Research position on innovating quantitative MRI 100 %

Department of Radiology at the University Hospital Bern and the University of Bern
Start date: summer/fall 2024 in Bern, Switzerland. Application deadline: May 31st, 2024
We are looking for a talented MRI scientist to join the team of Prof. Jessica Bastiaansen to develop novel imaging technology, working at the intersection of engineering, physics, and medicine. You will join a growing and dynamic team (https://qis-mri.unibe.ch/) to push MRI further! The advertised position is funded by the SNSF and is available for up to 4 years through a yearly renewable contract in compliance with University guidelines.

Research position on innovating quantitative MRI

The project aims to bring a new perspective on quantitative imaging to address unmet clinical needs, especially for staging liver disease, which affects 25-30% of the global adult population. Existing MRI technology faces challenges due to the increasing presence of lipids, magnetic susceptibility close to liver-lung interfaces, and breathing motion. The project aims to remove these confounders to capture a complete picture of organ health. The project builds on our recent theoretical developments to extract biomarker information from signal asymmetries embedded within MRI data. Unbiased quantitative biomarker maps will be obtained by further developing novel RF excitation schemes, tailored data sub-sampling strategies, and model-based reconstructions. The project includes the translation of the technology to different organs, and details of the project can be adjusted based on the background and interests of the applicant. Finally, project partners at the University Hospital of Bern & Lausanne will evaluate its clinical potential. You are expected to author papers and present the results at scientific conferences.

The research group is part of the Department of Radiology at the University Hospital Bern and the University of Bern. We have access to state-of-the-art MRI systems (1.5T, 3T, 7T). You will join an exciting research initiative in active collaboration with Siemens Healthineers (on-site scientists) and research colleagues from the Translational Imaging Center. The proximity of the AI center (CAIM) and the ARTORG institute contributes to thriving (bio)medical research activities in the capital of Switzerland.

We are an enthusiastic research team looking for creative and curious colleagues. Further requirements:

• You have a PhD degree in (biomedical/electrical/...) engineering, physics, or a related field.
• You are familiar with modern image reconstruction techniques (iterative image reconstruction, compressed sensing, etc.) and signal processing (non-linear optimization algorithms, signal modeling, and fitting).
• Experience with sequence development and abdominal imaging would be a plus.
• You are interested in supervising research projects and guiding undergraduate students.

• Stimulating international work environment in the heart of Bern, well-served by public transportation.
• The University of Bern provides internal training and coaching for continued education.
• Benefit from flexible schedules, along with options for home office (up to 50%)
• Enjoy 25 days of annual leave in addition to public holidays.
• Time to work on own project (20%), opportunities to develop an academic career