31 Jul 17. Image analysis fellow (040690)

Imaging analysis fellow, Neuroimaging research in ageing, stroke & dementia

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a vibrant neuroimaging team at the University of Edinburgh working on studies of ageing, stroke and dementia. The Neuroimaging Research Fellow will analyse magnetic resonance (MR) imaging data from studies of ageing and small vessel diseases, including structural, diffusion tensor and vascular functional imaging data. Key projects include the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936, several inter-related studies of small vessel diseases, clinical trials in small vessel stroke, and related brain image banks. The Research Fellow will perform image analysis, have opportunities to improve current and test new image analysis methods, train other research staff in imaging methods, analyse, curate and publish the data.

The post is based in Neuroimaging Sciences, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences/ Edinburgh Imaging, and is part of the Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology (CCACE). The post will be linked with the Edinburgh Dementia Research Centre (UK Dementia Research Institute), the Fondation Leducq (Transatlantic Network of Excellence in Perivascular Spaces in Small Vessel Diseases), and several related studies on small vessel diseases funded by the EU Horizon 2020, Stroke Association, BHF, Alzheimer Society and the Joint Programme for Neurodegenerative Diseases offering unparalleled access to UK and international networks of experts in small vessel diseases.

Job Purpose

To analyse magnetic resonance (MR) imaging data in studies of ageing and small vessel diseases. There are opportunities to analyse various MR sequences including structural, diffusion tensor (DT-MRI) and vascular functional imaging data. Key projects include; the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936; several studies of small vessel diseases; clinical trials in small vessel stroke and cognitive impairments; and managing brain image banks.

The post-holder will help to develop, refine, test and document image analysis protocols, perform image analysis, train other research staff in imaging methods, prepare reports, assist with data curation, perform statistical analyses and publish the results.

The post is based part in Neuroimaging Sciences in the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences and Edinburgh Imaging, and part in the Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology (CCACE). The post will be linked with the Edinburgh Dementia Research Centre in the UK Dementia Research Institute and with several initiatives addressing different aspects of small vessel diseases funded by the Fondation Leducq (Transatlantic Network of Excellence in Perivascular Spaces in Small Vessel Diseases), EU Horizon 2020 (SVDs@Target), Stroke Association (the UK wide R4VaD study), the BHF and Alzheimer Society (LACI trials) and ongoing collaborations through the Joint Programme for Neurodegenerative Diseases (STRIVE and HARNESS International Workgroups).

The post is funded for a year in the first instance.

Main Responsibilities

1. Analyse MR images in ageing, stroke or dementia studies, using a range of widely used image analysis tools (e.g. FSL tools; Freesurfer; SPM) and in-house bespoke tools (written in, eg, Matlab, Mango, Analyze, C++). 30%
2. Develop, test and validate image analysis protocols and where relevant implement techniques developed elsewhere. 15%
3. Assist in managing brain image data banks including data access requests, curation and analysis processes. 15%
4. Maintain Standard Operating Procedures for analysis protocols. 10%
5. Train and advise other researchers about relevant imaging including analysis methods. 15%
6. Prepare papers describing the results of the research for publication in high quality journals and present data at relevant conferences. 15%

Application details

The role is grade UE07 and attracts an annual salary of £32,004 to £38,183 for 35 hours each week. Salary is paid monthly by direct transfer to your Bank or Building Society account, normally on the 28th of the month. Salaries for part-time staff are calculated on the full-time scales, pro-rata to the Standard Working Week.

This post is available on a fixed term basis, with a working pattern of 35 hours per week for 1 year.

Closing date: 31 August 2017 at 5pm.

For full job description and to submit an application visit our website www.vacancies.ed.ac.uk.  Ref: 040690