Research Assistant (Fixed term) Nottingham, England
Job description
Physics & Astronomy
The Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre (SPMIC), University of Nottingham is seeking to recruit a research assistant for the brain imaging workstream of mTBI-Predict. mTBI-Predict is a multiyear research programme funded by the Ministry of Defence.
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) is common with 1.4 million hospital visits due to head injury annually in the UK. Although classified as mild it leads to disproportionate impact on future health with 31% unable to work at 12 months. The consequences of mTBI are profound with many patients suffering long-term disability due to persistent headaches, imbalance, memory disturbance, and poor mental health. Identifying those patients most at risk of these disabling consequences is not currently possible. This represents a clear unmet need as it would allow targeting of treatments to improve patient outcomes.
The overarching aim of the mTBI-Predict programme is to identify accurate, reproducible biomarkers in mTBI that will predict the most common and disabling consequences of mTBI. This will be achieved through a harmonised programme of detailed clinical phenotyping of acute mTBI patients coupled with state-of-the-art multimodal biomarker evaluation (brain imaging [MRI and MEG], fluid biomarkers, steroid hormones, visual, vestibular, cerebral physiology, and EEG).
The Research Assistant will assist with the data collection of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetoencelography (MEG) measures, including anatomical imaging, diffusion weighted imaging, and task based / resting state functional MRI and MEG. The candidate will be part of an integrative and multi-disciplinary team of researchers and clinicians across multiple institutions (SPMIC, Centre for Human Brain Health (CHBH), University of Birmingham and Aston Brain Centre, Aston University) working collaboratively to deliver this workstream.
The successful candidate must have a BSc. (or equivalent) in Psychology and Health Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Medical Physics or Neuroscience. Candidates should have excellent oral and written communication skills, and strong organisation and time-management skills. They should also have experience with research and conducting of human (clinical) trials. Experience with one or more of structural and functional MRI and MEG and/or experience of data archiving platforms such as XNAT is desirable.
The post is offered on a full time (36.25 hours per week), fixed-term contract until 31st March 2024. Job share arrangements may be considered. This post will start as soon as possible, in agreement with the successful candidate.
As part of our commitment to improving equality, diversity and inclusion within the school, shortlisted candidates will be given the opportunity to talk to a member of staff representing women, BAME, LGBTQIA+ or disabilities communities. This will be separate to the assessment process and will play no role in the decision to appoint.
Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Karen Mullinger, email: [email protected]. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.
