Section on Functional Imaging Methods

Title 42 Staff Scientist / fMRI Physicist

Section on Functional Imaging Methods

National Institute of Mental Health

National Institutes of Health

Department of Health and Human Services

Bethesda, MD

 The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) invitesapplications for an open functional MRI (fMRI) physicist position in theDivision of Intramural Research Programs (DIRP) Section on Functional Imaging Methods. This Section is directed by Dr. Peter A. Bandettini and is within the Laboratory of Brain and Cognition. The research focus of this section is functional MRI (fMRI) method development, extraction of novel physiologic and neuronalinformation from MRI data, and implementation of cutting edge methodology for neuroscience questions and clinical applications.

The staff scientist working for this section would beresponsible for high level technical support and research management. This support would include pulse sequence development and modification, hardware implementation, fMRI paradigm programming, post processing development, anddata management. It's anticipated that the staff scientist will have about 30% to 60% time free for independent research.

Resources are extensive at the NIH: These include four GE 3T scanners, one GE  1.5T scanner, and a GE7T scanner. In addition, MEG, EEG, PET, and extensive animal imaging facilities are available. In the next few years, a human 11.7T scanner will also beinstalled. In addition, the fMRI core facility staff, also under the direction of Dr. Bandettini, works closely with the section and supports over 300 fMRI researchers – making for an extremely stimulating and collegial researchenvironment. The NIH is has among the largest concentrations of MRI researchersin the world, with opportunities to collaborate with leaders in the field off MRI, DTI, parallel imaging, molecular imaging, and cardiac MRI, among other MRI - based specialties. 

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in MRI physics or a relateddiscipline and at least two years experience with and an intense interest in fMRI method development. Desired skills and interests include: pulse programming,fast imaging techniques, high resolution fMRI techniques, image reconstruction,quantitative functional imaging, MRI hardware development, multi-modal integration. The applicant must be highly independent, able to work with alarge team, and highly motivated to develop novel methods for fMRI. Applicants should send a curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation to Peter A. Bandettini,Ph.D. Building 10, Room 1D80, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-1148,301-402-1333, bandettini@nih.gov, by May 31, 2009.  TTY:  MD Relay Operator at 1-800-735-2258.  The National Institutes of Health is an equal opportunity employer.  

If you are interested in another  position (graduate student, postdoc, etc) within the FIM Section, please send an email to bandettp@mail.nih.gov.