"Neuroimaging Scientist (Post-Doc)"

About the Job

About the Position:

We are seeking a highly motivated Neuroimaging Scientist to join the University of Minnesota Comprehensive Epilepsy Program (MINCEP). The successful candidate will be embedded within MINCEP and play a key role in supporting clinical epilepsy and neuromodulation activities, working closely with Drs. Pati, McGovern, Thompson, and the broader multidisciplinary clinical team.

In parallel, the position includes a strong collaborative research component with the Harel Lab at the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR), one of the world’s leading centers for high-field MRI and advanced neuroimaging. Through this collaboration, the candidate will leverage state-of-the-art 3T, 7T, and ultra–high-field MRI (10.5T) resources to develop and apply advanced neuroimaging methods in support of translational and clinical research in epilepsy and neuromodulation. This position is a true clinical–research hybrid, with approximately 40% of effort devoted to direct clinical support and 60% devoted to research and method development. The role sits at the intersection of ultra–high-field neuroimaging, neuromodulation, and clinical translation, with a strong emphasis on epilepsy-related procedures including SEEG, DBS, and RNS.

This position may be a Research Professional 4, Research Professional 5, or Post-Doctorate Associate depending on qualifications.
● To view the RP4 posting, please visit https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/372182
● To view the RP5 position, please visit https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/372183

Location/Work Environment:

This is expected to be a hybrid position, with some work on-campus (University of Minnesota-Twin Cities) and remote.

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday, between the hours of 7:00am - 5:00pm, flexible scheduling, 8 hours/day.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Clinical (≈40%):
The candidate will play a central and recurring clinical role in every SEEG, DBS, and RNS case, serving as a key neuroimaging expert embedded within the clinical workflow. Responsibilities include:
● Perform precise electrode localization and co-registration for all SEEG, DBS, and RNS cases using multimodal imaging (MRI/CT), ensuring accurate anatomical and network-level interpretation
● Work side-by-side with Drs. Pati, McGovern and Thompson and the clinical epilepsy and neurosurgical teams to support case planning, post-implant verification, and longitudinal imaging follow-up
● Integrate high-resolution structural, diffusion, and functional imaging into clinical decision-making and interpretation
● Ensure methodological rigor, reproducibility, and quality control for all clinically relevant imaging analyses
● Participate in clinical discussions and case reviews as the dedicated neuroimaging specialist for neuromodulation procedures

Research (≈60%):
The remaining effort will focus on independent and collaborative research within the Harel Lab, leveraging clinical data to advance imaging methods and neuroscientific understanding:
● Develop, implement, and optimize advanced structural, diffusion, and functional MRI pipelines for 3T and 7T data
● Conduct connectivity-based analyses (structural and/or functional), including network modeling and graph-based approaches relevant to epilepsy and neuromodulation
● Design and execute translational research studies that bridge high-field imaging with clinical neuromodulation applications
● Analyze complex neuroimaging datasets with an emphasis on signal quality, reproducibility, and innovation
● Contribute to manuscripts, conference presentations, and grant applications arising from both clinical and research efforts

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
● PhD degree in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, medical physics, neuroimaging, or a closely related field;
● Expertise in neuroimaging acquisition, processing, and quantitative analysis;
● Hands-on experience with fMRI (task-based or resting-state), diffusion MRI, and/or multimodal imaging;
● Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, and/or common neuroimaging software packages (FSL, SPM, AFNI, or similar);
● Excellent communication skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary clinical and research teams;

Preferred Qualifications:
● Strong interest in translational and clinically embedded research;
● Prior experience with epilepsy, SEEG, DBS, or RNS;
● Prior experience with high-field MRI (3T/7T);

About the Department

The University of Minnesota Comprehensive Epilepsy Program (MINCEP) is a first-of-its-kind institute created to change the trajectory of epilepsy itself. By uniting precision care, personalized therapies, and preventive neuroscience within a single bold mission, the Institute will transform how epilepsy is treated today and redefine what is possible tomorrow. It will serve as a global home for discovery, innovation, and education-where clinical insight fuels scientific breakthroughs, and breakthroughs rapidly return to patients.

To learn more, please visit https://med.umn.edu/neurology.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $62,232 - $75,564, determined by NIH Postdoc levels of education and experience.

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.