Research Associate

We are seeking to recruit a bright and motivated Postdoctoral Researcher for an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of next-generation imaging technologies to directly impact on the care of glioblastoma patients, and involves collaboration with the Velindre University NHS Trust (https://velindre.nhs.wales/) and University College London.

The new post will contribute to on-going research in microstructural imaging within the Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC, https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/cardiff-university-brain-research-imaging-centre/research/themes/microstructural-imaging) being part of the School of Psychology. This concentrates on microstructure imaging using diffusion-weighted MRI and will focus on technical developments underpinning applications in glioblastoma tumor microenvironment (TME) characterization.

The successful candidate will be part of the MIMOSA study, co-funded by Cancer Research Wales and the Velindre’s Advancing Radiotherapy Fund to address key limitations of current MRI approaches to characterize glioblastoma TME response to treatment and pseudo-progression. Within the MIMOSA study, the post holder will be responsible for developing innovative imaging techniques that combine imaging physics, biophysical and computational modelling with machine learning; and applying the developed techniques to assess glioblastoma TME response to treatment. Initial focus will be on providing robust biomarkers for detecting subtle changes in cell size, density and shape using a longitudinal design. The successful candidate will have an amazing opportunity to be working closely within a world-class multi-disciplinary team of engineers, neuroscientists and clinicians at CUBRIC, world-leading research centre in medical imaging.

The successful candidate will work closely with Dr Marco Palombo at CUBRIC in the School of Psychology and Computer Science and Informatics and Dr. James Powell at the Velindre Cancer Centre. CUBRIC and Velindre offer an inspiring and friendly research environment with ample opportunity for interdisciplinary exchange and impact on patients care. The post may also allow to work with external stake holders and international collaborators.

The majority of roles at Cardiff University are currently operating under “blended working” arrangements, with staff having the flexibility to work partly from home and partly from the University campus depending on specific business requirements. Discussions around these arrangements can take place after the successful candidate has been appointed.

This post is full time (35 hours per week), fixed term for 30 months or until the 30 September 2027, whichever is sooner, and is available immediately.

Salary: £40,247 - £45,163 per annum (Grade 6)
Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances.

For informal inquiries, please contact Dr Marco Palombo, palombom@cardiff.ac.uk

Closing date: Thursday, 20 March 2025

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangement.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

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