biomedical postdoctoral fellow - Houston, TX , USA, United States - Houston Methodist

Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Nantz National Alzheimer Center, Neuroimaging Lab invites applicants for a full-time Postdoctoral position to participate in groundbreaking research to prevent or cure Alzheimer's disease and other related neurodegenerative disorders, as part of a clinical research program of the Houston Methodist Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College (Houston, Texas).

Our Translational Imaging Center houses research-dedicated multimodality scanners designed for human studies as well as for imaging of large research animals.

The Positron Emission Tomography Facility hosts a PET/CT scanner (Siemens Biograph Vision) that utilizes time-of-flight technology that results in improved image quality and higher sensitivity.

The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Facility hosts the first FDA-approved 7T human MRI scanner in Texas (Siemens Terra), a 3T human MRI scanner (Siemens Vida) and a 9.4 T Bruker small animal MRI scanner.

The Houston Methodist Research Institute seeks a qualified candidate to fill the position of neuroimaging research associate at the Nantz National Alzheimer Center, Department of Neurology.

The ideal candidate will have a background in signal processing and excellent computational skills.

Experience using and developing algorithms for the analysis of structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as well as positron emission tomography (PET), and having applied those algorithms to MRI/PET data will be a plus.

Applicants must hold a PhD degree in computer engineering, computer science, biomedical engineering, applied physics, or equivalent, preferably, but not necessarily, with experience in brain-image analysis.

The successful candidate is expected to work on innovative neuroimaging research particularly as it is applied to human brain disease.

Supervisors will include neuroscientists and mathematicians.

Importantly, the successful candidate will carry out all the technical steps involved in the processing of brain MRI and PET images and ensure their quality.

Critical steps are to evaluate the quality of MRI data, use standard software (MATLAB, FreeSurfer, FSL, SPM, Slicer, etc.) to analyze structural and functional MRI, and develop algorithms to optimize the use of those tools, as well as analyzing and databasing all MRI data.

The successful candidate will use similar tools to process and store data from positron emission tomography (PET).


Requirements:

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists the physician in maintaining the functionality and operations of the Principal Investigator's (PI) laboratory.
• Promotes a positive work environment and leads the team to be dynamic and a focused work unit that actively helps one other to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the department by actively communicating and reporting data in a comprehensive manner.
• Role models to team members effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication, which includes active listening and teaching, assisting in development of such skills.
• Provides contributions towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develops research methods and performs research activities.
• Documents research results and writes reports of results for presentation and/or publication in professional journals and other publications.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Follows all safety rules while on the job. Reports accidents promptly and corrects minor safety hazards. Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace.
• Assists with implementation and education of department-based safety initiatives, standards of practice and protocols. Develops skills of team members and continually assists with improving skills, performance and outcomes.
• Identifies opportunities for corrective action and process improvement providing recommendations and contributes to meeting department and laboratory targets for quality and safety.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Utilizes resources effectively and efficiently, demonstrating responsible financial stewardship. Manages own time effectively and prioritizes work to achieve maximum results in a timely manner.
• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in pertinent research activities and evidenced-based practice projects. Participates in departmental projects and activities. Acts as a change agent.
• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development. Remains current on professional issues and clinical skills. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned.

Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.


Qualifications:

EDUCATION

• Postdoctoral Fellow 0, 1, 2, 3, - Doctor of Medicine (MD) from an accredited medical school or Doctoral Degree (PhD) in medical field (A letter from the academic institution certifying that all student work is complete will be considered for Postdoctoral Fellow 0 only.)

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Postdoctoral Fellow 0- None
• Postdoctoral Fellow 1- One year of Postdoc experience
• Postdoctoral Fellow - Two years' Postdoc experience
• Postdoctoral Fellow - Three years' Postdoc experience
• Postdoctoral Fellow - Four years' Postdoc experience

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• N/A

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Demonstrated knowledge of biomedical research
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in the workplace

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform No
• Scrubs Yes
• Business professional No
• Other (department approved) Yes

ON-CALL

• No

te that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call
• No

TRAVEL
Travel specifications may vary by department

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Company Profile:

The Houston Methodist Academic Institute team science approach bridges the boundaries between medical specialties and research and development labs to advance the practice of medicine and population health.

We innovate in health care delivery and technology by streamlining the path discoveries take into the clinic with inventive development and adoption practices.

Our teams are also dedicated to training clinicians and researchers from around the world in translational medicine and advanced technology.

Houston Methodist's primary academic affiliates are top-ranked Weill Cornell Medical College and the Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences for faculty appointments and graduate programs offered on our Houston campus.

The Institute oversees 600,000 sq ft of dedicated space and the administrative and operational infrastructure for basic and applied research and clinical trials, including more than 20 advanced tech core facilities, extramural funding management, regulatory and legal strategy and compliance, and product development and commercialization.

This infrastructure is fully integrated with our hospital systems and supports more than 50,000 learners, 700 faculty, 2000 credentialed researchers, 6,000 research projects and clinical trials that creates innovative breakthroughs in human disease and the practice of medicine every day.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound.

Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.

VEVRAA Federal Contractor - priority referral Protected Veterans requested.