Research Associate in Pulmonary MRI

The University of Sheffield; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Sheffield is seeking a Research Associate in Pulmonary MRI to join the POLARIS research group. The role involves developing innovative MRI techniques for hyperpolarised xenon applications, collaborating with clinical partners, and contributing to academic research. Candidates should have a strong background in MRI physics and engineering, with a focus on pulse sequence programming and RF coil development.

Benefits

Generous pension scheme

Flexible working opportunities

41 days annual leave including bank holidays

Wide range of discounts and rewards

Commitment to staff development

Qualifications

• PhD in MRI Physics / Engineering or equivalent.
• Experience in MRI pulse sequence programming and RF coil engineering.
• Track record of publications in MR imaging journals.

Responsibilities

• Develop MR image acquisition methods and pulse sequences.
• Contribute to supervision of PhD and undergraduate students.
• Analyze data and publish findings in high-impact papers.

Skills

MRI pulse sequence programming

Radio frequency coil engineering

Creative problem solving

Collaboration in multidisciplinary teams

Education

Good Honours degree in Physics or Electrical Engineering

PhD in MRI Physics / Engineering

Job description

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The University of Sheffield provided pay range

This range is provided by The University of Sheffield. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity available for an experienced MRI physicist / engineer to join the POLARIS research group in the School of Medicine and Population Health at the University of Sheffield.

The successful candidates will take forward methodological research in the physics and engineering of magnetic resonance imaging for hyperpolarised 129Xe, and will be based in the POLARIS group,

Specifically, the candidate will develop MR image acquisition methods, pulse sequences and hardware for both hyperpolarised xenon (129Xe) and low field pulmonary MRI applications.

The post holder will have the chance to work in close collaboration with engineers in GE Healthcare with whom we have a close collaboration that is co-funded by an EPSRC prosperity partnership.

Research will include MR pulse sequence development and RF coil engineering projects on 0.5T, 1.5T and 3T scanners with a focus on hyperpolarsied 129Xe applications in lung and brain. The candidate will be able to test their methods in cohorts of patients with lung disease, as part of ongoing clinical studies. The candidate will work closely with other MRI physicists and engineers in the team, and alongside clinical partners at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

Possible Duties And Responsibilities

• MR image acquisition and pulse sequence development for hyperpolarised xenon (129Xe) applications.
• RF coil development for 1H and 129Xe lung MRI.
• Development of MRI acquisition strategies for dissolved xenon MRI in the lungs, brain and kidneys.
• Contribute to the supervision of PhD and undergraduate students in the research group.
• Contribute to and actively participate in ongoing international collaborations with other academic, clinical and industrial research partners including GE Healthcare.
• Analyse and record data to aid future research and produce useful findings.
• Publishing high-impact papers as one of the main authors.
• Present results to collaborators of the project, members of the research group and external audiences to disseminate and publicise research findings.
• Contribute to MR imaging strategy in the Division to support further translational research.
• As a member of staff, you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University’s Sustainability Strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
  
  

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, we believe your contribution could still be valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Criteria

• Good Honours degree in Physics or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent)
• A PhD in MRI Physics / Engineering (or equivalent)
• MRI pulse sequence programming experience
• Radio frequency coil engineering experience
• Track record of publications in MR imaging journals as a first author
• Ability to help supervise PhD students and researchers in technical aspects of MRI research
• Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving
• MRI pulse sequence programming experience in the GE EPIC environment
  
  

Further Information

Grade: 7

Salary: £38,249 as per current university pay grades, with the potential to progress subject to performance

Work arrangement: Full time

Duration: 1st July 2025 – 30th June 2027

Line manager: Professor &/or Senior Scientist &/or Research Fellow

Our website: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/polaris

For informal enquiries about this job contact

Jen Rodgers, Research Administrative Manager: on [e-mail] or 0114 2159150

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in June. This will consist of an interview comprising a short presentation on the candidates’ research experience to date. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 15th June 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Jen Rodgers, Research Administrative Manager: on [e-mail] or 0114 2159150

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What We Offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
• paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
• support for those going through the menopause
• paid time off and support for fertility treatment
• and more
  

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Criminal record

A basic with barred lists DBS check will be needed for this role. More details on the checks can be found on the Government website: gov.uk/criminal-record-checks-apply-role (opens in a new window).

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

• Industries

  Hospitals and Health Care, Non-profit Organizations, and Government Administration

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