Positions are based on availability and funding. If not specified below, please contact Dr. JungHwan Kim for inquiry.
Postdoctoral Researchers
We are seeking a research associate (postdoctoral level) in the field of bioengineering and translational research to study human brain function using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We highly desire a candidate who aims to advance their career in academia. The successful candidate is expected to submit their own training grant within four years of completing postdoctoral training to further their independent career. The role requires the ability to work independently and as part of multidisciplinary teams. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
The successful candidate will work with various collaborative and innovative research teams consisting of scientists, engineers, and clinicians in cognitive neuroscience, MR physics, neurology, and neurosurgery. The lab collaborates with various teams from Siemens, Baylor College of Medicine, University of Southern California, and Max Planck Institute in Tübingen, Germany. The lab has immediate access to two top-of-the-line Siemens Prisma 3T scanners and a Siemens Terra 7T scanner at Methodist Hospital (the first 7T human scanner in Texas). Computational work utilizes a local cluster of high-performance compute and file servers owned exclusively by our lab.
For this position, high proficiency in Matlab is required. The ideal candidate will possess strong skills in MRI data analysis using software such as AFNI, FSL, SPM, and FreeSurfer, along with expertise in image processing. Additionally, proficiency in Microsoft Office for publication and grant writing is essential. While not mandatory, experience with finite-difference method (FDM) and finite-volume method (FVM) analysis, as well as a background in computational modeling of biological systems, are highly desirable qualifications.
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Psychology, Physics, Engineering (specifically Biomedical, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering), or a closely related field. Applicants should possess a strong understanding of MRI, encompassing both its physics and the physiological principles of fMRI. While not mandatory, a strong ability to code in Matlab or a similar programming language is highly desirable. A basic grasp of MR pulse sequences and the underlying physics of MRI is also beneficial. Prior experience with computational modeling of biological systems is a plus.
Graduate Students
We are seeking a highly competent graduate student to study human neuroimaging, with a focus on fMRI research. This role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including strong coding ability in Matlab or equivalent.
The successful candidate will be involved in the entire research cycle, from designing and conducting fMRI experiments to collecting, analyzing, and documenting data. This includes selecting, evaluating, and applying the most appropriate research techniques for each study. The candidate will also be responsible for summarizing relevant scientific literature and developing suitable stimuli for fMRI experiments using PsychToolbox.
Research Opportunities for Undergraduates
We are always looking for highly motivated undergraduates to join our team. A strong quantitative and/or computational background is highly desirable but not required.
The selected candidate will be expected to assist with ongoing projects involving human neuroimaging, medical image processing, data analysis, and/or computational biotransport modeling. Eventually, the candidate will be expected to lead a small independent research project. Students willing to commit to multiple semesters are preferred.