About this role
School of Medicine Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,600 faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students, and more than 6,200 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, and Duke University Health System comprise Duke Health, a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home Care and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.
The Position The Department of Neurosurgery at Duke University School of Medicine is looking for a Postdoctoral Associate to join the Ma Lab and lead our work on AI-based analysis of quantitative MRI. The Ma Lab develops MR Fingerprinting and AI-based image analysis methods and moves them into clinical use. We apply these methods across neuro-oncology, epilepsy, functional neurosurgery, and pediatric neurodevelopment, with studies embedded in patient care at Duke.
As the postdoc you will lead the lab's AI image analysis program. You will build deep learning models for segmentation, image synthesis, and disease detection on MRI. You will work directly with neurosurgeons, neurologists, radiologists, and industry partners to decide which outputs change a clinical decision. You will lead first-author papers and conference abstracts, mentor PhD students, and write your fellowship or grants with the PI's support.
Minimum Requirements
PhD (or equivalent doctoral degree) in Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related field, completed by the start date Knowledge of MR physics and MR sequences Research experience in medical image analysis using machine learning and AI Strong programming skills Record of first-author peer-reviewed publications Ability to work independently and communicate clearly with engineers and clinicians
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with brain MRI and quantitative MRI Experience developing deep learning-based image analysis methods for clinical applications Experience working with clinical data Experience collaborating with clinicians Experience scanning human subjects or working with MRI acquisition This position is Onsite. The work is performed on-site or at a designated assignment location.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and validate deep learning models for MR image processing and image synthesis Design and run validation studies that test model performance on external datasets and against clinical outcomes, in collaboration with Duke Neurosurgery and partner departments Build and maintain the lab's shared image analysis pipelines and curated clinical datasets Publish first-author manuscripts, present at conference meetings, and contribute to research funding proposals Mentor graduate / undergraduate students in research and reproducible practice The Lab and Duke The Ma Lab works at the point where new MRI methods meet patients and products.
We collaborate with major MRI vendors on MR pulse sequence and reconstruction development, and our methods are evaluated on vendor platforms toward clinical applications and products. We work with Duke School of Medicine and School of Engineering, and our imaging studies are built around patient care. Duke Health sees a high volume of brain tumor, epilepsy, functional neurosurgery, and pediatric patients, which gives our models the clinical data they need. You will have the opportunity to work with industry partners, engineers, scientists and clinicians.
This position is fully grant funded. Learn more about Duke University's competitive benefits package. Screening continues until position is filled. To apply, submit a CV, a one-page statement of research interests, and contact information for three references to [email protected] Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.