for diverse computational research initiatives. CIRC investigators perform ground-breaking work in medical image processing and analysis, imaging informatics, artificial intelligence, and a range of disease-focused applications. MIR is an international leader in future-driven education and groundbreaking research. MIR is deeply committed to distinction in teaching and learning and excellence in research, being consistently ranked one of the top Diagnostic Radiology Departments for NIH funding. It has a highly productive, extensive and collaborative research program based on modern scientific disciplines. Faculty and students of MIR have access to world-class research support facilities including Center for High Performance Computing, Shared Data Storage, Center for Clinical Imaging Research, Cyclotron Facility, MRI Facility and Pre-Clinical Imaging Facility. Pursuing highly interdisciplinary research, MIR offers unparalleled opportunities for collaborative research within the Department, with other WUSM departments, the Siteman Cancer Center, the Institute for Informatics, the McDonnell Genome Institute, the Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, and the School of Engineering & Applied Science on the Danforth Campus of Washington University in St. Louis.

The position is initially available for up to two years and can be renewed based on performance. Information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis can be found at postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs .

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Manages their own project, preparing and submitting research publications.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
• Assists in the design of research experiments.
• Develops proficiency in their ancillary skills, e.g., writing, public speaking, networking, critical evaluation of scientific documents, etc.
• Evaluates research findings and assists in the reporting of scientific work both inside and outside the University.
• Provides guidance and mentorship for more junior lab members.
• Maintains conscientious discharge of their research responsibilities.
• Maintains conformity with ethical standards in research.
• Complies with good laboratory practice, including the maintenance of adequate research records.
• Maintains open and timely discussion with their mentor regarding possession or distribution of material, reagents, or records belonging to their laboratory and any proposed disclosure of findings or techniques privately or in publications.
• Maintains collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group.
• Adheres to all applicable University policies, procedures, and regulations. All data, research records and materials and other intellectual property generated in University laboratories remain the property of the University.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in the fields of biomedical engineering, applied mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering, bioinformatics, or related fields.

Preferred Qualifications

• Record of accomplishments in at least one of the following fields: medical image analysis, radiomics, machine learning/AI, informatics.
• Proficiency in quantitative analytical methods and computer programming (Python, Matlab, shell scripting).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work effectively independently and within a multidisciplinary team.
• Highly motivated to make an impact in advancing breast cancer screening.
• Training in deep learning.
• Experience with breast imaging.
• Background in scientific computing (e.gt., Unix/Linux experience).

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Applicant Special Instructions

To apply, please contact Dr. Aimilia Gastounioti with the following:

• Cover letter describing your research interests.
• Current curriculum vitae.
• Name and contact information for three references who are familiar with your work.
• Two to three representative publications.

Aimilia Gastounioti, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Washington University School of Medicine

Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology

E-mail: [email protected]

Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability status, protected veteran status, national or ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation. Women, minorities, protected veterans and the disabled are strongly encouraged to apply.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.

Job Description

Position Summary

An immediate opening for a postdoctoral position is available at the Breast Image Computing Lab, within the Computational Imaging Research Center (CIRC) of the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology (MIR), at Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM) in St. Louis. 

The Breast Image Computing Lab, directed by Dr. Aimilia Gastounioti, offers meaningful projects at the forefront of translational breast imaging research. The selected candidate will lead or participate in projects developing, implementing, and applying computational breast image analytics and artificial intelligence algorithms for breast cancer screening applications. A priority area is breast cancer risk assessment models for 2D and 3D mammography, with a primary focus on racial disparities towards bringing effective risk models to a larger breast cancer screening population than being targeted today. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to work in a highly collaborative and multi-disciplinary environment and to closely interact with world-class radiologists, medical physicists, oncologists, biostatisticians and imaging scientists. They will also have ample opportunities to publish research methods and scientific findings in academic journals and at premier scientific conferences. We are dedicated to maintaining a vibrant and diverse working environment and to providing as many opportunities as possible for young trainees to pursue their scientific and professional goals.

CIRC is a multi-investigator research center with over 40 students, postdoctoral fellows, staff, and clinical fellows that provides a collaborative environment for diverse computational research initiatives. CIRC investigators perform ground-breaking work in medical image processing and analysis, imaging informatics, artificial intelligence, and a range of disease-focused applications. MIR is an international leader in future-driven education and groundbreaking research. MIR is deeply committed to distinction in teaching and learning and excellence in research, being consistently ranked one of the top Diagnostic Radiology Departments for NIH funding. It has a highly productive, extensive and collaborative research program based on modern scientific disciplines. Faculty and students of MIR have access to world-class research support facilities including Center for High Performance Computing, Shared Data Storage, Center for Clinical Imaging Research, Cyclotron Facility, MRI Facility and Pre-Clinical Imaging Facility. Pursuing highly interdisciplinary research, MIR offers unparalleled opportunities for collaborative research within the Department, with other WUSM departments, the Siteman Cancer Center, the Institute for Informatics, the McDonnell Genome Institute, the Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, and the School of Engineering & Applied Science on the Danforth Campus of Washington University in St. Louis.

The position is initially available for up to two years and can be renewed based on performance. Information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis can be found at postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs .

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Manages their own project, preparing and submitting research publications.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
• Assists in the design of research experiments.
• Develops proficiency in their ancillary skills, e.g., writing, public speaking, networking, critical evaluation of scientific documents, etc.
• Evaluates research findings and assists in the reporting of scientific work both inside and outside the University.
• Provides guidance and mentorship for more junior lab members.
• Maintains conscientious discharge of their research responsibilities.
• Maintains conformity with ethical standards in research.
• Complies with good laboratory practice, including the maintenance of adequate research records.
• Maintains open and timely discussion with their mentor regarding possession or distribution of material, reagents, or records belonging to their laboratory and any proposed disclosure of findings or techniques privately or in publications.
• Maintains collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group.
• Adheres to all applicable University policies, procedures, and regulations. All data, research records and materials and other intellectual property generated in University laboratories remain the property of the University.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in the fields of biomedical engineering, applied mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering, bioinformatics, or related fields.

Preferred Qualifications

• Record of accomplishments in at least one of the following fields: medical image analysis, radiomics, machine learning/AI, informatics.
• Proficiency in quantitative analytical methods and computer programming (Python, Matlab, shell scripting).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work effectively independently and within a multidisciplinary team.
• Highly motivated to make an impact in advancing breast cancer screening.
• Training in deep learning.
• Experience with breast imaging.
• Background in scientific computing (e.gt., Unix/Linux experience).

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Applicant Special Instructions

To apply, please contact Dr. Aimilia Gastounioti with the following:

• Cover letter describing your research interests.
• Current curriculum vitae.
• Name and contact information for three references who are familiar with your work.
• Two to three representative publications.

Aimilia Gastounioti, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Washington University School of Medicine

Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology

E-mail: [email protected]

Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability status, protected veteran status, national or ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation. Women, minorities, protected veterans and the disabled are strongly encouraged to apply.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.