Research Scientist / Assistant Professor

Image-Guided Neurointerventions and CNS Disease Modeling

JOB OVERVIEW

The Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine invites applications for a full-time research faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor within the Program on Image-Guided Neurointerventions (PIGN). PIGN is a translational research program focused on the development and optimization of image-guided intra-arterial (IA) drug and cell delivery to the central nervous system, with applications spanning traumatic brain injury, neuro-oncology, and head and neck cancers. The successful candidate will contribute to an active and growing research portfolio supported by federal funding, including VA Merit Awards and NIH grants, and will work closely with program co-directors and a multidisciplinary team of investigators, trainees, and clinical collaborators.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Preclinical Research and Surgical Procedures

• Perform advanced microsurgical procedures in rodent models, including catheterization of the carotid and femoral arteries for intra-arterial delivery of drugs, cells, and gene therapy constructs
• Establish, maintain, and refine mouse models of neurological disease, neuro-oncological conditions (including glioblastoma), and head and neck cancers
• Conduct cell culture and in vitro assays in support of translational research projects
• Execute molecular biology assays (PCR, Western blot, flow cytometry, and related techniques) to characterize experimental outcomes

Imaging and Data Analysis

• Collaborate with imaging scientists to integrate multimodal imaging readouts (MRI, PET, bioluminescence/fluorescence) into preclinical study designs
• Contribute to the analysis and interpretation of imaging and molecular data

Grant Writing and Scientific Communication

• Contribute substantively to the preparation of federal grant applications (NIH, VA, DoD) and other extramural funding proposals
• Prepare and submit peer-reviewed manuscripts and present findings at national and international scientific meetings
• Assist in the preparation of progress reports, IRB/IACUC protocols, and regulatory documentation

Mentorship and Collaboration

• Mentor graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research assistants in surgical techniques, cell culture, and experimental methodology
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across radiology, neurology, neurosurgery, and oncology

RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT

The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative and well-resourced research environment. PIGN has access to state-of-the-art small animal imaging infrastructure including a 7 Tesla and 9.4 Tesla Bruker MRI systems with cryoprobe, a Siemens Inveon microPET/CT, an MR-guided focused ultrasound system, and a PerkinElmer IVIS Spectrum for bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging. The program maintains dedicated surgical and cell culture facilities and benefits from close integration with the University of Maryland Medical Center and the VA Maryland Health Care System.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Doctoral degree (Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D.) in a relevant biomedical discipline
• Demonstrated expertise in rodent vascular microsurgery, including catheterization of the carotid and/or femoral arteries
• Hands-on experience with mouse models of neurological or oncological disease
• Proficiency in cell culture, tissue processing, immunohistochemistry, and core molecular biology techniques
• Strong written communication skills with a demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications

Preferred:

• Experience with intra-arterial delivery of therapeutic agents, including cells, viral vectors, or nanoparticles
• Track record of successful extramural grant applications as a named investigator or contributor
• Familiarity with multimodal preclinical imaging platforms (MRI, PET, optical)
• Experience with GBM or head and neck cancer preclinical models

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary and faculty rank are commensurate with qualifications and experience. Salary range $85,000 - $110,000. UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes over four weeks of annual vacation accrual, paid holidays, personal leave, unlimited sick time accrual, and comprehensive health insurance, as well as professional development programs and tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland institution.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested candidates should submit a current curriculum vitae, a brief research statement describing prior experience and future interests, and the names of three professional references to:

Piotr Walczak, M.D., Ph.D. Co-Director, Program on Image-Guided Neurointerventions (PIGN) Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine University of Maryland School of Medicine pwalczak@som.umaryland.edu