Assistant/Associate Project Scientist - Magnetic Resonance Research Laboratories (MRRL) Thomas Lab

University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA)
United States, California, Los Angeles
410 Westwood Plaza (Show on map)
Jul 11, 2025
Position overview Salary range: The posted UC salary scales (https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2025-26/represented-july-2025-scales/t37-b.pdf) set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See Table 37B. The salary range for this position is $76,700 - $102,500. Application Window Open date: July 11, 2025 Next review date: Friday, Aug 1, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee. Final date: Monday, Aug 25, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled. Position description The MRRL Lab at UCLA is seeking motivated, exceptional Project Scientist with an established experimental background in multi-dimensional MR Spectroscopic Imaging (MRSI) of human organs, novel pulse sequence development and sequence optimization using phantom solutions as well as proficiency in Siemens Idea Compilers (VE11c, XA 30, XA31, XA 60 and XA61) and Matlab-based MRSI raw data extraction and linear as well as non-linear reconstruction with an interest in analysis and modification of home-developed Matlab codes. Current projects involve the analysis of MRSI and MRI data acquired using Cartesian and non-Cartesian trajectories aimed at understanding the healthy brain, cerebral metabolic alterations in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), diabetes, people living with HIV (PLWH), aging brain, breast and prostate cancers and therapeutic monitoring of OSA to CPAP and breathing intervention and HIV to cART. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in the operation of 3T MRI scanners with an interest in developing novel pulse sequences and image reconstruction algorithms, and validation in different human diseases. Responsibilities: * Design, implement, and evaluate novel MRSI and MRI pulse sequences for research and clinical translation. * Develop Extraction and Reconstruction Matlab/Python algorithms for the multi-dimensional MRSI raw data acquired using MRI scanners. * Design, implement, and test novel imaging protocols and analysis methods for research studies. * Perform and Lead independent research projects and support collaborative projects. * Collaborate with a diverse team of investigators and trainees to advance the research projects at UCLA MRRL. * Author scientific publications and present work at international conferences. * Provide support for grant proposal preparation and submission. * Complete and maintain up-to-date training for laboratory safety and human subject research in accordance with UCLA guidelines. * Establish and maintain research infrastructure, such as computer systems, storage devices, and software environments. * Develop and update standard operating procedures and best practices for research projects. * Supervise doctoral and postdoctoral trainees and staff members in MRRL. * Train and mentor MRRL Lab members, including MR physics and data analysis. * Support and participate in educational programs in MRRL. * Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, and independently complete scientific/technical reports and presentations. About THE LAB: The MRRL (MR Spectroscopy Lab) has published several hundred peer-reviewed manuscripts and conference abstracts in close collaboration with graduate students, postdocs, staffs, collaborators, and colleagues. We collaborate closely with neuroscientists, neuropsychologists, biostatisticians and clinicians at UCLA. The MRRL has access to five clinical research Siemens MRI systems (3T Prisma, 3T Vida, 3T Skyra, 1.5 T Sola, and 1.5T Avanto Fit systems), as well as a dedicated imaging research facility for pre-clinical studies (including one 3T Prisma). For more information, please visit https://mrrl.ucla.edu/ Apply Link: https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF10486. Contact: AThomas@mednet.ucla.edu Subject Heading: MRRL Project Scientist To Apply: Email (1) an updated CV, (2) statement of research, and (3) contact information for 3 references at https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF10486. Only applicants that apply through this website will be considered. This appointment is subject to amendment based on any changes to applicable collective bargaining agreements. The posted UC salary scales (https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2025-26/represented-july-2025-scales/t37-b.pdf) set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See Table 37B. The salary range for this position is $76,700 - $102,500. Cultural North Star The shared values of the DGSOM are expressed in the Cultural North Star, which was developed by members of our community and affirms our unswerving commitment to doing what's right, making things better, and being kind. These are the standards to which we hold ourselves, and one another. Please read more about this important DGSOM program at https://medschool.ucla.edu/cultural-north-star. Lab: https://mrrl.ucla.edu/pages/ Qualifications Basic qualifications Ph.D. in biomedical physics, biomedical engineering, computer science, or related discipline Preferred qualifications We are looking for a candidate with a strong background in MRSI, MRI and biomedical engineering who is motivated to elevate or acquire new skills in MRSI and MRI pulse sequence development for spatial encoding using Cartesian and non-Cartesian trajectories, linear and non-linear image reconstruction of the acquired data, data analysis, Spectroscopic metabolite quantitation using prior-knowledge based LC-Model, ProFit, FID-A, machine/deep learning, and translational applications. Prior experiences and publications on MRSI/MRI research and proficiency in software programming (e.g., MATLAB, C++, Python), including pulse sequence programming, are expected. Familiarity with the Siemens platform is preferred but not required. Application Requirements Document requirements Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. Statement of Research Reference check authorization release form - Complete and upload the reference check authorization release form Cover Letter (Optional) Statement of Teaching (Optional) UCLA Mission Statement - As the nation's premier public research university, UC's mission is the creation, dissemination, preservation and application of knowledge for the betterment of our global society. We have a particular responsibility to the people of the state of California which we express in the excellence of the education we provide, the impact of the research we do, the comprehensive, life-saving medical services we provide, and the public service mission we are devoted to. The University of California promotes the social mobility of its students, equips them with the tools and experience that furthers their ambitions, and regards their accomplishments across the life span as evidence of the profoundly positive impact of higher education. The UCLA campus has expressed these goals in its strategic plan as follows: Deepen our engagement with Los Angeles Expand our reach as a global university Enhance our research and creative activities Elevate how we teach Become a more effective institution Prompt for candidates for recruitment: Reflecting on your personal and professional experiences, highlight your past contributions and future commitments to advancing UCLA's mission as embodied in the 2023-28 strategic plan. These accomplishments and ambitions may be discussed in the context of describing your teaching, scholarship, and service Reference requirements 3-5 letters of reference required References may be contacted to verify experience. Apply link: https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF10486 Help contact: sruffner@mednet.ucla.edu About UCLA As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law. As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Job location Los Angeles, CA