Postdoctoral Training Fellow - Pre-Clinical MRI Physicist

The Institute of Cancer Research, London, is one of the world’s most influential cancer research institutes, with an outstanding record of achievement dating back more than 100 years. We provided the first convincing evidence that DNA damage is the basic cause of cancer, laying the foundation for the now universally accepted idea that cancer is a genetic disease. Today, The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) leads the world at isolating cancer-related genes and discovering new targeted drugs for personalised cancer treatment.

The pre-clinical magnetic resonance team, led by Dr. Simon Robinson, is focused on the application of both established and innovative, quantitative functional MRI techniques to identify case-specific imaging biomarkers in models of cancer in vivo, thereby establishing their utility to correctly inform on i) the pathology and processes relevant to a particular cancer type, and ii) response/resistance to treatment against these processes. There is a strong emphasis on the development of quantitative MRI biomarkers that can be realistically translated and prove informative in aligned imaging investigations of cancer patients.

Through programme grant funding from Cancer Research UK, a post-doctoral training fellow position is available for an MRI physicist, preferably with pre-clinical experience. We are looking for a highly motivated and creative individual with an interest in the development and application of multiparametric MRI strategies to characterise the tumour microenvironment and its response to treatment in vivo. Areas of potential projects for this position will include imaging the viscoelastic properties of tumours using magnetic resonance elastography (MRE). An interest in digital pathology for MRI biomarker validation would also be advantageous.

The position will be based within the Centre for Cancer Imaging, which provides an integrated environment for multi-modality pre-clinical imaging, co-locating the different imaging and therapy equipment with a state-of-the-art Biological Services Unit. Pre-clinical imaging research is facilitated by 7T and 1T MRI systems, a trimodal PET/SPECT/CT system, multispectral optoacoustic and ultrasound imaging platforms, two bioluminescence imaging systems, and micro-CT. The position will provide excellent opportunities to interact within a multidisciplinary environment of staff within imaging, radiotherapy, drug development and molecular pathology teams, and to explore new avenues of research.

Applicants should possess a PhD in physical science or similar, and ideally have demonstrated excellence in the field of pre-clinical MRI, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and productivity during their PhD studies.

Appointment will be on a Fixed Term Contract for 3 years in the first instance.

Applications should be submitted online, vacancy reference 855.