The University of New Mexico, BRaIN Imaging Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, seeks a senior research specialist in the broad area of nuclear magnetic resonance imaging of small animals, such as mice and rats.

Duties include (1) routine anatomical imaging of the brains and other organs of rodents in support of a long-term study of stroke and traumatic brain injury. (2) Application of advanced MRI protocols such as Diffusion Tensor Imaging, Arterial Spin Llabeling, Chemical Shift Imaging, and Functional MRI. (3) Development of new software algorithms such as registration to a standard altas. (4) Hardware and software support using Bruker Paravision 5.0 (5) Performance of quality control such as SNR, frequency measurement on the magnet and monitoring of the BMU unit on a regular basis. (6) Animal anesthesia and physiological monitoring during imaging. (7) Development, implementation and application of heteronuclear pulse sequences for multiquantum imaging and spectroscopy of 13C, 15N, 23Na, 31P, etc.

Environment: The UNM BRaIN Imaging Center in Albuquerque houses a new Bruker 4.7 T, 40 cm, small animal MRI/MRS system equipped with a 4-channel console and complete heteronuclear capabilities. This instrument is part of a larger, COBRE-funded resource that includes EPR imaging, optical microscopy and animal facilities. This resource supports the research of several Neuroscientists through novel anatomical and metabolic imaging. Other research includes tumor biology and Alzheimer’s dementia in transgenic rodent models.

Experience Needed: B.A. or B.S. in a biomedical specialty. Thorough knowledge of nuclear spin physics. The ideal candidate will have several years of MRI experience on Bruker MRI systems, using Paravision 5.0. The documented ability to perform Diffusion Tensor Imaging, Arterial Spin Labeling, Chemical Shift Imaging, and Functional MRI would greatly enhance the candidate’s suitability. Experience with small animals is also needed.

Whom to Contact: Interested applicants should forward a letter of application specifically indicating relevant experience, a current CV, salary requirements, and the names and email addresses of three references (preferably past supervisors/mentors) to:

Dr. Laurel O. Sillerud
Director, BRaIN MRI Core
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
University of New Mexico MSC08 4670
Albuquerque, NM 87131

laurel@proton.health.unm.edu