Cancer Biology​/PISR Post Doctoral Fellow

Department: SOM KC Cancer Biology ----- Bossmann

Position Title:

Cancer Biology/PISR Post Doctoral Fellow Job Family Group:
Professional Staff

Job Description

Summary:

The postdoctoral fellow will support the Preclinical Imaging Shared Resource (PISR) within the University of Kansas Cancer Center and the Department of Cancer Biology. This position will develop and apply advanced preclinical imaging methodologies to support interdisciplinary cancer research programs, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), optical imaging, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), photoacoustic imaging, and image analysis. The position offers opportunities to develop independent research projects, contribute to collaborative grant applications, and prepare for an independent academic or industry career in biomedical imaging.

The position will work closely with investigators across the University of Kansas Cancer Center, the Institute for Advancing Medical Innovation, and external collaborators to establish innovative imaging biomarkers and quantitative imaging methodologies.

Research Overview:
Work with PI/faculty mentor to develop, optimize, and apply advanced preclinical imaging techniques to investigate cancer biology, therapeutic response, immunotherapy, and drug delivery in small-animal models. Design and optimize MRI protocols for longitudinal preclinical studies. Perform quantitative image analysis and develop reproducible imaging workflows. Participate in collaborative NIH-, DoD-, and NSF-funded research projects. Contribute to the development of new imaging methodologies integrating MRI, optical imaging, photoacoustic imaging, and micro-CT.

Assist in the development of AI-based image analysis pipelines. Design and conduct imaging studies in murine disease models in accordance with approved IACUC protocols, including animal preparation, anesthesia, physiological monitoring, longitudinal imaging, and quantitative image analysis. Assist in the implementation and validation of next-generation ultra-high-field imaging technologies, including the forthcoming 18.8 Tesla MRI platform, and contribute to the development of multimodal imaging workflows integrating MRI, NMR spectroscopy, optical imaging, micro-CT, and photoacoustic imaging.

Work effectively as part of the research team and mentor/train graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and investigators in imaging methodologies. Assist in maintaining state-of-the-art imaging instrumentation and implementing new imaging technologies.

The Postdoc will be expected to complete research projects under the guidance of the faculty mentor, record and interpret the results of their experiments in an (electronic) laboratory notebook, prepare publication-quality manuscripts (including figures and tables) and publish in peer-reviewed literature. Read literature articles, develop new ideas, and assimilate the information into his/her project design/interpretation. Dissemination of studies:
Interact on a regular basis with their faculty mentor and members of the laboratory to discuss experimental design and interpretation of results. Present research aims and findings at department seminars and at scientific meetings. Write and publish their results as first author in abstracts, manuscripts, and posters. Submit fellowship applications, as eligible, to bolster research funding and CV building for projects.

Interact with KU Cancer Center donors and local cancer affiliates.

Attend and maintain compliance including all orientation and training sessions designated by the University and the Cancer Biology Department, understand and follow IACUC and biosafety protocols, and attend departmental seminars and regular lab meetings. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

It is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, duties and assignments. Furthermore, job duties, responsibilities and activities may change at…