Research Associate

Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Blitz lab focuses principally on high resolution 3D MRI, anatomic-radiologic correlation, and novel methods of tumor detection. Our lab collaborates closely with multiple groups including the Herzka lab in MRI Physics, the Crofton lab in the School of Medicine, and the School of Engineering including the Shoffstall lab. Our current principal collaboration with Dr. Shoffstall is the NIH funded contract entitled REconstructing Vagal Anatomy (REVA). This project is a 3 year NIH SPARC grant which aims to assist in speeding up the development of therapeutic devices that control electrical activity in nerves to improve chronic medical conditions by characterizing the vagus nerve using a number of different imaging modalities. The REVA teams’ goal will be to show how nerve tracts in the vagus map to organs. Electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve has been used to treat epilepsy, rheumatoid arthritis, and heart failure, among other conditions. The research associate will work primarily with MRI images from cadaveric human vagus nerves and vagal branches. They will work closely with the physics, engineering and anatomy teams. The research associate will participate in maintaining a strong lab culture within the research group and work in a highly collaborative, milestone-driven project.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1.        With the principal investigator and Dr. Blitz, provide scientific oversight of all MRI data analysis. Specifically, a) evaluate imaging for data completeness and quality at the time of performance of MRI examination, b) transmit “MRI Scan Review Checklist” to anatomy team after review with Dr. Blitz, c) correlate anatomic dissection with radiologic evaluation, and d) review and present MRI data to the team. (25%)

2.        Coordinate MRI-related dissections and analysis performed by other lab members, ensuring adequate resources and assisting with experimental design. Oversee progress of the research projects and provide regular progress reports to the PI; and provide input and recommendation to principal investigator regarding significant developments in MRI research projects. (25%)

3.        Mentor and train lab staff and graduate students; oversee research work and ensure projects are completed according to the research plan. This will involve teaching other members of the lab techniques and scientific discovery methods, including students and post-docs. Assist and teach both established and new research techniques to other lab members to facilitate their experiments. (25%)

4.        Present data and findings at laboratory meetings and scientific meetings, seminars, etc. Prepare manuscripts, contribute preliminary data for grant proposals, contribute to writing grant proposals. Complete literature reviews and summary of relevant prior literature on normal human vagus imaging (10%)

5.        Independently author research projects. Assemble data and make publication-quality figures from analyzed data. With the highest level of integrity and responsible conduct of research, participate in writing manuscripts as a first author and co-author for discoveries from research performed in the lab, together with the PI and other lab members. (10%)

 

6.        Supervise research assistants and technicians. Supervise the research and technical work performed by other lab members, ensuring proper lab procedures are followed, and their safety, and ensuring adequate resources are provided for lab work. (5%)

 

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1.      Perform other duties as assigned.

 

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with PI and lab members, work with other faculty for collaboration of research projects, contact with administrative staff as needed.

University: Regular contact with other labs for collaboration, regular contact with the Animal Resource Center, regular contact with other departments as needed       

External: Occasional contact with supply vendors, other institutions, funding agencies, etc. as needed.

Students: Daily contact with undergraduate and graduate student employees working in the lab.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

 

Supervise laboratory staff including research assistants and technicians. Oversee lab members including postdoctoral fellows, graduate, and undergraduate students. 

 

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory and cubicle/office environment. May have exposure to hazards, including hazardous chemicals. Occasional on campus travel between laboratories/schools, and extended hours when on deadline for grant submissions. Occasional travel to present data at local or national conferences. This position is not eligible for the staff hybrid work program. This position will work with anim