Assistant/Associate Project Scientist - Christodoulou Lab

University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA); Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 79,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA) seeks an experienced researcher to join the Christodoulou Lab as an Assistant or Associate Project Scientist. The role focuses on cardiovascular and abdominal MRI, leading development and deployment of the lab's MRI pulse-sequence platform using Siemens IDEA.

The position requires a PhD and offers a 100% appointment in a collaborative, translational research environment with opportunities to contribute to manuscripts and grant applications while

Qualifications

• PhD required in biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or closely related field.
• Experience developing MRI pulse sequences using Siemens IDEA.
• Experience developing non-Cartesian MRI pulse sequences.
• Proficiency in C++, MATLAB, Python, and Git.
• Knowledge of MRI physics, pulse-sequence design, and quantitative imaging.
• Peer-reviewed MRI-methods publication record.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, implementation, optimization, and translation of new MRI pulse sequences using Siemens IDEA for cardiovascular and abdominal applications.
• Develop motion-resolved quantitative MRI methods using non-Cartesian acquisition and collaborate on acquisition-reconstruction co-design.
• Manage the laboratory's shared pulse-sequence platform, including version control, releases, and compatibility.
• Establish testing, validation, QA, and documentation for pulse-sequence releases and vendor software upgrades.
• Coordinate and conduct phantom and human MRI experiments under approved protocols.
• Provide technical guidance and troubleshooting to trainees and staff; no formal supervision.
• Maintain resources and support transfer of pulse sequences in collaborative studies.
• Contribute to manuscripts, presentations, grant applications, and progress reports.

Skills

MRI pulse sequence development

C++

Python

MATLAB

Git

Siemens IDEA

Education

PhD in biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or closely related field

Tools

Pulseq

MRI hardware knowledge

Job description

Position Overview

Salary range: The posted UC salary scales Table 37B set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. The salary range for this position is $79,400 - $106,100.

Application Window

Open date: September 17, 2026

Next review date: Saturday, Oct 17, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date: Saturday, Oct 17, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Position Description

The Department of Radiological Sciences at UCLA is seeking an experienced researcher to join the Christodoulou Lab as an Assistant or Associate Project Scientist. The position requires a PhD degree. The position will focus on cardiovascular and abdominal MRI, with emphasis on motion-resolved quantitative imaging and non-Cartesian acquisition. The incumbent will be expected to lead the development, validation, deployment, and ongoing stewardship of the laboratory's research MRI pulse-sequence platform. The incumbent will also make significant original and creative contributions to new acquisition methods, maintain a reliable, shared platform across research studies and collaborations, and coordinate human MRI experiments in accordance with approved protocols. This is intended as a 100% appointment, subject to final academic review, visa eligibility, programmatic need, and funding availability.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, implementation, optimization, and translation of new research MRI pulse sequences using Siemens IDEA for cardiovascular and abdominal applications.
• Develop motion-resolved quantitative MRI methods using non-Cartesian acquisition and collaborate on acquisition-reconstruction co-design.
• Manage the laboratory's shared pulse-sequence platform, including Git-based version control, releases, scanner and software-version compatibility, deployment, and maintenance.
• Establish and execute testing, validation, quality-assurance, and documentation procedures for pulse-sequence releases and vendor software upgrades.
• Coordinate and conduct phantom and human research MRI experiments under approved protocols, including technical preparation, protocol implementation, scheduling, and occasional healthy-volunteer recruitment and consent when delegated under the applicable protocol.
• Provide technical guidance, onboarding, and troubleshooting to trainees, staff, and collaborators as they establish MRI experiments; this role does not include formal supervision.
• Maintain technical resources and support the transfer, deployment, and use of pulse sequences in collaborative studies.
• Contribute to manuscripts, scientific presentations, grant applications, and progress reports.

About the Christodoulou Lab: The Christodoulou Lab in the UCLA Department of Radiological Sciences develops advanced MRI acquisition and reconstruction methods for efficient, motion-resolved, quantitative imaging of the cardiovascular and abdominal systems. The laboratory integrates pulse-sequence design, non-Cartesian sampling, image reconstruction, and translational human studies, with an emphasis on free-breathing imaging and shared research platforms that enable collaborative development.

This appointment is subject to amendment based on any changes to applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Cultural North Star: The shared values of the DGSOM are expressed in the Cultural North Star, which was developed by members of our community and affirms our unswerving commitment to doing what's right, making things better, and being kind. These are the standards to which we hold ourselves, and one another. Please read more about this important DGSOM program at Medical School | Cultural North Star | UCLA Medical School.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications: PhD in biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or a closely related field.

Additional qualifications:

• Experience developing MRI pulse sequences using Siemens IDEA.
• Experience developing non-Cartesian MRI pulse sequences.
• Prior experience conducting human MRI research.
• Proficiency in C++, MATLAB, Python, and Git.
• Knowledge of MRI physics, pulse-sequence design, and quantitative imaging.
• A peer-reviewed MRI-methods publication record demonstrating significant original and creative contributions.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience in either cardiovascular or abdominal MRI; experience spanning both areas is preferred.
• Experience with motion-resolved quantitative imaging and familiarity with MR Multitasking or related methods.
• Working familiarity with advanced reconstruction approaches, including subspace reconstruction and compressed sensing, sufficient to support acquisition-reconstruction co-design and validation.
• Experience maintaining shared pulse-sequence platforms, including validation, documentation, and release management.
• Experience with Pulseq or MRI systems from other vendors.
• Experience with Linux system administration.
• Experience providing technical support to trainees and research collaborators.

Application Requirements

Document requirements:

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

• Cover Letter

• Reference check authorization release form - Complete and upload the reference check authorization release form

• UCLA Mission Statement - As the nation's premier public research university, UC's mission is the creation, dissemination, preservation and application of knowledge for the betterment of our global society. We have a particular responsibility to the people of California which we express in the excellence of the education we provide, the impact of the research we do, the comprehensive, life-saving medical services we provide, and the public service mission we are devoted to. The University of California promotes the social mobility of its students, equips them with the tools and experience that furthers their ambitions, and regards their accomplishments across the life span as evidence of the profoundly positive impact of higher education. The UCLA campus has expressed these goals in its strategic plan as follows: Deepen our engagement with Los Angeles Expand our reach as a global university Enhance our research and creative activities Elevate how we teach Become a more effective institution

• Statement of Research (Optional)

Reference requirements:

• 3-5 letters of reference required

References may be contacted to verify experience.

About UCLA

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affimative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location

Los Angeles, CA