Research Associate Sr

School of Medicine Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,600 faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students, and more than 6,200 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, and Duke University Health System comprise Duke Health, a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home Care and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

Be You.

The Department of Radiology is seeking a Research Associate, Senior to join our team. In this role, you will play a key role in advancing cutting-edge imaging technologies within Dr. Cristian Badea’s lab. This position focuses on the design, development, and implementation of advanced micro‑CT and preclinical photon‑counting CT (PCCT) systems. The role supports interdisciplinary efforts integrating hardware innovation, computational imaging, and quantitative analysis to extend CT from anatomical imaging toward functional imaging and theranostics.

This position supports the lab’s mission to transform CT imaging by integrating advanced hardware and computational methods to enable functional imaging, precision diagnostics, and theranostic innovation. Working collaboratively with faculty, scientists, and engineers, the Research Associate, Senior will contribute to translational research bridging preclinical discovery and human applications, supporting precision diagnostics and therapeutic innovation

Minimum Requirements:

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate (e.g. Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M.) in Biomedical Engineering, Medical Physics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• The appointee must have greater than 5 years of postdoctoral training.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong background in CT imaging, image reconstruction, or computational imaging.
• Experience with programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, or C++.
• Demonstrated experience contributing to research projects and publications.

Other Requirements:

• Onsite. The work is performed on-site or at a designated assignment location.

Be Bold.

Position Description:

Imaging System Development

• Support the design, development, testing, and optimization of advanced micro CT and PCCT systems.
• Collaborate with engineers and physicists to implement and refine imaging hardware solutions.

Computational Imaging & Reconstruction

• Assist in developing and applying advanced image reconstruction methods, including compressed sensing and deep learning techniques.
• Contribute to improving image quality, resolution, and quantitative performance.

Quantitative Imaging & Biomarker Development

• Support the development, implementation, and validation of quantitative imaging biomarkers for cardiac, neuro, and oncology applications.
• Assist with functional imaging and theranostics research studies.

Translational Research Support

• Contribute to efforts that bridge preclinical imaging innovations with clinical applications.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners on multidisciplinary research initiatives.

Research Execution & Data Analysis

• Conduct experiments, analyze data, and maintain detailed documentation of research activities.
• Ensure reproducibility and quality control of research outputs.

Scholarly Contributions & Grants

• Assist with preparation of manuscripts, abstracts, and grant materials.
• Contribute to dissemination of research findings.

Team Collaboration & Mentorship

• Provide guidance to junior