Imaging Specialist

About the Job

Title: Imaging Specialist

Job Code & Class: 8353NG, Research Pro 3-Imaging Research, Civil Service

Department: Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB)

Budgeted Salary Range: $68,000 - $83,000/year; depending on education, qualifications, and experience

Position Overview

This position supports research conducted with the Neuroimaging Hub in the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) and the Cognition and Neurodevelopmental Studies (CNS) Lab at the University of Minnesota.

MIDB is dedicated to fostering healthy brain function across the lifespan through early neurobehavioral and mental health assessment, innovative targeted interventions, informed policy-making, compassionate child-advocacy, and community education. The MIDB's mission of basic and clinical research in the field of neurobehavioral development is supported by a M Health Fairview multi-specialty clinic and multiple research service hubs including: Analytics, Informatics, Neuroimaging, Center for Neurobehavioral Development, Translational Neuroscience, Neuromodulation, TeleOutreach, Community Engagement and Education, and Clinic-Research Integration.

The CNS lab is a multiple PI-led research lab with a significant grant funding portfolio across multiple departments (Pediatrics, ICD) housed at the MIDB. Drs. Meghan Swanson and Jed Elison are co-Directors. The lab focuses on understanding brain and behavioral development of infants and young children. More specifically, our research examines the critical period of brain development in the first two years of life, which represents a time interval of dynamic development, plasticity, and potential vulnerability. Our research participants include typically developing children, autistic children, children with agenesis of the corpus callosum, infants with congenital cytomegalovirus infection, and children with Down syndrome. Steve Nelson, PhD serves as the MIDB Neuroimaging Hub Director, Julia Moser, PhD and Jed Elison, PhD are MRI team leads, and Shanna Mliner, M.Ed. is the Program Director for this work.

We are seeking an Imaging Specialist to support the CNS Lab's and Neuroimaging Hub's research projects. Responsibilities for this role include neuroimaging data acquisition, research study coordination, training and supervision, laboratory and Neuroimaging Hub support.

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week), prefers a minimum 2-year commitment, and will continue upon availability of funds and performance. This position is based on campus. Per UMN policy, work may be done remotely when appropriate and approved by your manager. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures. Work will primarily be conducted in person, engaging directly with families and participants completing MRI scans at 3T and 7T both at the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR) and the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB). A flexible schedule will be necessary to accommodate participants' schedule, including days, evenings, and weekends. Some tasks may be completed remotely when applicable. This position offers an excellent opportunity for professional growth and training within a collaborative research environment.

Applications must be submitted online; please upload a cover letter and CV/resume. Your application will not be considered until all components are complete. Review of applications is ongoing; the position(s) will remain open until the posting is removed. This position will report directly to the Assistant Director of the Neuroimaging Hub, Kimberly Weldon, PhD.

Job Responsibilities

Imaging Data Acquisition (60%)

• Complete Human Subjects ethics and MRI training.

• Collect neuroimaging data as first chair operator with typically developing children as well as with children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, including autism, rare genetic disorders, ADHD, and other behavioral and mental health needs.

• Scan schedule will include day, evening, and weekend sessions.

• Support participant engagement, comfort, and success in scan data acquisition through positive behavior supports and strong interpersonal and child interaction skills.

• Ensure adherence to and compliance with all approved ethics, safety, and protocol procedures relating to participant privacy/confidentiality and data integrity related to MRI data acquisition.

Research Study Coordination (10%)

• Transfer and manage imaging data according to research protocol standards.
• Assist with scheduling imaging research appointments with participants, preparation of scan equipment, and organization of imaging data.
• Assist with the day-to-day research operations related to MRI research sessions.
• Participate with the study team in identifying solutions to complex problems to fulfill research objectives.

Training and Supervision (10%)

• Work closely with MRI team leads, MIDB Neuroimaging Hub leads, and scan teams.
• Oversee imaging second chairs.
• Ensure research staff and undergraduate research assistants adhere to imaging protocol expectations and requirements.

CNS Laboratory Support (10%)

• Attend lab and project meetings
• Support the broader lab and imaging team as needed
• Provide regular updates to study PIs, Program Director, and team members
• Participate in the broader intellectual environment to augment professional development
• Option to contribute to and generate scientific products (e.g., professional presentations, empirical publications)

Neuroimaging Hub Support (10%)

• Attend Neuroimaging Hub and project meetings.
• Provide regular updates to Neuroimaging Core leads and team members.
• Run 3T QA acquisitions on a bimonthly basis.
• Support 3T technical management as needed.
• Collect neuroimaging data as first chair operator for neuroimaging projects within the Neuroimaging Hub.

Qualifications

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in Neuroscience, Psychology, Developmental Psychology, or a related field plus at least four years of relevant experience, or advanced degree plus at least two years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least eight years.
• Experience as first chair operator for Siemens Prisma scanner counsels at 3T, 7T, or both.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities, commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion as well as accepting and embracing neurodiversity.
• Proficiency with computer software on PC or Mac (i.e. Microsoft Office, Google Suite).
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including days, evenings, and weekends, to accommodate family schedules.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years research/clinical neuroimaging experience with young children.
• Experience with university regulations, policies, and best practices involved in clinical research projects with child participants.
• Interest in developing novel neuroimaging techniques and technology.
• Effective ability to work well both independently and within a team structure and demonstrable effective verbal and written communication as well as organizational skills.
• Skillful with technology, assessments, statistical analysis, and document creation on iPad/Mac/PC (e.g. REDCap, Qualtrics, Ripple Science, MEFS, SPSS, R, SAS, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Adobe, email, online calendar, video conferencing tools).
• Advanced degree in Neuroscience, Psychology, or a related field.

About the Department

The Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) is dedicated to fostering the healthy brain function of children across the lifespan with the mission to set and maintain a healthy trajectory for all children toward positive life outcomes through early neurobehavioral and mental health assessment, innovative targeted interventions, informed policy-making, compassionate child-advocacy, and community education. The MIDB's mission of basic and clinical research in the field of neurobehavioral development is supported by its Neuroimaging core, which fosters collaborations within departments at the University of Minnesota and across institutions to build teams with the highest possible degree of expertise.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $68,000-$83,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail ... or call ....

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.