Post Doctoral Researcher, Department of Biomedical Engineering

Job context:

The Postdoctoral Research Associate position is based in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Delaware under the supervision of Professor Curtis Johnson and focuses on brain magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) research supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health and the Delaware Community Foundation. The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to the development of novel, fast, and high-resolution MRE imaging methods to characterize brain mechanical properties, with particular emphasis on applications related to aging, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia risk, as part of ongoing longitudinal studies such as the Delaware Longitudinal Study of Alzheimer’s Prevention that incorporate advanced brain and blood biomarkers. The University of Delaware provides a highly collaborative research environment with access to state-of-the-art imaging facilities through the Center for Biomedical and Brain Imaging and the Delaware Center for Cognitive Aging Research, including a 3T Siemens Prisma MRI scanner, a 9.4T Bruker MRI scanner, and a new 3T Siemens Cima.X MRI scanner scheduled for installation in 2026, along with opportunities to pursue independent research aligned with broader study objectives and to collaborate with international research teams.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and optimize novel magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) imaging methods for the brainConduct fast, high-resolution MRE acquisitions and analyses to study brain mechanical properties.
• Apply MRE techniques to aging, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia-related researchContribute to longitudinal clinical research studies involving advanced imaging and biomarker data.
• Perform MRI pulse sequence development and/or image reconstruction, as applicableAnalyze and interpret complex neuroimaging data.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary and international research teams.
• Disseminate research findings through publications, presentations, and collaborative exchanges
• Participate in both independent research projects and team-based investigations.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related fieldStrong background in MR physics
• Proficiency in computer programming
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment