Research Associate - Physics and Instrumentation Group
University of Pennsylvania

Research Associate - Physics and Instrumentation Group

Location:
Philadelphia, PA
Open Date:
Oct 22, 2024
Close Date:
Oct 22, 2026
Description:

The Department of Radiology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania seeks candidates for a Research Associate position in the Academic Support Staff. This appointment will be initially for one (1) year and continuation during that time period and renewal are based on satisfactory performance and availability of funding (limited to three (3) years). Expertise is required in the specific area of PET imaging, in particular, Monte Carlo methods, image evaluation techniques, and image generation algorithms.
The candidate should have prior experience working with a team of scientists, typically imaging physicists and research clinicians, and to use this experience to build a program of independent research. Prior participation in writing grant proposals is preferred. Applicants must have a Ph.D. degree. A concertation in Bioengineering or related field.

Responsibilities may include conducting research in the design and evaluation of new PET systems for clinical and organ-specific imaging. The successful candidate will collaborate with a team of PET physics researchers to develop new Monte Carlo models based on bench-top measurements to optimize system design using task-specific imaging metrics. These metrics will be defined by clinical needs for ongoing studies.

The successful applicant will have an opportunity to acquire research experience utilizing their expertise to investigate new image generation techniques that will be applied to simulated and measured data from existing scanners. Responsibilities will include assisting and oversight of students and post-docs in the research group. This position will further skills in collaborative research, and the potential for independent research to be funded by a sponsored program. Candidates will receive mentorship in grant writing and grant proposals suitable to early-stage academic investigators.

This position is designed to serve as a form of professional training to develop candidates in becoming lead independent researchers.

The position will be supported through extramural grant funding, and so presentation and publication of results, and preparation of grant proposals for continued funding will be an essential part of this position. Experience with training students on the research methodologies is desired.

We seek candidates who embrace and reflect diversity in the broadest sense. The University of Pennsylvania is an EOE. Minorities/women/individuals with disabilities/protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.  Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class. Questions or concerns about this should be directed to the Executive Director of the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Franklin Building, 3451 Walnut Street,  Philadelphia, PA 19104-6205; or (215) 898-6993 (Voice) or (215) 898-7803 (TDD).