Postdoctoral Researcher

The University Health Network, where "above all else the needs of patients come first", encompasses Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, West Park Healthcare Centre and the Michener Institute of Education. The breadth of research, the complexity of the cases treated, and the magnitude of its educational enterprise has made UHN a national and international resource for patient care, research and education. With a long tradition of ground breaking firsts and a purpose of "Transforming lives and communities through excellence in care, discovery and learning", the University Health Network (UHN), Canada's largest research teaching hospital, brings together over 17,000 employees, more than 1,250 physicians, 8,000+ students, and many volunteers. UHN is a caring, creative place where amazing people are amazing the world.

Union: Non-Union
Site: Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network / Krembil Research Institute
Department: Brain Imaging & Behavior Systems - Neuroscience
Reports to: Principal Investigator
Work Model: On-Site
Grade: V0:90
Hours: 37.5 hours / week
Salary: $53,303.00 minimum (To commensurate with experience and consistent with UHN compensation policy)
Shifts: Monday - Friday
Status: Temporary Full-time
Closing Date: Until filled

Project / position summary:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an important tool for the non-invasive pre-surgical assessment of peripheral nerve sheath tumors. While conventional MRI sequences provide limited contrast to distinguish between tumor types or between nerve and tumor tissue, diffusion MRI techniques offer the potential for improved pre-surgical assessment. This project is focused on the application of state-of-the-art processing pipelines for diffusion MRI and tractography to provide additional means for neurosurgeons to assess nerve-tumor relationships prior to surgery. In particular, this includes the implementation of diffusion MRI tractography methods tailored to peripheral nerves, high-quality 3D visualizations for presentation and documentation purposes, as well as the implementation of new customized algorithms to cover new analysis objectives.

Key responsibilities:

• Keeping track of diffusion MRI-based imaging sessions related to peripheral nerve sheath tumors including timely download, image processing, and presentation of results
• Selection of appropriate diffusion MRI sequence parameters
• Implementation and application of state-of-the-art diffusion MRI and tractography processing pipelines adopted for peripheral nerves
• Collaboration with neurosurgeons to define timelines, to identify and understand analysis objectives, and to discuss analysis results interactively
• Lead efforts to define, execute and publish research projects in the context of this project

This position will allow you to:

• Work in a world-class clinical research environment
• Present findings at national/international conferences
• Publish in excellent journals
• Actively engage and network with the large Toronto neuroscience community with one of the highest densities of neuroscientists in North America.

This position requires the following skills:

• A neuroimaging Ph.D. in neuroscience, psychology, medical physics, or related fields.
• Prior experience in any of the following areas: Diffusion MRI processing, diffusion MRI tractography, interest in peripheral nerve imaging
• Good knowledge of scripting languages in a Linux-based environment, in particular Bash and Python
• Good knowledge of diffusion MRI and tractography processing frameworks, in particular MRtrix3 and FSL
• Ability to work independently and deliver on schedule.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Committed to continuous learning and improvement.

Why join UHN?

In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world, UHN offers a wide range of benefits, programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor, allowing you to find value where it matters most to you, now and throughout your career at UHN.

• Competitive offer packages
• Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP https://hoopp.com/)
• Close access to Transit and UHN shuttle service
• A flexible work environment
• Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
• Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel, restaurants, parking, phone plans, auto insurance discounts, on-site gyms, etc.)

Current UHN employees must have successfully completed their probationary period, have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHN's attendance management program, to be eligible for consideration.

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.

UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates. Please ensure you check your email regularly.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.