Part-Time MRI Research Technologist

The Maternal Influence on Neurodevelopment (MIND) Lab at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC in Roanoke, VA, directed by Dr. Brittany Howell, aims to understand the biological pathways (e.g., specific breast milk components, the infant gut microbiome, etc.) through which mothers affect their infant’s brain and behavioral development. We accomplish this by collecting several concurrent measures, including milk samples, infant fecal samples, measures of infant structural and functional brain development using MRI collected during natural sleep, as well as other functional neuroimaging methods in awake behaving infants, and behavioral measures including parent-report and direct assessment in the lab.

The MRI technologist will aid in collection of MRI data in sleeping infants and toddlers as part of the HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) study, an NIH-funded, longitudinal research project which will examine influences on children’s brain development from the second trimester through age 10 (https://heal.nih.gov/research/infants-and-children/healthy-brain). Working under the supervision of the VT HBCD site MPI, Dr. Brittany Howell, the MRI Research Technologist oversees and manages research activities related to MRI data collection. Among others, responsibilities include: operating MRI machines to carry out MRI research protocols, and assisting research investigators with MRI experiments. Data collection in this population occurs primarily in the evening, on weeknights and weekends. This is a part time, hourly position, with no set hours. Hours to be determined based on scheduled data collection sessions.

• At least 1 year of experience independently collecting MRI data in human participants in a research or clinical setting
• Demonstrated knowledge of basic principles of MRI research methods.
• Demonstrated ability to work well as part of a team, and with diverse families.
• Strong communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to follow instructions.

• Experience with the Siemens MRI platform.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem‐solving skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of principles and practices of organization, planning, records management and general administration.
• Previous research experience.

3

Restricted

Commensurate with experience

8/31/2022

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.