The Department of Neurology, in collaboration with the Health Sciences Center Office of Research, is seeking an HS Sr. Research Specialist.

The Department of Neurology in the UNM School of Medicine plays a critical role in improving the health of all New Mexicans. Our department is the Southwestern hub for advanced neurological diagnosis and patient care.

The HS Sr. Research Specialist will function as a preclinical imaging technologist who will be responsible for carrying out rodent and human tissue imaging studies for biochemical research using a Bruker MRI and PET. This position will assist the Chair of Neurology and other Neurology faculty in analyzing MRI data from scans of human tissue and animal model.

Specific responsibilities include the following:

* Run imaging experiments for users in Domenici Hall on the Bruker BioSpec 7T MRI scanner, and PET scanner.

* Assist Neurology Faculty and users in Domenici Hall in analyzing MRI data from human samples and animal model.

* In relation to neurological experiments using the animal model, prepare rats and mice for imaging including but not limited to anesthetization of rats and mice, insertion of tail vein catheter, placement of ECG leads, measurement of radioactivity levels and determination of volume needed for dosing the rats and mice, injection of contrast agent or radiotracer, placement of the rats and mice in the scanner, and running the scanner.

* Implement technical or procedural improvements and establish quality control and assurance for users of Bruker BioSpec 7T MRI scanner, and PET scanner in Domenici Hall which include but are not limited to optimization of data acquisition, analysis, storage, maintenance of backup of data sets and transfer of image sets to users.

* Provide training to Domenici Hall users for image analysis and work in a team environment to complete research projects.

* Maintain compliance and training for handling animals and radioactivity for users in Domenici Hall.

* Maintain scan scheduling and billing for user time through iLab software for users in Domenici Hall.

* Maintain hardware and software for the MRI scanner, PET insert, chiller and other accessories in coordination with the respective companies.

* Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

This position requires rigorous compliance to all guidelines and regulations regarding animal and human research, and radiation safety. This position will entail being highly organized, detail-oriented and motivated to learn new skills in a small animal imaging setting.

The HS Sr. Research Specialist will be based at Domenici Research Hall. This is a term position where the employment contract is renewed on an annual basis with satisfactory performance.

• For individual positions in which driving is a job requirement, a valid NM driver's license and valid UNM driver's permit will be required.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.

High school diploma or GED; at least 9 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Bachelor's in engineering, physics, or related field with some experience working with MRI and PET image acquisition and analysis.

* Has a working understanding of MRI and PET physics and imaging contrast agents

* Basic knowledge in clinical and translational science and in MRI protocols

* Knowledge of in-vivo small animal handling skills: inhalation anesthesia; familiarity with IACUC protocols and guidelines, and in vivo study conduct

* Ability to conduct studies, design experimental plans, and perform data analysis under minimal direction

* Ability to troubleshoot problems, interpret data, and communicate results to peers, superiors, and trainees

* Experience with programming in languages such as Matlab, Python (or similar) at an intermediate proficiency level

* Ability work independently with time management and organizational skills

* Ability to communicate didactically and in written form (publications, abstracts)

* Ability to communicate experimental plans and data to imaging and non-imaging scientists at a high level

* Technical skills include working with radioactive materials, hands-on animal handling, image acquisition, protocol design and quantitative image processing

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Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit . Refer to for a definition of Regular Staff.