Technical Director - Preclinical Imaging Core

This job was posted by https://www.kansasworks.com : For more information, please see: https://www.kansasworks.com/jobs/13685672 Technical Director - Preclinical Imaging Core Department: SOM KC Cancer Biology ----- Bossmann Position Title: Technical Director - Preclinical Imaging Core Job Family Group: Professional Staff Job Description Summary: The Technical Director will provide scientific, technical, and operational leadership for the Preclinical Imaging Shared Resource (PISR) within the University of Kansas Cancer Center and the Department of Cancer Biology. The Technical Director will oversee the daily operation of the PISR and its portfolio of advanced pre-clinical imaging technologies, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), optical imaging, photoacoustic imaging, and quantitative image analysis. The Technical Director will report directly to the Director of the PISR and will supervise PISR scientific staff, including postdoctoral fellows, trainees, and other technical personnel as assigned. This position will work closely with investigators throughout the University of Kansas Cancer Center, the Institute for Advancing Medical Innovation, and collaborating institutions to design and execute sophisticated pre-clinical imaging studies and to develop innovative quantitative and multimodal imaging methodologies. The position combines scientific leadership, advanced imaging expertise, personnel supervision, instrumentation oversight, investigator consultation, training, quality assurance, and collaborative research. The Technical Director will play a central role in the continued development and expansion of the PISR, including implementation of next-generation ultra-high-field MRI and multimodal imaging technologies. Job Description: Key Roles and Responsibilities: Scientific and Technical Leadership - Direct the day-to-day scientific and technical operations of the PISR under the supervision of the PISR Director. - Develop, optimize, validate, and maintain advanced preclinical imaging protocols. - Provide expert consultation to investigators regarding selection of imaging modalities, experimental design, longitudinal study design, quantitative endpoints, and image analysis. - Develop reproducible quantitative imaging workflows and imaging biomarkers. - Promote integration of MRI, micro-CT, optical imaging, photoacoustic imaging, and other complementary imaging technologies. - Evaluate emerging imaging technologies and recommend strategic implementation within the PISR. Personnel Supervision and Training - Supervise PISR postdoctoral fellows and other scientific or technical personnel as assigned by the PISR Director. - Coordinate day-to-day scientific activities and establish priorities for PISR staff. - Train graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, research staff, faculty investigators, and other authorized users in imaging methodologies and appropriate instrument operation. - Ensure that users demonstrate appropriate competency before independent instrument use where applicable. - Foster a collaborative, rigorous, service-oriented environment within the Shared Resource. Instrumentation and Quality Assurance - Oversee scientific operation, performance monitoring, and routine quality assurance of PISR imaging instrumentation. - Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for imaging systems and experimental workflows. - Troubleshoot technical problems and coordinate with institutional personnel, manufacturers, and service engineers when necessary. - Maintain documentation of instrument performance, maintenance, calibration, and quality-control procedures. - Participate n planning for equipment upgrades, new instrumentation, software implementation, and facility expansion. - Assist the PISR Director with strategic planning for future imaging capabilities. Ultra-High-Field MRI and Technology Development - Lead technical implementation and validation of next-generation MRI capabilities, including the forthcoming 18.8 Tesla MRI platform. - Develop and optimize high-field and ultra-high-field MRI protocols for preclinical applications. - Establish reproducible workflows for quantitative and longitudinal MRI. - Facilitate integration of MRI and NMR spectroscopy with optical imaging, micro-CT, photoacoustic imaging, and other complementary technologies. - Support development of advanced image reconstruction, quantitative analysis, and AI-assisted imaging pipelines. Investigator and Collaborative Research Support Meet with investigators to define imaging objectives and develop technically rigorous experimental plans. Support interdisciplinary cancer research involving tumor biology, therapeutic response, immunotherapy, drug delivery, pharmacokinetics, and related areas. Participate in collaborative NIH-, DoD-, NSF-, foundation-, and industry-funded research projects. Assist