An opportunity has arisen for Research Associate with expertise in preclinical MRI/MRS to join a project entitled “Molecular imaging of neurodegenerative pathology using deuterium MRI (MINDER)". Funding for the project is initially for 12 months. The project aims to develop a general approach to image pathological proteins such as amyloid-β using deuterated ligands and deuterium-tuned MRI. The candidate will develop deuterated ligands based on existing PET molecules, then develop approaches to detect ligand binding within the brain using deuterium-tuned MRI coils. This project will test feasibility of the approach in phantoms and a preclinical model of Alzheimer's disease, and if successful could be adapted to image other pathological proteins.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the development of MRI/MRS approaches to image deuterated ligands. The candidate will use deuterium tuned coils and test the visibility of deuterated ligands in phantoms and in-vivo. It is likely the candidate will need to invent new imaging approaches or innovations to existing approaches to increase SNR and reduce image artefacts. The post holder will then compare sensitivity of the developed deuterium MRI method to florbetaben PET.
This role will be particularly appealing to MRI/MRS physicist, engineer or imaging scientist who has an interest in developing novel imaging probes or detection methods for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative pathologies. However, the post will also be suitable for in-vivo neuroscientists who have a strong interest and experience with preclinical MRI. Due to the short timeframe of the post, the post holder will be required to hold a Home Office personal licence and be competent with MRI procedures. The post holder will work within the University’s Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Science under the supervision of Dr Ben Dickie, Dr Herve Boutin, Dr Sam Butterworth, and Dr Ross Dunne. The post will be closely affiliated with the Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre and Manchester Neuroimaging, providing ample opportunities to engage with the wider neuroimaging community in Manchester, including researchers and clinicians working on neurodegeneration, stroke, and neuroinflammation research.
Successful candidates may be subject to pre-employment screening carried out on our behalf by a third party. The offer of employment will be dependent on the successful candidate passing that screening. Whilst you will be required to provide express consent at a later stage, by continuing with your application now you acknowledge that you are aware that such screening will take place, and agree to take part in the process.
The School/Department is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN charter for gender equality in higher education. The School/Department holds a Silver Award which recognises their good practice in relation to gender; including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and support to allow staff achieve a good work-life balance. We particularly welcome applications from women for this post. All appointment will be made on merit. For further information, please visit: https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/about/equality/
Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here
Blended working arrangements may be considered
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Dr Ben Dickie
Email: ben.dickie@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries:
Email: People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk
Technical support:
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria
