Research Scientist - Department of Neurology

Wayne State University, United States

Updated: about 5 hours ago
Location: Detroit, MICHIGAN

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Scientist - Department of Neurology at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.


Essential functions (job duties):

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, provide scientific and technical assistance to complete laboratory based, clinical or population science research.  May assist in writing research protocols and in manuscript preparation.  Design and perform research protocols independently or as directed through training in more difficult or specialized procedures to meet the needs of the research protocol.

With the assistance of the Principal Investigator, find and write research grants with the goal of obtaining additional research grant funding.  Responsibilities may also include coordinating correspondence with applicants and grantees, acknowledging receipts of proposals, and maintaining a system to track proposals. 

 Perform laboratory based scientific techniques or clinical/population science (human subjects) research.  Design and perform experiments, recruit participants for studies by developing surveys and interviewing candidates.  Participate in implementing research objectives, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory and protocol guidelines.  Assist staff with experiments/ research protocols as required.  Communicate with principal investigator and Postdoctoral scholars/fellows on the status of research.


Collect and log laboratory results, clinical outcomes and/or survey data. Evaluate and perform data analysis using graphs, charts or tables to highlight the key points of the research results collected in accordance with the research protocols as stipulated. Proofread and edit research data and documents to ensure accuracy.

Prepare and present presentations regarding research project results for professional, scientific and academic conferences.  Summarize and organize data results for submittal to academic and scholarly, peer-reviewed journals.  Write scientific manuscripts and other documents for publication. Fact-check, proofread, and edit research documents to ensure accuracy.

Maintain the laboratory work areas including routine maintenance on laboratory equipment as required. Order and organize required research supplies and records.  Maintain cleanliness and organization of work station.

Perform other related duties as assigned.


Unique duties:

We are looking for enthusiastic, self‐motivated individuals who are able to work independently in a collaborative multidisciplinary team. You will work closely with Dr. Yongsheng Chen, on the following ongoing projects: 1) Multiparametric quantitative MRI imaging biomarkers in neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis) and brain tumors. 2) Multiparametric quantitative MRI of peripheral nerves for developing monitoring biomarkers in patients with peripheral neuropathies. 3) Automated segmentation of deep grey matter nuclei, skeletal muscle, and peripheral nerve fascicles using machine learning. 4) Quantitative MRI of mice sciatic nerve in vivo to monitor demyelination and axonal loss over time. You are highly encouraged to apply for NIH K grants with full support from the team with expertise in MR physics, Radiology, Computer Science, Myelin Biology, Clinical Neurology, and Cancer Biology. The positions are secured by funds from NIH and Wayne State for a two‐year period with very competitive compensation. Third‐year support is available depending on the fellow’s performance. The MR Core Research Facility (MRRF) at Wayne State has focused on developing novel MRI methods and applications in neurodegenerative disorders led by Prof. E. Mark Haacke over the past 20 years. These technical developments include, to name a few: susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI), methods for magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), methods for quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM), and more recently a multiparametric quantitative MRI method for fast imaging of the brain and peripheral nerves referred to as strategically acquired gradient echo (STAGE) imaging. The MRRF operates research dedicated human 3T scanner (Siemens MAGNETOM Cima.X), and a preclinical 7T scanner (Bruker BioSpec, ParaVision 360 software).


Qualifications:

Education:    Doctorate degree

Requires advanced knowledge predominantly intellectual in character in a field of science or learning acquired
by a prolonged course of specialized intellectual instruction.  

Experience:    Experienced (minimum 2 years of job-related experience)

Experience performing basic research techniques, preferred.  Must have distinguished themselves in research.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Ability to work independently. Ability to secure grants and funding for research.  Ability to analyze, summarize
and interpret research findings in reports and communicate results. Knowledge of scientific integrity principles.Excellent time management and organization skills.  Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to
work with others in a collaborative environment.  Microsoft office software skills.
Preferred qualifications:

Please attach a one‐page cover letter, full CV, and contact information of two references. PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or similar programs. Experience in MRI, MATLAB programming, Python programming, and Statistical Analysis. Experience in Siemens MR pulse sequence programming, quantitative MRI methods, clinical research using qMRI, and deep learning‐based medical image segmentation is preferred.


School/College/Division:

H06 - School of Medicine


Primary department:

H0611 - Neurology


Employment type:
  • Regular Employee
  • Job type: Full Time
  • Job category: Research

Funding/salary information:
  • Compensation type: Annual Salary
  • Hourly rate:
  • Salary minimum:
  • Salary hire maximum:

Working conditions:

Typical work environment may include a laboratory and/ or office environment. May require working non-standard business hours including evenings and weekends. May be required to travel to scientific conferences.


Job openings:
  • Number of openings: 2
  • Reposted position: No
  • Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
  • Prior posting/requisition number:

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.


Equal employment opportunity statement:

Wayne State University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. The university encourages applications from women, people of color and other underrepresented people. Wayne State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.


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