Staff Scientist 1 (Facility Head), Clinical MRI

 Department of Health and Human Services

National Institutes of Health 

National Institute on Aging

Intramural Research Program

Staff Scientist 1 (Facility Head), Clinical MRI

The National Institute on Aging (NIA), a major research component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is recruiting for a Staff Scientist 1 (Facility Head) for human MRI studies within the Clinical Research Core (CRC) in Baltimore, Maryland.  Studies carried out in the facility include proton structural imaging, brain functional MRI, body and tissue composition studies, brain and muscle spectroscopy, including heteronuclear spectroscopy, and proton relaxometry.  MRI acquisitions are correlated with a wide range of biological and functional outcomes in order to explore the effects of structural, functional and biochemical tissue changes that occur with aging and age-associated disease.  All MRI imaging is performed on a research-dedicated 32-channel 3T Philips Achieva MRI system, capable of both proton and heteronuclear spectroscopy, and scheduled to be upgraded to a 3T Philips Ingenia system in 2019.

The Facility Head will 1) provide support and services for longitudinal studies of aging including the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) and the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study and 2) support and carry out studies in the major areas of clinical research at the NIA, working with laboratories that focus on musculoskeletal, cardiology, neurology, and endocrinology research.

The successful applicant is expected to play a central role in the design and implementation of magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy experiments to advance investigator-initiated research.  The Facility Head will participate in all aspects of data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation, including training users in these areas. Furthermore, the Facility Head will be responsible for day-to-day management of the 3T MRI Facility, including specification of new equipment and software, quality control, and coordinating maintenance with Philips Healthcare and other providers. 

The individual must have a Ph.D. in physics or engineering with significant MRI experience.  Additional requirements include extensive knowledge of current and emerging MRI and MRS techniques and applications to humans, two- and three-dimensional imaging protocols, and proton and heteronuclear spectroscopy for biomedical applications.  Functional and structural neuroimaging is a significant portion of imaging research conducted and relevant experience is a plus.  Experience with or a desire to learn Philips pulse programming is a further requirement; this will be a significant component of the position. An ability to work with MRI technologists and familiarity with standard operating procedures for human MR imaging and patient safety are necessities of the job.  As part of the CRC, the appointee will form collaborations with multiple NIA laboratories that require MR imaging studies, including neuroscientists and clinical researchers, and will have the opportunity for significant interactions and collaborations with the Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Section at the NIA.

Salary is commensurate with professional experience and accomplishments, and a full Civil Service package of benefits (including retirement, health, life and long-term care insurance, Thrift Savings Plan participation, etc.) is available. All employees of the Federal Government are subject to the conflict-of-interest statutes and regulations, including the Standards of Ethical Conduct.  Additional information regarding the NIA Intramural Research Program and MRI Facility is available at: https://www.nia.nih.gov/research/labs and

https://www.nia.nih.gov/research/labs/mri-facility-translational-research.

To apply, please send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, bibliography, statement of research interest and three letters of recommendation to: Jamie Hertzfelt, Intramural Program Specialist; Office of the Scientific Director, Vacancy # NIA-IRP-18-04, National Institute on Aging, NIH Biomedical Research Center, 251 Bayview Blvd., Suite 100, Room 04C232, Baltimore, Maryland 21224 or email niairpjobs@mail.nih.gov. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

DHHS and NIH are Equal Opportunity Employers

The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs.