Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Diffusion Tensor Imaging

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral research fellow with expertise in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to join The Developing Brain Institute (DBI) at Children's National in Washington, D.C. The successful applicant will work on multiple NIH-funded projects that utilize multimodal imaging, computational techniques, and behavioral analysis to identify early markers of atypical brain development in high-risk fetuses and newborns. The selected candidate will work closely with faculty and postdoctoral researchers, gaining valuable methodological training and the opportunity to develop their independent research. Numerous mentorship opportunities will also be available. The candidate will have access to state-of-the-art brain imaging facilities and computational resources. This is initially a 1-year position, with the possibility of extension based on the candidate's interest and demonstrated progress.

Standard duties and responsibilities include:

• Analyzing diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data from newborns Integrating brain data with longitudinal neurobehavioral/clinical data to uncover neural mechanisms underlying neurological deficits in clinical populations. Preparing and submitting research manuscripts on newborn DTI/structural connectivity from large existing datasets. Presenting research findings at national and international seminars and meetings. Contributing to the growth of methodological and intellectual expertise within the team.

Required qualifications:

• Hold a Ph.D. in cognitive neuroscience, computational neuroscience, computer science, bioengineering, or a related discipline at the time of employment.

Desired qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of neurodevelopment (highly desirable). Experience with neuroimaging methodology and software (e.g., SPM, FSL, and/or AFNI) (highly desirable) Proficiency in computer programming, especially in MATLAB and/or Python (highly desirable). Knowledge of computational modeling or machine learning/deep learning techniques (nice-to-have).

Interested applicants should submit the following documents to jocruz@childrensnational.org:

• Cover Letter describing your interest in the position and your academic goals and areas of interest, Curriculum Vitae (CV) Sample of academic writing Contact details of 3 referees (including email addresses)

About Us:

Join our innovative research team at The Developing Brain Institute, part of the Center for Prenatal, Neonatal, and Maternal Health led by Catherine Limperopoulos, PhD. The DBI is housed in the Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology and affiliated with the Prenatal Pediatrics Institute at Children’s National Hospital. Our research focuses on the developing brain in utero, after birth and through preschool. We are developing advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to examine the structure, connectivity, and metabolism of the brain in ways that cannot be done with conventional MRI studies. It is our long-term goal to be able to identify babies with impaired brain growth as soon as possible to facilitate more timely interventions and clinical planning.