Research scientist in MRI imaging – three-year contract available immediately
The Physiology of reproduction and behaviour combined research unit at the INRA centre of Tours is recruiting a research scientist specialised in MRI for its imaging platform. This internationally recognised facility for imaging of medium sized domestic animals will be equipped with a 3T MRI, an X-ray scanner and an ultrasound echography machine. The facility employs seven staff including a veterinary surgeon, and technical staff to prepare the animals, anaesthetise, and provide pre- and post-operative care. The recruited scientist will carry out MRI imaging experimentations on different domestic animal models (pig, sheep, goat and rabbit). The main areas of investigation are the abdomen and the central nervous system. The successful candidate will have contact with many different people involved in the protocols of the different research teams. Within the department he/ she will be in charge of developing and adapting the imaging protocols (MRI) for domestic animals. The job will involve analysing the imaging needs of the different research teams and developing innovative and appropriate methodologies to meet these needs. The recruited scientist will take part in training and teaching sessions. He/ she will be required to integrate the national and European medical imaging networks, and to draw up close links with the imaging teams from the Medical School and Teaching Hospital of Tours, where these imaging techniques are developed on clinical models, integrating the network of skilled staff for these structures. This position does not involve any specific constraints. The job will involve:
• Studying the needs related to the research aims of resident and partner teams; • Proposing suitable imaging strategies (from acquisition to analysis) for the research problematics of these teams, in terms of acquisition protocol, sequences and parameters; • Optimising the existing MRI acquisition procedures for humans for use with animal models; • Developing original MRI sequences corresponding to the scientific problematics of the users; • Ensuring technological intelligence in the field of MRI sequences; • Promoting original developments within the scientific community of MRI “methodologists”; • Training users in original acquisition procedures developed for their needs; • Liaising with the manufacturers of the MRI system for software updates, upgrading and maintenance; • Organising and checking preventive maintenance and repairs in liaison with the manufacturers; • Carrying out quality checks on acquisitions; • Coordinating use of the system; • Overseeing measurement taking, interpretation of results and their validation for scientific analysis in compliance with the quality system; • Managing the technical resources allocated to a research project or protocol; • Presenting, disseminating and promoting achievements and results. Taking part in teaching both in higher and continuing education, contributing to training of students through research, training and advising users on the deployment of the experimental systems; • Managing technical documents relating to the domain; • Taking part in the research projects of the Unit’s teams.
Skills required: - In-depth knowledge of NMR physics, and in vivo NMR imaging and spectroscopy; - In-depth knowledge of MRI instrumentation and sequence programming; - Ability to analyse images and process signals; - Interest in programming; - Good relational skills in a multi-displinary context; - An operational level of scientific and technical English (good oral and written comprehension); - Skills in X-ray imaging would also an advantage; - Basic knowledge of physiology would be an advantage.
Know-How - Quality control; - Technological intelligence/ literature search; - Scientific promotion; - Organisational management; - Ability to integrate various elements relating to different technological fields (magnetism, computing, electronics, etc); - Know-how in experimental imaging of large animals would be an advantage. Required training/ professional experience - PhD in biophysics, physics, image analysis or signal processing, and/or an engineering degree in the same fields with skills in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR); - Experience in NMR sequence programming for in vivo imaging; - A qualification in animal experimentation is recommended. - Post-doc professional experience is highly recommended. Personal qualities: Capacités personnelles : - Good human skills and ability to work in a team in a multi-disciplinary context; - Good communication and organisational skills; - Good animal skills; - Thorough.
Contact: Send your CV and cover letter to: Yves Tillet, INRA-PRC, UMR7247, Directeur de l'FR135 "Imagerie Fonctionnelle", 37380 Nouzilly mail : yves.tillet@tours.inra.fr Tel : 02 47 42 77 98 (secretary)