Research Associate

Job title:

Research Associate

Company

Cardiff University

Job description

AdvertPlease note that this job is open only to current members of staff of Cardiff University who are eligible for redeployment.Research Associate
School of PsychologyWe are seeking to recruit a bright and motivated Postdoctoral Researcher for an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of next-generation imaging technologies to directly impact on the care of glioblastoma patients, and involves collaboration with the Velindre University NHS Trust (https://velindre.nhs.wales/) and University College London.The new post will contribute to on-going research in microstructural imaging within the Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC, https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/cardiff-university-brain-research-imaging-centre/research/themes/microstructural-imaging ) being part of the School of Psychology. This concentrates on microstructure imaging using diffusion-weighted MRI and will focus on technical developments underpinning applications in glioblastoma tumor microenvironment (TME) characterization.The successful candidate will be part of the MIMOSA study, co-funded by Cancer Research Wales and the Velindre’s Advancing Radiotherapy Fund to address key limitations of current MRI approaches to characterize glioblastoma TME response to treatment and pseudo-progression. Within the MIMOSA study, the post holder will be responsible for developing innovative imaging techniques that combine imaging physics, biophysical and computational modelling with machine learning; and applying the developed techniques to assess glioblastoma TME response to treatment. Initial focus will be on providing robust biomarkers for detecting subtle changes in cell size, density and shape using a longitudinal design. The successful candidate will have an amazing opportunity to be working closely within a world-class multi-disciplinary team of engineers, neuroscientists and clinicians at CUBRIC, world-leading research centre in medical imaging.The successful candidate will work closely with Dr Marco Palombo at CUBRIC in the School of Psychology and Computer Science and Informatics and Dr. James Powell at the Velindre Cancer Centre. CUBRIC and Velindre offer an inspiring and friendly research environment with ample opportunity for interdisciplinary exchange and impact on patients care. The post may also allow to work with external stake holders and international collaborators.
The majority of roles at Cardiff University are currently operating under “blended working” arrangements, with staff having the flexibility to work partly from home and partly from the University campus depending on specific business requirements. Discussions around these arrangements can take place after the successful candidate has been appointed.This post is full time (35 hours per week), fixed term for 30 months or until the 30 September 2027, whichever is sooner, and is available immediately.Salary: £40,247 – £45,163 per annum (Grade 6)
Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances.Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 45 days annual leave (incl. bank holidays), local pension scheme, a cycle to work scheme and other travel initiatives, annual increments within the pay scale, and more. It’s an exciting and vibrant place to work with many different challenges and is a proud Living Wage supporter. Business needs will require some degree of office-based working but the balance of time can be spent in the office or remotely (subject to agreement with the line manager).For informal inquiries, please contact Dr Marco Palombo, [email protected]Closing date: Friday, 7 February 2025Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangement.Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: Responsible research assessment – Research – Cardiff UniversityApplications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.Job DescriptionTo conduct research within microstructure imaging through diffusion MRI, computational modelling and machine learning and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.Main Duties and ResponsibilitiesResearch

• To conduct research within microstructure imaging through diffusion MRI, computational modelling and machine learning and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
• To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals
• To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required
• To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
• To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate
• To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field
• To participate in School research activities.
• To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects

Other

• To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.

• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world

• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Person SpecificationIMPORTANT NOTE TO CANDIDATES: It is the University’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing and we only invite candidates to interview who clearly evidence that they meet (or partially meet) each of the essential criteria. During the application process you will be asked to attach a supporting statement. This statement must outline how you meet the criteria below and we recommended formatting this by using each criteria as a sub-heading and providing your relevant experience/evidence below each sub-heading. It is crucial that you save your supporting statement with the vacancy number (eg. 1234BR) in the filename as failure to do so may result in it being omitted from your application.Essential CriteriaQualifications and Education * Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area (e.g., Physics/Maths/Imaging Science) or relevant industrial experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience * An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:

• biophysical modelling,
• computational imaging,
• machine learning,
• medical image analysis.
• Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field
• Experience in scientific programming using: Matlab, Python, C, C++, CUDA, Java or another widely used high-level programming language.
• Proven ability to publish in national/international journals / national/international conferences and/or other research outputs.
• Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies

Communication and Team Working * Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication

• Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals

Other * Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work

• Proven ability to work without close supervision

Desirable Criteria * Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences.

• Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.
• Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.

Expected salary

£40247 – 45163 per year

Location

United Kingdom

Job date

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 23:24:17 GMT

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