Senior Scientist (Dr Balchandani's Lab) - Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Institute

About the Role

The Senior Scientist will provide scientific and technical leadership for a multidisciplinary clinical research program focused on improving localization of the epileptogenic zone in drug-resistant epilepsy using advanced multimodal MRI techniques. This role centers on integrating magnetic resonance elastography, diffusion-weighted imaging, arterial spin labeling, and high-field MRI (3T/7T) with clinical, electrophysiologic, and histopathological data to identify novel imaging biomarkers associated with astrogliosis, tissue biomechanics, and cerebral perfusion.

The Senior Scientist will drive study design, oversee execution of complex imaging protocols, and lead translational efforts to enhance surgical planning and patient outcomes. This individual will collaborate closely with clinicians, imaging scientists, and data analysts, contributing innovative approaches in a collaborative research environment. The role also involves mentoring graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research staff, as well as supporting imaging protocol development and data analysis for academic partners.

Responsibilities

• Designs and leads complex clinical imaging studies to develop and evaluate advanced MR imaging techniques for applications in neurological diseases.
• Develops and optimizes multimodal MRI protocols (including 3T and 7T structural imaging, DWI, MRE, 4D flow, and ASL) for quantitative assessment of brain stiffness, microstructure, viscoelastic properties, and cerebral blood flow.
• Investigates the relationship between quantitative neuroimaging MR measures.
• Establishes diagnostic thresholds and validation frameworks for imaging-based identification of neurological abnormalities.
• Analyzes and interprets multimodal imaging datasets alongside electrophysiologic, clinical, and histopathological data to identify disease-specific biomarkers.
• Develops hypotheses and analytical methodologies to evaluate links between imaging biomarkers and clinical outcomes.
• Leads dissemination of research findings through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and scientific seminars.
• Assists with, prepares, and submits competitive research proposals to secure funding for ongoing and future studies in advanced neuroimaging.
• Collaborates with neurology, neurosurgery, radiology, and bioengineering teams to translate imaging advances into clinical applications for diagnostic or treatment planning.
• Supervises and mentors graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research staff in imaging science and clinical research methodologies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in sciences or a related field.
• Minimum five years of experience with scientific investigation.
• Demonstrated outstanding achievement in MRI research.
• Contributions to peer-reviewed publications, inventions, or similar work with a major impact on advancing the field.

Qualifications

• Prior experience successfully securing external grant funding is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in high and ultra-high field MR imaging (3T, 7T) of the brain.
• Experience in MRI pulse sequence programming, preferably Siemens IDEA.
• Experience in MRI reconstruction and quantitative parameter mapping.
• Programming skills in MATLAB, Python, and other relevant neuroimaging processing software (FSL, Freesurfer, MRtrix, SPM, etc.).
• Ability to communicate research to the public and collaborators.
• Experience in any subset of: MR elastography, diffusion MRI, high-resolution structural MRI, perfusion MRI, cerebral blood/CSF flow MRI, or image reconstruction.

About the Organization

The Mount Sinai Health System is one of the largest academic medical systems in the New York metro area, with more than 48,000 employees across eight hospitals, over 400 outpatient practices, and more than 300 labs. Mount Sinai advances health for all people by tackling complex healthcare challenges through innovation, education, and high-quality care.

The Health System includes over 9,000 primary and specialty care physicians, 13 joint-venture outpatient surgery centers, and more than 30 affiliated community health centers. Mount Sinai is consistently ranked among the top hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, including high "Honor Roll" status, and is recognized for excellence in geriatrics, cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, and other specialties.

The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is ranked No. 11 nationwide in National Institutes of Health funding and is a leader in research and medical education.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $58,661 – $131,588.09 annually. Actual salaries depend on experience, education, and operational need and do not include bonuses, incentive pay, or other forms of compensation.