MRI is a growth area at NPL, and the team is part of a world-class Medical Physics department and the MEMPHYS centre for metrology in medical physics, providing measurement expertise and services across the NHS and internationally. The work and challenges are dynamic and there is significant potential to contribute to its direction and priorities with your own strengths and ideas. We are developing new measurement expertise in several MR-based modalities to improve reproducibility, quantify confidence and uncertainty, and develop improved harmonisation and guidance for quantitative MRI in clinical and research applications. We collaborate closely with academic researchers at leading universities, clinical MR physicists, and companies developing MR test objects and hardware across the UK and internationally.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Assisting with the design and build of a new, variable field NMR facility
• Acquiring and analysing MR data to support materials characterisation in multiple MR contrasts (quantitative T1, T2, diffusion, fat fraction, and iron content are current priorities, but this will change and expand with time)
• Designing and performing sets of experiments characterising materials across a range of main field strengths
• Working with collaborators and partners nationally and internationally, and with MR physicists in the NPL team and at our partner sites
• Investigating the uncertainties and biases associated with NMR acquisitions and analysis, and performing detailed numerical calculations
• Writing and publishing scientific research papers and giving presentations internally and externally
• Formulating and contributing to research proposals
• Contributing to the development and delivery of new measurement services
• Building and extending an internal and external network of collaborators and partners, working closely with scientists who are generating high-quality experimental data
• Assisting in PhD student supervision

The MRI team at NPL is committed to providing a metrological foundation for quantitative MRI with a strong and specific focus on methods for the clinic. We are supporting the application and rollout of quantitative methods in our own projects, in collaborations with other groups and institutions, and through participation in national and international efforts such as QIBA and NCITA, helping support the health and quality of life of the UK population.

The position would suit a recent PhD graduate or junior postdoc with a experience in NMR spectroscopy, or someone with equivalent experience elsewhere. The role involves a broad range of NMR skills, and a strong background in NMR physics is essential, as are strong communication skills and an ability to work adaptively to changing requirements as the project matures.

Skills required:

• A PhD (either completed or about to submit) or equivalent experience with NMR. MRI specialists with NMR experience are also welcome.
• A solid grasp of the physics of NMR spectroscopy and NMR spectrometer hardware
• A solid mathematical and computational background, including a working knowledge of at least one scientifically-appropriate language such as Python, R, C/C++, etc
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• A proven ability to publish research results

The following may be advantageous but not essential:

• Experience in pulse programming
• Experience in NMR hardware and facility design
• Experience in quantitative MR parameter estimation (e.g. measurement of T1/T2/ADC) from NMR data, including time-domain data
• Experience across a variety of magnet frequencies / field strengths