RESEARCH ASSOCIATE, SENIOR

School of Medicine

Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,600 faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students, and more than 6,200 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, and Duke University Health System comprise Duke Health, a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home Care and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

1. Collaborate with the Principal Investigator to set goals for efficient and timely project completion. Provide scientific oversight of all research projects, including data collection and maintenance. Establish and manage the day-to-day priorities of the research staff. (10%) 

2. Design, plan, and execute research projects focused on developing efficient MRF scans. Responsibilities include conducting MRI scans, designing MRI sequences, and analyzing MRI data. Maintain accurate records of data and provide findings and recommendations to the Principal Investigator. Meet regularly with the Principal Investigator to establish goals, set priorities, staff/student related issues, and future research staff and planning. (40%) 

3. Develop new techniques and protocols to advance research projects within the lab. Educate lab members on new techniques. Independently and with the principal investigator, design, plan, and execute research projects with the aim of expanding and exploring new research directions. Perform analysis of MR images, histological results, clinical information, etc. Maintain accurate records of data and provide findings and recommendations to the PI based on analysis. (10%) 

4. Present findings at laboratory meetings and scientific meetings, seminars, etc. Prepare manuscripts and contribute preliminary data for grant proposals. (10%) 

5. Coordinate experiments performed by other lab members, assisting with experimental design and analysis. (10%) 

6. Mentor and train lab staff and graduate students; oversee research work and ensure projects are being completed according to the research plan. This will involve teaching other members of the lab techniques and scientific discovery methods, including students and post-docs. Assist and teach both established and new research techniques to other lab members to facilitate their experiments. Coordinate trainings for lab members with the EHS and others, as needed. 

(10%) 

7. Independently lead research projects. Assemble and present analyzed data in publication-ready formats. Uphold the highest standards of research integrity when authoring manuscripts. (10%) 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY 

Supervise laboratory staff, including research assistants and technicians. May supervise Research Associates within the lab. Oversee all lab members, including postdoctoral fellows, graduate, and undergraduate students. 

REQUIRED SKILLS 

1. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Physics 

2. Experience in MR image reconstruction, computational analysis 

3. Excellent analytical skills: ability to formulate findings and recommendations from the analysis. 

4. Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills; must demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally communicate and work with various individuals within and external to the University. 

5. Strong organization skills: ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and follow-through. Must be able to work under pressure and conform to shifting priorities, demands, and timelines. 

6. Effective leadership skills: ability to lead, train, work with, and elicit cooperation from team members and staff. 

7. Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team. Must be highly 

motivated, responsible, dependable, and a self-starter. 

8. Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate innovation and creativity, sound judgment, and good decision-making. 

9. Good computer skills, including C++, MATLAB, Python, database management. Ability to learn new programs as needed. 

Minimum Qualifications

Education

See job description for education requirements.

Experience

See job description for requirements.

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.