Postdoctoral position in Microstructure Diffusion Imaging Methods Development
A postdoc position is available in the Department of Neurophysics (Director: N. Weiskopf) at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (MPI-CBS) in Leipzig, Germany.
The successful candidate will be part of a team developing and applying methods for in-vivo histology of human brain microstructure using MRI, which is crucial for understanding the human brain in both health and disease. The project is funded by the ERC Consolidator Grant “Non-Invasive In-Vivo Histology in Health and Disease Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging“.
To characterize the microstructure of the cortex, the team will develop a novel quantitative multi-contrast imaging approach at ultra-high resolution that will be complemented by a unified model of MRI contrasts, cortical anatomy and tissue microstructure. Super-resolution diffusion and susceptibility imaging will further enhance the effective image resolution. High-resolution functional MRI (fMRI) will complement the anatomical imaging methods and will be used for cross-validation.
The postdoc will be embedded in a unique world-leading research environment and have access to the latest cutting-edge MRI hardware including: 7T, 9.4T, and the only 3T Connectom (300mT/m gradient amplitude) in Continental Europe for human MRI; novel quantitative histology and small bore 7T/9.4T MRI for ex-vivo studies. The systems are complemented by tailored RF coils, ultra-fast optical prospective motion correction and field camera devices.
The postdoc will focus on leveraging the potential of the 3T Connectom MRI for diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) with unprecedented resolution and precision. This will primarily include the development and application of novel post-processing and data analysis methods for DWI in the cortex, such as super-resolution reconstruction in real and q-space, and correction of image artifacts (Eddy current, physiological). Artifacts correction will be facilitated by field cameras and optical prospective motion correction. Although the focus is on data analysis, the post holder is expected to make minor modifications to existing (super-resolution) DWI pulse sequences and work together with the local team and our international collaborators to further improve them.
Applicants must have a PhD in physics, computer science, mathematics, biomedical engineering, or a comparable subject. If not already held, the PhD must be obtained by the agreed start-date. A strong background in DWI processing methods development plus high-level programming languages (e.g. C/C++, Matlab) is essential. Significant experience in MRI physics and pulse sequence programming are highly desirable. Applicants must be specialists in at least one of the following areas: super-resolution imaging; computational neuroanatomy; SPM, FSL, CBS-Tools or FreeSurfer; physiological noise correction; distortion correction; DWI modeling beyond DTI (e.g. NODDI, AxCaliber). The applicant should be able to demonstrate a consistently outstanding academic record, including publications.
The position is available now and the starting date is as soon as possible. It is funded for two years. Salary depends on experience and is based on regulations of the Max Planck Society.
To apply, please include all documents in one PDF-file in the following order: CV, contact information for two references, a brief letter describing your personal qualifications, research interests and motivation for applying, copies of up to two of your publications. Applications with the subject heading “PD 6/16” should be sent via email to: [log in to unmask] The deadline for application submission is 3 October 2016. Interviews of shortlisted candidates are planned between 17-19 October 2016.
Contact for informal enquiries regarding the post: Prof. Dr. Nikolaus Weiskopf ([log in to unmask]). For more information: http://www.cbs.mpg.de/departments/neurophysics/
The MPI-CBS is an equal opportunities employer, committed to the advancement of individuals without regard to ethnicity, religion, gender, or disability.
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