Director, Human Magnetic Resonance Center

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking a Director for its Human Magnetic Resonance Center (hMRC).

The Director will be a dynamic, inclusive leader with a vision to support on-going excellence in research, to grow the user base, and to establish the hMRC as an outstanding research resource engaged in a full range of human imaging and spectroscopy applications.

The hMRC provides state-of-the-art, non-invasive imaging and spectroscopy of all human body tissues for academic and industry-based research on and off campus. This is the only research-dedicated 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) system in western Massachusetts. This position is accompanied by a non-tenure track clinical faculty appointment.

Essential Functions

Operations:

• Direct all operations of the hMRC, including hiring, training and supervision of MR staff, as needed.
• Along with the IALS Directors of Core Facilities and Finance & Operations, develop and review periodically annual and long-term financial plans, budgeting process, and evaluation policies.
• Work with all constituents to lead the development and implementation of a strategic plan for the hMRC.
• Guide decision-making for software and equipment purchases, including evaluation of upgrades of existing equipment and resources.
• Oversee on-going assessment and improvement of standard operating procedures for use of hMRC by researchers, faculty, and students. Ensure adherence to these procedures.
• Ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations related to human subjects research and other categories of research conducted. Maintain up-to-date protocols with the institutional review board (IRB).
• Organize the planning and submission of center-level and other complex funding proposals relevant to advancing the operational capacity of the hMRC.
• Keep abreast of developments in the MR field in order to maximize the use of state-of-the-art procedures.
• Support professional development opportunities for the hMRC staff.

User Development:

• Build and lead a coherent community of faculty and student users of the hMRC facility.
• Facilitate research collaborations between hMRC staff and other University departments, as well as develop outreach models to external academic, government, and industry constituents.
• Establish Core Advisory Committee and host regular meetings of said committee, providing fiscal/usage reports and offering recommendations for any beneficial changes to protocols and practices of the hMRC.
• Develop a cadre of hMRC facility users and hardware/software developers in collaboration with the IALS Director, the Director of Core Facilities, and the hMRC Steering committee.
• Assist in the development of researchers' study protocols and standard operating procedures, and lead training sessions for users of the hMRC.
• Consult with and support principal investigators with manuscript preparation, advise on study design, and provide letters of support for grant and contract applications (such as NIH R01's, program project and center grants) that will use the hMRC. This will include advocating for the hiring of new imaging faculty.
• Oversee development of graduate/professional level research seminars.
• Conduct MR studies intermittently when staff are unavailable.

Other Functions

• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• PhD in a relevant discipline and a productive research portfolio using MR-based methodologies. Degree may be in Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Physiology, Physics, Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience, preferably in an academic research setting.
• Direct supervisory experience.
• Scientific knowledge and technical experience in general MR applications.
• Evidence of leadership and management experience with the ability to lead, inspire, and work with others in a collaborative and collegial manner.
• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills, in order to understand and meet the needs of internal and external users and organize and to lead center training events.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Managerial experience in radiology or imaging services is highly preferred.
• Experience with MR center (or similar) budgets and spending is desirable.
• Certified by the American Board of Magnetic Resonance Safety.
• Experience developing MR courses or training programs.
• A history of effective interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Evidence of successful grant-writing; to lead the development and submission of shared instrumentation grants, and assist with both private and government research funding proposals, as appropriate.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

Typical lab and office environment.

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday, approximately 9-5, with occasional after-hours events

Salary Information

Salary commensurate with experience.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with your application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.