Department:

SOM KC Cancer Biology

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Bossmann

Position Title:

Cancer Biology/PISR Post Doctoral Fellow

Job Family Group:

Professional Staff

Job Description Summary:

The postdoctoral fellow will support the Preclinical Imaging Shared Resource (PISR) within the University of Kansas Cancer Center and the Department of Cancer Biology. This position will develop and apply advanced preclinical imaging methodologies to support interdisciplinary cancer research programs, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), optical imaging, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), photoacoustic imaging, and image analysis. The position offers opportunities to develop independent research projects, contribute to collaborative grant applications, and prepare for an independent academic or industry career in biomedical imaging. The position will work closely with investigators across the University of Kansas Cancer Center, the Institute for Advancing Medical Innovation, and external collaborators to establish innovative imaging biomarkers and quantitative imaging methodologies.

Job Description:

Job Duties Outlined:

Research Overview: Work with PI/faculty mentor to develop, optimize, and apply advanced preclinical imaging techniques to investigate cancer biology, therapeutic response, immunotherapy, and drug delivery in small-animal models.

• Design and optimize MRI protocols for longitudinal preclinical studies.
• Perform quantitative image analysis and develop reproducible imaging workflows.
• Participate in collaborative NIH-, DoD-, and NSF-funded research projects.
• Contribute to the development of new imaging methodologies integrating MRI, optical imaging, photoacoustic imaging, and micro-CT.
• Assist in the development of AI-based image analysis pipelines.
• Design and conduct imaging studies in murine disease models in accordance with approved IACUC protocols, including animal preparation, anesthesia, physiological monitoring, longitudinal imaging, and quantitative image analysis.
• Assist in the implementation and validation of next-generation ultra-high-field imaging technologies, including the forthcoming 18.8 Tesla MRI platform, and contribute to the development of multimodal imaging workflows integrating MRI, NMR spectroscopy, optical imaging, micro-CT, and photoacoustic imaging.
• Work effectively as part of the research team and mentor/train graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and investigators in imaging methodologies.
• Assist in maintaining state-of-the-art imaging instrumentation and implementing new imaging technologies.

Postdoc Expectations: The Postdoc will be expected to complete research projects under the guidance of the faculty mentor, record and interpret the results of their experiments in an (electronic) laboratory notebook, prepare publication-quality manuscripts (including figures and tables) and publish in peer-reviewed literature.

• Read literature articles, develop new ideas, and assimilate the information into his/her project design/interpretation.
• Dissemination of studies: Interact on a regular basis with their faculty mentor and members of the laboratory to discuss experimental design and interpretation of results.
• Present research aims and findings at department seminars and at scientific meetings. Write and publish their results as first author in abstracts, manuscripts, and posters.
• Submit fellowship applications, as eligible, to bolster research funding and CV building for projects.
• Interact with KU Cancer Center donors and local cancer affiliates.

Compliance: Attend and maintain compliance including all orientation and training sessions designated by the University and the Cancer Biology Department, understand and follow IACUC and biosafety protocols, and attend departmental seminars and regular lab meetings.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. It is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, duties, and assignments. Furthermore, job duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Required Qualifications:

Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering, Medical Physics, Imaging Science, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Neuroscience, Cancer Biology, or a closely related discipline.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position.The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

Work Experience: Demonstrated research experience in at least one advanced biomedical imaging modality.

Preferred Qualifications:

Work Experience:

• Preclinical MRI

• MRI pulse sequence development and optimization

• Quantitative MRI analysis

• Image reconstruction and image processing using Bruker Paravision

• Micro-CT, optical imaging, photoacoustic imaging, PET, or SPECT

• Artificial intelligence or machine learning for biomedical image analysis

• Python, MATLAB, C++, or similar scientific programming languages

• Multi-modal image registration and quantitative biomarker development

• Cancer biology, immunology, or neuroscience applications of imaging

Skills:

• Communication

• Collaborative

• Teamwork

• Organization

• Critical thinking

• Attention to detail

• Interpersonal

Required Documents:

• Resume/CV

• Cover Letter

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

Employee Type:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Rate Type:

Salary

Compensation Statement:

The pay range listed for this position is determined by our compensation program using market data and salary benchmarking. A combination of factors is considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, education, experience and training, qualifications relative to the requirements of the position, and funding. At the University of Kansas Medical Center, a reasonable estimate for the starting pay range will be the minimum to midpoint of the posted range, taking into account the combination of factors listed above. 

Pay Range:

$63,480.00 - $90,000.00

Minimum

$63,480.00

Midpoint

$76,739.00

Maximum

$90,000.00