Neuroimaging Specialist

Job Title: Neuroimaging Specialist
University Classification: 8354NG (RP4 - Imaging Research)
Employee Class: Civil Service
Employee Status: Fulltime, Non-Exempt
Supervisor: Steve Nelson

About the Position

The Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) is dedicated to fostering healthy brain function across the lifespan through early neurobehavioral and mental health assessment, innovative targeted interventions, informed policy-making, compassionate child-advocacy, and community education. The MIDB's mission of basic and clinical research in the field of neurobehavioral development is supported by a M Health Fairview multi-specialty clinic and multiple research service hubs including: Analytics, Informatics, Neuroimaging, Center for Neurobehavioral Development, Translational Neuroscience, Neuromodulation, TeleOutreach, Community Engagement and Education, and Clinic-Research Integration.

MIDB is seeking to hire a Neuroimaging Specialist within the Neuroimaging Hub to develop deep expertise in MRI scanning of special populations (e.g., infants, young children with Down syndrome, youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities) using innovative approaches (e.g., behavioral training, infant sleep scans, awake infant/toddler scanning) and novel hardware (e.g., high-field magnets including scanning at 7T, customized head coils, etc.). In addition to collecting MRI data, they will be responsible for training others on scanner operation, baby/child monitoring, and best practices in MRI data collection.

A successful candidate will have strong interpersonal skills, a team-oriented mindset, and must be comfortable working with children and their families.

Please note that this position is primarily an in-person role that requires flexible working hours. Evening and weekend availability is imperative in order to meet the needs of our research participants/families.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Direct Project Execution (70%)

• Serve as a subject matter expert in specialized pediatric neuroimaging across various research projects, including development of MRI protocols and procedures tailored to infants, young children, and special populations (e.g., Down syndrome, autism).
• Collect and oversee high-quality MRI data, ensuring adherence to project timelines, regulatory requirements, and best practices.
• Collaborate closely with the Cognition and Neurodevelopmental Studies (CNS) Lab leadership, Child & Family Life team, and BCBAs to adapt scanning techniques to optimize comfort, safety, and compliance for pediatric participants.
• Implement scanning best practices under the guidance of the CNS Lab leadership and Imaging Hub Director, including sequence selection, hardware use, and quality control procedures.
• Troubleshoot technical or procedural issues in real-time to minimize data loss and ensure continuity of research activities.

Develop and Oversee Training Infrastructure (20%)

• Design and implement a comprehensive training system for research coordinators and staff on MRI data collection, scanner operation, and participant monitoring.
• Develop standardized protocols, manuals, and competency assessments to ensure consistency and reproducibility across research teams.
• Provide hands-on training and mentorship to coordinators, gradually building capacity for decentralized MRI data collection across projects.
• Monitor and evaluate training outcomes, refining materials and methods as needed to support continuous improvement.

Professional Development (10%)

• Stay current on advancements in pediatric neuroimaging, including emerging techniques, hardware, and data collection methodologies.
• Network with other pediatric imaging centers and professional groups to identify opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Assess feasibility of incorporating novel approaches or equipment into MIDB and advise leadership on strategic adoption.
• Share expertise internally by presenting updates, leading workshops, and contributing to a culture of innovation within the Hub.

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus at least five years of clinical research experience, or a combination of clinical research and educational experience totaling at least nine years.
• Demonstrable experience collecting MRI data.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated experience training colleagues and/or establishing training infrastructure.
• Comfortable working with children of various ages and abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus 4 - 6 years of experience or an advanced degree with 2-3 years experience.
• Experience collecting, processing and analyzing MRI data within pediatric populations.
• Experience writing manuscripts on pediatric MRI data.

The Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) is dedicated to fostering the healthy brain function of children across the lifespan with the mission to set and maintain a healthy trajectory for all children toward positive life outcomes through early neurobehavioral and mental health assessment, innovative targeted interventions, informed policy-making, compassionate child-advocacy, and community education. The MIDB's mission of basic and clinical research in the field of neurobehavioral development is supported by its Neuroimaging core, which fosters collaborations within departments at the University of Minnesota and across institutions to build teams with the highest possible degree of expertise.

Pay Range: $70,000-$80,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service

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

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.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).