"Neuroimaging Scientist (RP5)"

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 Post-Doctorate Associate position, please visit https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/372185

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:
● Independently 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.
● Manage the integration of high-resolution structural, diffusion, and functional imaging into clinical decision-making and interpretation.
● Lead 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.
● Manage the development, implementation, and optimization of advanced structural, diffusion, and functional MRI pipelines for 3T and 7T data.
● Independently conduct connectivity-based analyses (structural and/or functional), including network modeling and graph-based approaches relevant to epilepsy and neuromodulation.
● Oversee the design and execution of translational research studies that bridge high-field imaging with clinical neuromodulation applications.
● Independently 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.
● Lead trainings concerning regarding research/clinical procedures, from designing to implementation.
● Serve as a subject matter expert to University faculty and staff for protocol specific queries.
● May supervise junior research staff.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
● Advanced degree with one or more years of research training;
● 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: $72,435.33 - $80,000 annually ; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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.