Research Scientist / Assistant Professor

Image-Guided Neurointerventions and CNS Disease

Modeling

JOB OVERVIEW

The Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine at the

University of Maryland School of Medicine invites applications for

a full-time research faculty position at the rank of Assistant

Professor within the Program on Image-Guided Neurointerventions

(PIGN). PIGN is a translational research program focused on the

development and optimization of image-guided intra-arterial (IA)

drug and cell delivery to the central nervous system, with

applications spanning traumatic brain injury, neuro-oncology, and

head and neck cancers. The successful candidate will contribute to

an active and growing research portfolio supported by federal

funding, including VA Merit Awards and NIH grants, and will work

closely with program co-directors and a multidisciplinary team of

investigators, trainees, and clinical collaborators.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Preclinical Research and Surgical Procedures

• Perform advanced microsurgical procedures in rodent models,

including catheterization of the carotid and femoral arteries for

intra-arterial delivery of drugs, cells, and gene therapy

constructs

• Establish, maintain, and refine mouse models of neurological

disease, neuro-oncological conditions (including glioblastoma), and

head and neck cancers

• Conduct cell culture and in vitro assays in support of

translational research projects

• Execute molecular biology assays (PCR, Western blot, flow

cytometry, and related techniques) to characterize experimental

outcomes

Imaging and Data Analysis

• Collaborate with imaging scientists to integrate multimodal

imaging readouts (MRI, PET, bioluminescence/fluorescence) into

preclinical study designs

• Contribute to the analysis and interpretation of imaging and

molecular data

Grant Writing and Scientific Communication

• Contribute substantively to the preparation of federal grant

applications (NIH, VA, DoD) and other extramural funding

proposals

• Prepare and submit peer-reviewed manuscripts and present

findings at national and international scientific meetings

• Assist in the preparation of progress reports, IRB/IACUC

protocols, and regulatory documentation

Mentorship and Collaboration

• Mentor graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research

assistants in surgical techniques, cell culture, and experimental

methodology

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across radiology,

neurology, neurosurgery, and oncology

RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT

The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative and

well-resourced research environment. PIGN has access to

state-of-the-art small animal imaging infrastructure including a 7

Tesla and 9.4 Tesla Bruker MRI systems with cryoprobe, a Siemens

Inveon microPET/CT, an MR-guided focused ultrasound system, and a

PerkinElmer IVIS Spectrum for bioluminescence and fluorescence

imaging. The program maintains dedicated surgical and cell culture

facilities and benefits from close integration with the University

of Maryland Medical Center and the VA Maryland Health Care

System.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Doctoral degree (Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D.) in a relevant

biomedical discipline

• Demonstrated expertise in rodent vascular microsurgery,

including catheterization of the carotid and/or femoral

arteries

• Hands-on experience with mouse models of neurological or

oncological disease

• Proficiency in cell culture, tissue processing,

immunohistochemistry, and core molecular biology techniques

• Strong written communication skills with a demonstrated record

of peer-reviewed publications

Preferred

• Experience with intra-arterial delivery of therapeutic agents,

including cells, viral vectors, or nanoparticles

• Track record of successful extramural grant applications as a

named investigator or contributor

• Familiarity with multimodal preclinical imaging platforms (MRI,

PET, optical)

• Experience with GBM or head and neck cancer preclinical

models

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary and faculty rank are commensurate with qualifications and

experience. Salary range $85,000 - $110,000. UMB offers a

comprehensive benefits package that includes over four weeks of

annual vacation accrual, paid holidays, personal leave, unlimited

sick time accrual, and comprehensive health insurance, as well as

professional development programs and tuition remission for

employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland

institution.

.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested candidates should submit a current curriculum vitae, a

brief research statement describing prior experience and future

interests, and the names of three professional references to:

Piotr Walczak, M.D., Ph.D. Co-Director, Program on

Image-Guided Neurointerventions (PIGN) Department of Diagnostic

Radiology and Nuclear Medicine University of Maryland School of

Medicine pwalczak@som.umaryland.edu

The University of Maryland, Baltimore is an Equal Opportunity,

Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive

consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender

identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national

origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other

characteristic protected by law or policy. The Department is

committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment; women

and members of minority groups are strongly encouraged to

apply.