The Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute at West Virginia University Research Corporation is seeking a highly experienced and specialized neuroscientist to join our team as an Imaging Scientist Lead. This position requires expertise in functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and tractography techniques specifically related to human clinical research.

Working in collaboration with a group of dedicated professionals at an R1 institution, you will be at the forefront of pioneering solutions to optimize brain health. Your primary responsibility will be to drive progress within the multidisciplinary WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute's Innovation Center team by leading and providing essential research support related to neuroimaging for a variety of research projects. These projects focus on the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders, including but not limited to Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, tremor, substance use disorder, dementia, and other neurodegenerative disorders. The Institute is heavily invested in cutting-edge imaging and ultrasound capabilities, with involvement in several first-in-human studies.

Additionally, you will play a key role in advancing the integration and advancement of neuroimaging to address critical clinical questions. As the Imaging Scientist Lead, you will bring your expertise to enhance the rapidly evolving work of the Institute, which has achieved substantial growth in publications, grants, and intellectual property. Your work will not only contribute to advancing the research and development missions of West Virginia University but also have a broader impact on the lives of individuals both within the state and across the globe. 

Your contributions will serve as a foundation for improving the lives of people facing neurological challenges. Join us in this exciting opportunity to drive innovative solutions for the betterment of brain health. 

At WVU Research Corporation, we strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU Research Corporation offers a comprehensive benefits package with a variety of options to suit your needs:
• 13 paid holidays
• PTO 
• 403(b) retirement savings with a fully vested 3% employee contribution match, (Employees have the option of contributing an additional 1-3% of their earnings to the plan, which is also matched by the WVURC) 
• A range of health insurance and various other benefits 
• Dependent Education Scholarship
• WVU Perks
• And More!!

What you’ll do:

• Lead and actively participate in the design and execution of MRI-based human studies, collaborating with other members of RNI and prioritizing projects to develop new avenues of research.
• Independently lead or work with a research team to conduct MRI-based studies, focusing on BOLD signal analysis, tractography, and resting-state studies for applications in clinical translational neuroscience.
• Take charge of data analysis, interpretation, and reporting/publishing of research projects, ensuring timely dissemination of findings to relevant stakeholders and scientific communities.
• Demonstrate expertise in image analytics and maintain a strong working knowledge, effectively liaising with technical support teams to optimize imaging processes and workflows.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior imaging scientists, fostering their professional growth and ensuring a high standard of research within the team.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including neurologists, neurosurgeons, psychologists, data scientists, and other specialists, to integrate neuroimaging data with clinical insights, ultimately contributing to improved diagnostics and treatments.
• Stay abreast of advancements in neuroimaging research and emerging technologies, recommending and implementing relevant innovations to further enhance the Institute's capabilities.
• Play a pivotal role in shaping the Institute's neuroimaging strategy, aligning research objectives with broader institutional goals, and contributing to the development of long-term research initiatives.
• Establish and foster collaborations with external institutions and global partners, promoting data exchange, knowledge sharing, and collaborative opportunities for larger-scale research endeavors.
• Represent the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute at conferences, symposiums, and other scientific events, showcasing the Institute's contributions to the field of neuroimaging and forging valuable connections with the wider scientific community.
• Assist in securing research grants and funding opportunities, contributing to the sustainability and growth of neuroimaging research within the Institute.
• Oversee the implementation of quality control measures in neuroimaging studies, ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and validity of data generated by the team.
• Collaborate with administrative and leadership teams to communicate the impact of neuroimaging research and advocate for resources necessary to support ongoing and future initiatives.

Qualifications

• PhD or MD in a relevant area of specialization such as Neuroscience, Radiology, Neurobiology, Biomedical Engineering, or a closely related science or engineering discipline.
• Three (3) years experience:
  • In neuroimaging research, including hands-on experience with MRI-based studies and data analysis.
  • Applying innovative approaches and problem-solving skills to address complex research questions in neuroimaging.
  • Working with state-of-the-art imaging technology, neuroimaging software, and data analysis tools. 
• Two (2) years of experience:
  • Consistently publishing research findings in reputable scientific journals related to neuroimaging and neuroscience.
  • In a leadership role, overseeing and managing a research team or serving as a principal investigator for neuroimaging research projects.
  • Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, engaging in joint research projects, and effectively integrating neuroimaging data with clinical insights.
  • Designing research protocols for neuroimaging studies, especially those involving human participants, while adhering to ethical and regulatory considerations.
  • Presenting research findings at conferences, symposiums, and scientific meetings, effectively communicating complex neuroimaging concepts to diverse audiences.
• One (1) year of experience:
  • Securing research grants or funding to support neuroimaging research projects.
  • Translating neuroimaging research findings into clinical applications and implications for patient care
• In-Depth Understanding of Neuroimaging Techniques: Profound knowledge of functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and tractography methods used in human clinical research, encompassing data acquisition, preprocessing, and advanced analysis techniques.
• Expertise in Brain Connectivity: Advanced understanding of structural and functional brain connectivity, including the ability to interpret and analyze complex neuroimaging data related to brain networks and interactions.
• Proficiency in Imaging Analysis Software: Skill in utilizing specialized imaging analysis software packages such as FSL, SPM, AFNI, FreeSurfer, MRtrix, and others to process and analyze neuroimaging data accurately.
• Neuroscientific Research Methods: Comprehensive knowledge of scientific research methodologies relevant to neuroimaging studies, enabling the design and execution of rigorous research projects.
• Data Analytics and Interpretation: Ability to conduct advanced data analytics, infer meaningful patterns, and interpret neuroimaging findings to contribute to the understanding of neurological disorders and brain function.
• Grant Proposal Preparation: Competence in preparing research grant proposals, including the ability to articulate research objectives, methodologies, and the potential impact of proposed studies.
• Effective Scientific Communication: Skill in presenting complex neuroimaging concepts and research findings clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, both in one-on-one settings and in formal scientific presentations.
• Leadership and Team Management: Ability to lead and inspire a team of scientists, fostering collaboration, mentorship, and efficient project management.
• Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Engagement: Proven ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams, clinicians, researchers, and external partners to advance collective research goals.\
• Regulatory Compliance and Ethical Practices: Knowledge of Institutional Review Board (IRB) policies and ethical considerations relevant to human research, ensuring compliance and the ethical treatment of research participants.
• Technology and Innovation: Aptitude for staying updated on emerging neuroimaging technologies, analytical methodologies, and programming languages to drive innovation within the research program.
• Research Funding and Resource Acquisition: Skill in identifying and securing research funding opportunities to support neuroimaging projects and the ability to efficiently manage available resources.
• Record Keeping and Data Management: Ability to maintain meticulous records of research protocols, data, and analyses, adhering to best practices in data management and maintaining research integrity.
• Strategic Planning: Capacity to contribute to the strategic planning of the neuroimaging research program, envisioning future research directions and aligning objectives with broader institutional goals.

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