Fellowships

The Section on Quantitative Imaging and Tissue Sciences (SQITS), NICHD, NIH is soliciting applications from individuals with a Ph.D., and/or an M.D. or comparable post-doctoral level training interested in any of the following areas:

Clinical Brain Imaging

We are soliciting applications from post-doctoral level scientists interested in developing and implementing novel MRI methods to assess brain structure and/or function intended for neuroradiological applications. These include possible detection of mTBI/concussion, inflammatory processes, stroke, focal epilepsy, and cortical spreading depression (CSD). Knowledge of MRI physics and prior clinical pulse sequence programming experience with GE, Siemens, and/or Philips MRI scanners is highly desirable.

Translational MRI

We are soliciting applications from post-doctoral level scientists interested in developing, implementing, and translating quantitative MRI methods from "bench-to-bedside". Examples include “microstructure imaging” applications, such as clinical or preclinical diffusion tensor distribution (DTD)-MRI, multiple pulsed-field gradient (mPFG) MRI, and multi-dimensional exchange, diffusometry and relaxometry MRI and Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE). Knowledge of MRI physics and previous pulse sequence programming experience on Bruker MRI scanners, or Siemens, GE, and/or Philips clinical MRI scanners are all highly desirable. Funding for these positions may also be available through our NIH BRAIN Initiative Connectome 2.0 U01 Grant in conjunction with MGH's Martinos Center.

Imaging and Data Sciences / Computational Neuroscience

We are soliciting applications from post-doctoral level computer scientists and/or computational neuroscientists interested in developing and implementing novel strategies for cytoarchitechtonic brain parcellation using data acquired via MRI and other imaging and/or neurophysiological modalities. Examples of applications include correlating and integrating histology and MRI data; and segmenting, clustering, and classifying low-resolution, high-dimensional MRI data and high-resolution, low-dimensional histology data obtained in the CNS. Some familiarity with deep learning is desirable as is an interest in neuroanatomy.

Measuring and Mapping Features of Transport Processes via MRI

We are soliciting applications from post-doctoral level scientists interested in developing and implementing approaches to measure, characterize and map various transport processes in brain and other tissue in vitro and in vivo and in model systems. Examples include measuring diffusion, dispersion, and velocity distributions in the brain. Transport of mass, momentum and energy is also of interest. Knowledge of continuum mechanics and MRI physics and previous MR pulse sequence programming experience with Bruker MRI scanners as well as experience with scanning live animal models is highly desirable. Familiarity with one-sided NMR profiling and imaging is also a plus.

Brain Network Analysis

We are soliciting applications from post-doctoral level computational neuroscientists interested in developing and implementing novel time-series, network and graph theory analysis methods, and applying these to multi-modal in vivo human imaging and neurophysiological data that we acquire.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM) MRI

We are soliciting applications from post-doctoral level scientists interested in developing and implementing novel MRI methods for studying water and ion transport mechanisms in extracellular matrix (ECM), tissue culture systems, or “engineered” tissues. Experience and interest in MRI microscopy and microimaging, q-space MRI, relaxometry and diffusometry NMR, NMR profiling, and/or other porous media NMR and MRI methods is highly desirable. Familiarity with pulse sequence programming on Bruker MRI scanners or one-sided NMR profiling systems is also desirable.

Porous Media MR Physics

We are soliciting applications from post-doctoral level scientists interested in expanding our knowledge in areas of porous media physics, materials sciences, soft and condensed matter, continuum mechanics, mathematical and computational modeling, and/or NMR and MRI physics. A strong interest and background in mathematical physics is highly desirable.

Fetal Imaging

We are seeking post-doctoral level scientists to work on collaborative research to develop and implement novel MRI methods to assess fetal brain structure and function in health and disease. Potential clinical applications include detection and/or assessment of ischemia/stroke, brainstem abnormalities, placental imaging, cerebral palsy (CP), Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), cortical dysplasia, etc. Knowledge of MRI physics and prior clinical pulse sequence programming experience with Siemens, GE, and/or Philips MRI scanners is highly desirable.

Low-Field MRI

We are seeking post-doctoral level scientists interested in developing and implementing novel MRI methods for use in pediatric neuroimaging applications, primarily to assess normal and abnormal neurodevelopmental trajectories. Work in this area would be performed using a Hyperfine MRI scanner. These studies will be performed under the auspices of a collaborative agreement between the NICHD and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). Potential clinical applications could also be explored, including TBI detection and assessment, hydrocephalus, and other pediatric diseases and disorders. Background in porous media NMR, MRI physics and prior MR pulse sequence programming with Bruker MRI scanners or clinical scanners are all highly desirable.

*******

The Post-Doctoral Fellowship appointment within the NIH Intramural Research Program (IRP) is made under an Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) mechanism (for US citizens or permanent residents), or under a Visiting Fellow (VF) award mechanism (for non-US citizens). The duration of Post-Doctoral Fellowship appointments can be for up to five years. Some applicants may qualify for an additional three-year extended appointment as a Research Fellow (RF). Applicants must possess a Ph.D. or D.Sc. in physics, medical physics, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, or a related field, and/or an M.D. degree, and must have completed fewer than five years of prior post-doctoral research training.

Interested applicants should contact Dr. Peter Basser (basserp@mail.nih.gov). Successful applicants will eventually be required to submit: (1) an NIH Biosketch or curriculum vitae (CV), (2) a bibliography, (3) a cover letter with a brief description of his/her research interests and experiences, and (4) a list of at least three references, which includes their mailing addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. Additional information and useful links about NIH Post-Doctoral Fellowship training opportunities can be found at https://www.training.nih.gov/postdoctoral/vf.asp.

The NIH also supports the training of graduate students through the Graduate Partnership Program. More information can be found at https://www.training.nih.gov/programs/gpp

The NIH is dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse community of scientists in its training and employment programs.

top of pageBACK TO TOP