Department of Health and Human Services
National Institutes of Health
National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program

 

The National Institute on Aging (NIA), Intramural Research Program (IRP), a major research component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is recruiting for a Staff Scientist 1 (Facility Head) in the Brain Aging and Behavior Section (BABS), Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (LBN) located in Baltimore, MD.

The incumbent will establish a core facility to aid NIA IRP researchers in quantifying Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) data, including the development of image processing pipelines and harmonization of imaging data across scanners and over time to ensure longitudinal integrity of imaging data from prospective cohort studies. In addition, the incumbent will oversee the maintenance of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) and the Genetic and Epigenetic Signatures of Translational Aging Laboratory Testing (GESTALT) multimodal imaging database and will oversee data sharing with intramural and extramural investigators for neuroimaging and associated metadata.

The Staff Scientist 1 (Facility Head) will serve as a resource for NIA Investigators and trainees interested in incorporating MRI and PET imaging methods into their research, as well as for potential collaborators and extramural investigators using shared NIA imaging datasets. This includes assisting in the formulation of scientific hypotheses using MRI and PET imaging data, design of image acquisitions and processing methods, guidance in statistical analysis and interpretation of results, and manuscript preparation. In addition, the incumbent will perform image processing of BLSA PET scans, including necessary computerized tomography (CT) and MRI processing, in a format amenable to both visual reads and quantitative interpretation of scans.

The successful individual must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields with productive postdoctoral experience as evidenced by a record of primary and collaborative authorship in peer-reviewed publications in internationally recognized journals. The successful individual should be an expert in quantification and statistical analysis of MRI and PET neuroimages, including the development of analytic pipelines for image processing and image harmonization across scanners and sites. Proficiency in Unix shell scripting, programming skills in Python and R, and familiarity with image formats (e.g., DICOM, par/rec, ECAT) is highly desirable. Experience in supervising and mentoring is preferred.

Staff Scientists/Facility Heads do not receive independent resources, although they often work independently and have sophisticated skills and knowledge essential to the work of the Laboratory. Although this Staff Scientist/Facility Head will be supervised by the

Laboratory Chief of the LBN, they will be interacting with scientists from the scientific community at large.

Salary is commensurate with research experience and accomplishments. A full Civil Service package of benefits (including retirement, health and life insurance, Thrift Savings Plan participation, etc.) is available. All employees of the Federal Government are subject to the conflict-of-interest statutes and regulations, including the Standards of Ethical Conduct. Additional information regarding the NIA IRP is available at the following website: www.irp.nia.nih.gov.

To apply: Please send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, bibliography, statement of research interests, and three letters of recommendation to: Aisha McCoy, Intramural Program Specialist, Office of the Scientific Director, National Institute on Aging, Vacancy

#NIA-IRP-24-02-AM via email at niairpjobs@mail.nih.gov. Applications, including letters of recommendation, must reference Vacancy #NIA-IRP-24-02-AM. The first round of reviews is expected to occur on or about March 20, 2024; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.


DHHS and NIH are Equal Opportunity Employers.

The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs and encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.