Cancer Biology/PISR Post Doctoral Fellow

This postdoctoral fellow position supports the Preclinical Imaging Shared Resource (PISR) within the University of Kansas Cancer Center and the Department of Cancer Biology. The role focuses on developing and applying advanced preclinical imaging methodologies to support interdisciplinary cancer research programs, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), optical imaging, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), photoacoustic imaging, and image analysis. The position offers opportunities to develop independent research projects, contribute to collaborative grant applications, and prepare for an independent academic or industry career in biomedical imaging.

Responsibilities

• Work with PI/faculty mentor to develop, optimize, and apply advanced preclinical imaging techniques to investigate cancer biology, therapeutic response, immunotherapy, and drug delivery in small-animal models.
• Design and optimize MRI protocols for longitudinal preclinical studies.
• Perform quantitative image analysis and develop reproducible imaging workflows.
• Participate in collaborative NIH-, DoD-, and NSF-funded research projects.
• Contribute to the development of new imaging methodologies integrating MRI, optical imaging, photoacoustic imaging, and micro-CT.
• Assist in the development of AI-based image analysis pipelines.
• Design and conduct imaging studies in murine disease models in accordance with approved IACUC protocols, including animal preparation, anesthesia, physiological monitoring, longitudinal imaging, and quantitative image analysis.
• Assist in the implementation and validation of next-generation ultra-high-field imaging technologies, including the forthcoming 18.8 Tesla MRI platform, and contribute to the development of multimodal imaging workflows integrating MRI, NMR spectroscopy, optical imaging, micro-CT, and photoacoustic imaging.
• Work effectively as part of the research team and mentor/train graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and investigators in imaging methodologies.
• Assist in maintaining state-of-the-art imaging instrumentation and implementing new imaging technologies.
• Complete research projects under the guidance of the faculty mentor, record and interpret results in an electronic laboratory notebook, and prepare publication-quality manuscripts for peer-reviewed literature.
• Read literature articles, develop new ideas, and assimilate information into project design and interpretation.
• Disseminate research findings through department seminars, scientific meetings, and first-author publications in abstracts, manuscripts, and posters.
• Submit fellowship applications to bolster research funding and CV development.
• Interact with KU Cancer Center donors and local cancer affiliates.
• Attend and maintain compliance with all orientation and training sessions designated by the University and the Cancer Biology Department, follow IACUC and biosafety protocols, and attend departmental seminars and regular lab meetings.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering, Medical Physics, Imaging Science, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Neuroscience, Cancer Biology, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated research experience in at least one advanced biomedical imaging modality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preclinical MRI experience.
• MRI pulse sequence development and optimization.
• Quantitative MRI analysis.
• Image reconstruction and image processing using Bruker Paravision.
• Experience with micro-CT, optical imaging, photoacoustic imaging, PET, or SPECT.
• Artificial intelligence or machine learning for biomedical image analysis.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, C++, or similar scientific programming languages.
• Multi-modal image registration and quantitative biomarker development.
• Cancer biology, immunology, or neuroscience applications of imaging.

Skills

• Communication
• Collaboration
• Teamwork
• Organization
• Critical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Interpersonal skills

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage beginning on day one, including health expense accounts with generous employer contributions.
• Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance.
• Various additional voluntary insurance plans available.
• Paid time off, including vacation and sick leave, accruing upon hire, plus ten paid holidays.
• One paid discretionary day after six months of employment.
• Paid time off for bereavement, jury duty, military service, and parental leave after 12 months of employment.
• Retirement program with generous employer contribution and additional voluntary retirement programs (457 or 403b).

Pay

The pay range for this position is $63,480.00 - $90,000.00, with a midpoint of $76,739.00. Compensation is determined using market data and salary benchmarking, considering factors such as education, experience, qualifications, and funding.

Schedule

Full time, regular employee type.