Imaging Specialist

Job Summary Title: Imaging Specialist Job Code & Class: 8353NG, Research Pro 3-Imaging Research, Civil Service Department: Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) Salary Range: $68,000 - $83,000 per year, depending on education, qualifications, and experience Position Overview This position supports research conducted with the Neuroimaging Hub in the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) and the Cognition and Neurodevelopmental Studies (CNS) Lab at the University of Minnesota. MIDB is dedicated to fostering healthy brain function across the lifespan through early neurobehavioral and mental health assessment, innovative targeted interventions, informed policy-making, compassionate child‑advocacy, and community education. The MIDB’s mission of basic and clinical research in the field of neurobehavioral development is supported by a M Health Fairview multi‑specialty clinic and multiple research service hubs including Analytics, Informatics, Neuroimaging, Center for Neurobehavioral Development, Translational Neuroscience, Neuromodulation, TeleOutreach, Community Engagement and Education, and Clinic‑Research Integration. The CNS lab is a multi‑PI‑led research lab with a significant grant‑funding portfolio across multiple departments (Pediatrics, ICD) housed at the MIDB. The lab focuses on understanding brain and behavioral development of infants and young children. It examines the critical period of brain development in the first two years of life, a time interval of dynamic development, plasticity, and potential vulnerability. Research participants include typically developing children, autistic children, children with agenesis of the corpus callosum, infants with congenital cytomegalovirus infection, and children with Down syndrome. The Neuroimaging Hub Director, MRI team leads, and Program Director guide the work in this space. This is a full‑time position (40 hours per week), preferring a minimum 2‑year commitment, and will continue upon availability of funds and performance. The position is based on campus and may involve remote work when appropriate and approved by the manager. The role will primarily be in person, engaging directly with families and participants completing MRI scans at 3T and 7T at the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR) and the MIDB. A flexible schedule is required to accommodate participants, including days, evenings, and weekends. Some tasks may be completed remotely. This position offers an excellent opportunity for professional growth and training within a collaborative research environment. Responsibilities Imaging Data Acquisition (60%) Complete Human Subjects ethics and MRI training. Collect neuroimaging data as first chair operator with typically developing children and with children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, including autism, rare genetic disorders, ADHD, and other behavioral and mental health needs. Scan schedule will include day, evening, and weekend sessions. Support participant engagement, comfort, and success in scan data acquisition through positive behavior supports and strong interpersonal and child interaction skills. Ensure adherence to and compliance with all approved ethics, safety, and protocol procedures relating to participant privacy/confidentiality and data integrity related to MRI data acquisition. Research Study Coordination (10%) Transfer and manage imaging data according to research protocol standards. Assist with scheduling imaging research appointments, preparing scan equipment, and organizing imaging data. Assist with the day‑to‑day research operations related to MRI research sessions. Participate with the study team in identifying solutions to complex problems to fulfill research objectives. Training and Supervision (10%) Work closely with MRI team leads, MIDB Neuroimaging Hub leads, and scan teams. Oversee imaging second chairs. Ensure research staff and undergraduate research assistants adhere to imaging protocol expectations and requirements. CNS Laboratory Support (10%) Attend lab and project meetings. Support the broader lab and imaging team as needed. Provide regular updates to study PIs, Program Director, and team members. Participate in the broader intellectual environment to augment professional development. Option to contribute to and generate scientific products (e.g., professional presentations, empirical publications). Neuroimaging Hub Support (10%) Attend Neuroimaging Hub and project meetings. Provide regular updates to Neuroimaging Core leads and team members. Run 3T QA acquisitions on a bimonthly basis. Support 3T technical management as needed. Collect neuroimaging data as first chair operator for neuroimaging projects within the Neuroimaging Hub. Qualifications Required Qualifications BA/BS degree in Neuroscience, Psychology, Developmental Psychology, or a related field plus at least four years of relevant experience, or advanced degree plus at least two years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least eight years. Experience as first chair operator for a Siemens Prisma scanner at 3T, 7T, or both. Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities, commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and acceptance and embrace of neurodiversity. Proficiency with computer software on PC or Mac (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Suite). Willingness to work flexible hours, including days, evenings, and weekends, to accommodate family schedules. Preferred Qualifications 5+ years research/clinical neuroimaging experience with young children. Experience with university regulations, policies, and best practices involved in clinical research projects with child participants. Interest in developing novel neuroimaging techniques and technology. Effective ability to work well both independently and within a team structure and demonstrable effective verbal and written communication as well as organizational skills. Skillful with technology, assessments, statistical analysis, and document creation on iPad/Mac/PC (e.g., REDCap, Qualtrics, Ripple Science, MEFS, SPSS, R, SAS, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Adobe, email, online calendar, video conferencing tools). Advanced degree in Neuroscience, Psychology, or a related field. Pay and Benefits Pay Range: $68,000‑$83,000, depending on education/qualifications/experience. Appointment: 100% Civil‑Service. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off. Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program. Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans. Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts. University HSA contributions. Disability and employer‑paid life insurance. Employee wellbeing program. Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity. Financial counseling services. Employee Assistance Program with up to eight counseling sessions at no cost. Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area. Application Process Applications must be submitted online. Upload a cover letter and CV/resume. Additional documents may be uploaded later through the My Cover Letters and Attachments section of your application. To request an accommodation during the application process, please email View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io. Diversity The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. Learn more about diversity at Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr