Senior Scientist (Dr Balchandani's Lab) - Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Institute

Description Job Description The Senior Scientist will primarily provide scientific and technical leadership for a multidisciplinary clinical research program focused on improving localization of the epileptogenic zone in drug-resistant epilepsy using advanced multimodal MRI techniques. This role centers on the integration of magnetic resonance elastography, diffusion-weighted imaging, arterial spin labeling, and high-field MRI (3T/7T) with clinical, electrophysiologic, and histopathological data to identify novel imaging biomarkers associated with astrogliosis, tissue biomechanics, and cerebral perfusion. The Senior Scientist will drive study design, oversee execution of complex imaging protocols, and lead translational efforts aimed at enhancing surgical planning and patient outcomes. This individual will work closely with clinicians, imaging scientists, and data analysts, contributing innovative approaches and maintaining high productivity in a collaborative research environment. The Senior Scientist will be expected to collaborate with academic partners in other scientific projects, supporting relevant imaging protocol developments, data post-processing and analysis, as well as mentor and train graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research staff. With a broad range of skills and experience, this individual will be critical component of the Principal Investigator’s laboratory, participating and assisting in leading collaborative research projects focused on advancing neuroimaging method for clinical applications. Responsibilities Designs and leads complex clinical imaging studies to develop and evaluate advanced MR imaging techniques for applications in neurological diseases. Develops and optimizes multimodal MRI protocols (including 3T and 7T structural imaging, DWI, MRE, 4D flow and ASL) for quantitative assessment of brain stiffness, microstructure, viscoelastic properties, and cerebral blood flow. Investigates the relationship between quantitative neuroimaging MR measures. Establishes diagnostic thresholds and validation frameworks for imaging-based identification of neurological abnormalities. Analyzes and interprets multimodal imaging datasets alongside electrophysiologic, clinical, and histopathological data to identify disease-specific biomarkers. Develops hypotheses and analytical methodologies to evaluate links between imaging biomarkers and clinical outcome. Leads dissemination of research findings through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and scientific seminars. Assists with, prepares and submits competitive research proposals to secure funding for ongoing and future studies in advanced neuroimaging. Collaborates with neurology, neurosurgery, radiology, and bioengineering teams to translate imaging advances into clinical applications for diagnostic or treatment planning. May supervise graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research staff, providing mentorship in imaging science and clinical research methodologies. Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Ph.D in sciences or related field Minimum five years of experience with scientific investigation. Must have demonstrated outstanding achievement in a field of research (MRI research) Must have contributed to a number of peer-reviewed publications, inventions or the like, at least some of which have had a major impact on advancing the field or discipline. Prior experience successfully securing external grant funding is highly desirable. Highly Preferred: Demonstrated experience in high and ultra-high field MR-imaging (3T, 7T) of the brain Demonstrated experience in MRI pulse sequence programming, preferably Siemens IDEA Demonstrated experience in MRI reconstruction and quantitative parameter mapping Demonstrated programming skills in MATLAB, Python and other relevant neuroimaging processing software (FSL, Freesurfer, MRtrix, SPM, etc.) Ability to communicate research to public and collaborators Experience in any subset of: MR elastography, diffusion MRI, high resolution structural MRI, perfusion MRI, or cerebral blood/CSF flow MRI Image reconstruction Employer Description Strength through Unity and Inclusion The Mount Sinai Health System is committed to fostering an environment where everyone can contribute to excellence. We share a common dedication to delivering outstanding patient care. When you join us, you become part of Mount Sinai’s unparalleled legacy of achievement, education, and innovation as we work together to transform healthcare. We encourage all team members to actively participate in creating a culture that ensures fair access to opportunities, promotes inclusive practices, and supports the success of every individual. At Mount Sinai, our leaders are committed to fostering a workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to grow. We strive to create an environment where collaboration, fairness, and continuous learning drive positive change, improving the well‑being of our staff, patients, and organization. Our leaders are expected to challenge outdated practices, promote a culture of respect, and work toward meaningful improvements that enhance patient care and workplace experiences. We are dedicated to building a supportive and welcoming environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and advance professionally. Explore this opportunity and be part of the next chapter in our history. About The Mount Sinai Health System Mount Sinai Health System is one of the largest academic medical systems in the New York metro area, with more than 48,000 employees working across eight hospitals, more than 400 outpatient practices, more than 300 labs, a school of nursing, and a leading school of medicine and graduate education. Mount Sinai advances health for all people, everywhere, by taking on the most complex health care challenges of our time — discovering and applying new scientific learning and knowledge; developing safer, more effective treatments; educating the next generation of medical leaders and innovators; and supporting local communities by delivering high-quality care to all who need it. Through the integration of its hospitals, labs, and schools, Mount Sinai offers comprehensive health care solutions from birth through geriatrics, leveraging innovative approaches such as artificial intelligence and informatics while keeping patients’ medical and emotional needs at the center of all treatment. The Health System includes more than 9,000 primary and specialty care physicians; 13 joint-venture outpatient surgery centers throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and Florida; and more than 30 affiliated community health centers. We are consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals, receiving high "Honor Roll" status, and are highly ranked: No. 1 in Geriatrics, top 5 in Cardiology/Heart Surgery, and top 20 in Diabetes/Endocrinology, Gastroenterology/GI Surgery, Neurology/Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Pulmonology/Lung Surgery, Rehabilitation, and Urology. New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai is ranked No. 12 in Ophthalmology. U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Children’s Hospitals” ranks Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital among the country’s best in several pediatric specialties. The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is ranked No. 11 nationwide in National Institutes of Health funding and in the 99th percentile in research dollars per investigator according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. Newsweek’s “The World’s Best Smart Hospitals” ranks The Mount Sinai Hospital as No. 1 in New York and in the top five globally, and Mount Sinai Morningside in the top 20 globally. Equal Opportunity Employer The Mount Sinai Health System is an equal opportunity employer, complying with all applicable federal civil rights laws. We do not discriminate, exclude, or treat individuals differently based on race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are deeply committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, students, trainees, patients, visitors, and the communities we serve feel respected and supported. Our goal is to create a healthcare and learning institution that actively works to remove barriers, address challenges, and promote fairness in all aspects of our organization. Compensation The Mount Sinai Health System (MSHS) provides salary ranges that comply with the New York City Law on Salary Transparency in Job Advertisements. The salary range for the role is $58661 - $131588.09 Annually. Actual salaries depend on a variety of factors, including experience, education, and operational need. The salary range or contractual rate listed does not include bonuses/incentive, differential pay or other forms of compensation or benefits. #J-18808-Ljbffr Mount Sinai Morningside