Post-Doctoral Associate

The Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR) at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities seeks a Post Doc to conduct NIH-funded research aimed at establishing ultrahigh-resolution functional MRI (fMRI) of the human brain at ultrahigh magnetic field (UHF). Our aim is to achieve and demonstrate the utility of 1) high functional contrast-to- noise ratio (fCNR), whole brain fMRI at 0.8-mm isotropic resolution to enable cortical layer specific functional connectivity for the next generation Human Connectome Project (HCP), and 2) robust, high fCNR, partial brain fMRI at 0.25- to 0.35- mm isotropic resolution (towards meeting the BRAIN Initiative goals) to promote laminar fMRI at the mesoscopic scale. The planned research will be conducted primarily at the UHF of 10.5 Tesla (10.5T) with advanced capabilities (including 16-channel parallel transmit (pTx), 128-channel receive, and high-performance gradient coils) that are currently unavailable on any other human MR system operated at >10T. The proposed research will involve developing new pulse sequences (incorporating pTx pulses, and motion and field corrections) and new reconstruction approaches that provide increased SNR and image acceleration. The proposed work will also involve data analysis through novel image processing and analysis tools developed within the HCP. Ideal candidates should have a strong experience with data acquisition and image reconstruction, and/or RF pulse design with pTx, and/or fMRI in the human brain. The Postdoctoral Fellows will be jointly mentored by Dr. Xiaoping Wu and Dr. Kamil Ugurbil (Director of CMRR) and will have the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse team of researchers with complementary expertise in MR physics, MR engineering, image reconstruction, neuroimaging, and neuroscience.

Responsibilities
* Develop novel pTx RF pulses to achieve uniform water excitation and robust fat suppression for whole-brain and partial-brain fMRI.
* Establish the capability to perform highly accelerated, high-resolution whole-brain and partial brain fMRI using gradient recalled echo (GRE) echo planar imaging.
* Analyze image data by using existing data processing pipelines or by developing new methods or both.
* Make observations, interpret findings, and present results internally and externally.
* Prepare conference abstracts, write journal papers, and assist in grant applications.

If interested, please send a CV (or any questions regarding the positions) to Xiaoping Wu at wuxxx184@umn.edu.

Requirements
* PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Neuroscience, or relevant field.

Preferred Qualifications
* Proven experience in MRI data acquisition, image reconstruction and data analysis.
* Track record of scientific publications (including peer-reviewed journal papers).
* Experience using common software packages (such as FSL) for MRI data processing and analysis.
* Working knowledge of Matlab, Python, or similar scientific computing environment.

More information on the CMRR can be found at https://www.cmrr.umn.edu/ and more information on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities at https://twin-cities.umn.edu/.

Pay Range: $61,008 - $74,088; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

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The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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