Research Associate in Neuroscience

Why your role matters

Research Imaging NSW (RINSW) is a strategic initiative developed by the University of New South Wales in partnership with South East Sydney Local Health District. It aims to provide researchers with state-of-the-art Human Imaging capabilities fostering increased collaboration between leading academic, research and health care institutions at the Randwick Health Innovation & Health Precinct, as well as nationally and internationally. This UNSW core facility is seamlessly integrated into the Prince of Wales Hospital environment and currently features two 3.0T whole body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners, an MRI simulator, MR-compatible EEG systems for combined functional MRI & EEG recordings, eye-tracking systems, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and an X-Ray lung ventilation scanner.

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled individual to join our team as a Senior Research Associate (Level B) or Senior Research Fellow (Level C). The primary focus of this position is on the development, application, and translation of advanced MR signal processing methods (including AI/machine learning) and pipelines for image reconstruction, data modelling, and analysis. Initially, these methods will be applied to research in neuroscience, clinical and translational neurological and neurocognitive diseases, and population health. Current projects include multi-contrast, multi-parametric imaging – encompassing structural, functional, vascular, metabolic and quantitative imaging - to study various conditions such as the maturing and ageing brain, the impact of contact sports, vascular diseases, dementia, cancer and the use of combined EEG/fMRI for detection of focal epileptic lesions. Over time, the focus of this position may broaden to include non-neuro applications and other imaging or signal-generating modalities beyond MR.

Key responsibilities for Senior Research Associate - Level B

• Support Role: Primarily supports the Imaging Facility Director and the RINSW team, as well as facility users, by conducting project-related research and analyses.
• Collaboration: Strong commitment to engaging in collaborative research in a core facility environment under limited supervision. Collaborates with investigators and RINSW staff to operationalize research hypotheses.
• Research Focus: Develops research expertise in advanced imaging processing relevant to the facility’s ongoing research projects. Develops and evaluates imaging processing strategies & pipelines and analyses project data.
• Supervision: Conducts research/scholarly activities under limited supervision and develops a collaborative research profile.
• Mentorship: Co-mentors and guides students and colleagues, contributing to the next generation of academics through supervision and training of Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students.
• Funding Applications: Contributes to the development of applications for equipment or other competitive funding under the guidance of senior colleagues. 

Key responsibilities for Senior Research Fellow - Level C (in addition to Level B):

• Support & Leadership Role: Expected to make original contributions to the research efforts and infrastructure at RINSW and those of their research partners, thereby working closely with the Facility Director.
• Collaboration: Develops research collaborations both within UNSW and externally, providing research support to researchers accessing RINSW.
• Research Focus: Plays a major role in developing post-processing strategies for respective projects and may lead components of the collaborative research, including data analyses. Develops and implements AI/DL methods for image and data analyses and analytics for suitable imaging facility projects and delivers solutions of AI, ML, and DL for e.g., multi-dimensional and/or multi-modal data.
• Supervision: Conducts research/scholarly activities with a higher degree of independence and develops a nationally recognized research track record and reputation for the facility.
• Mentorship: (Co-)mentors and guides students, research groups, and colleagues; (co-)supervises and trains HDRs, and contributes to HDR review panels if possible.
• Peer Recognition & Funding Applications: Works closely with the Facility Director and takes a significant role in the development and delivery of collaborative high-quality publications, the facility’s Research Equipment and Infrastructure Grant applications and business plans, and/or collaborative grant applications. Establishes research networks at the national level.

The Organisation

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

Benefits and Culture: 

UNSW offers a competitive salary and access to UNSW benefits including:

• Flexible working
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period
• Access to lifelong learning and career development
• Progressive HR practices
• Discounts and entitlements  
• Affordable on-campus parking

Skills and Experience Required

You have a PhD in a related discipline, strong analytical skills, and a commitment to engaging in collaborative research in a core facility environment, and can demonstrate the following Skills and Experience:

• Commitment to staying updated with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Track record in high-quality, high-impact research (first-authored publications in peer-reviewed journals)
• Analytical skills and critical thinking
• Strong quantitative data analysis in signal processing, and scientific programming (e.g., MATLAB, Python, C/C++).
• Research experience in medical image analysis and processing, particularly neuroimaging data (e.g., fMRI, DTI, MRS) and familiarity with specific software packages/pipelines (e.g., Bash, FSL, Neurodesk, Freesurfer, MRtrix, AFNI, R, MATLAB, SPM).
• Significant involvement with the profession and/or industry.
• High-level communication skills and the ability to network effectively with a diverse range of students, staff, and facility clients.
• Demonstrated teamwork, interdisciplinary collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
• Highly developed interpersonal and organisational skills.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives, values, and relevant policies.
• Knowledge of and commitment to health and safety responsibilities

To apply:  If contributing to groundbreaking research that has the potential to impact healthcare and patient outcomes is of interest to you, please submit your CV, Cover Letter and responses to Skills and Experience required in the Position Description via the APPLY button.

Contact:  Shiree Thomas - Talent Acquisition Consultant e: shiree.thomas@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: 11.55pm, Monday 4^th November 2024

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.