Postdoctoral Researcher

Union: Non-Union
Number of Vacancies: 1
New or Replacement: New
Site: Toronto General Hospital
Department: Medical Engineering
Reports to: Ian Connell
Hours: 37.5 Per Week
Salary: $54,902$ to $93,333 annually
Shifts: Monday - Friday ; 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Status: Temporary Full-time 
Closing Date: March 6, 2026

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Director of Medical Engineering, this postdoctoral position offers the opportunity to advance your research training on a pre-specified project or one of your own design in the field of MRI physics. The primary focus is developing novel pulse sequences and imaging methodologies across a range of field strengths (0.5T, 3T, and 7T) for both clinical and pre-clinical applications. The position involves working within a multi-field MRI research environment that supports translational neuroscience, and advanced deep brain imaging. A central physics challenge is optimizing acquisition strategies and reconstruction methods to address the unique constraints and opportunities presented by different field strengths. Key objectives include advancing imaging capabilities, supporting systems development initiatives, and enabling cutting-edge research across our diverse MRI platforms.

Duties

• Design, implement, and optimize MRI pulse sequences for a range of applications including anatomical imaging, diffusion, functional imaging and resolving deep brain structures
• Develop and adapt imaging protocols for deployment across 0.5T, 3T, and 7T MRI systems, addressing field-strength-specific considerations such as SAR management, B0/B1 inhomogeneity, and relaxation time differences
• Perform electromagnetic simulations (e.g., COMSOL, CST, HFSS) for B1+ field optimization, and SAR assessment
• Support RF coil development including scanner assessments, and integration for both clinical and pre-clinical applications
• Develop and implement image reconstruction algorithms including parallel imaging, compressed sensing, and model-based techniques
• Conduct MR safety assessments for research equipment and novel devices operating in the MRI environment
• Support pre-clinical imaging studies including protocol development, scanner operation, and image analysis
• Analyze, interpret, and document research findings for publication and internal review

• PhD awarded within the past 5 years in medical physics, biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or a related discipline
• Demonstrated expertise in MRI physics, pulse sequence development, or quantitative imaging
• Hands-on experience with MRI scanner operation and pulse sequence programming (Siemens, Philips, GE, or Bruker platforms)
• Experience with electromagnetic simulation tools (e.g., COMSOL, CST, HFSS) and/or RF system design
• Strong publication record in relevant peer-reviewed journals
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or C++ for image reconstruction, firmware development and data analysis
• Experience with pulse sequence development across multiple vendor platforms preferred
• Familiarity with ultra-high field (7T) or low-field MRI physics (0.5T) and associated challenges preferred
• Knowledge of how RF coil design and fabrication techniques impacts imaging performance preferred
• Experience with pre-clinical MRI systems and small animal imaging preferred
• Familiarity with advanced reconstruction techniques including parallel imaging (GRAPPA, SENSE), compressed sensing, and deep learning-based methods preferred
• Understanding of MR safety standards (IEC 60601-2-33) and SAR modeling approaches preferred
• Experience with quantitative MRI techniques (relaxometry, susceptibility mapping, diffusion tensor imaging) preferred
• Knowledge of neuroimaging or cardiovascular MRI applications preferred

Why join UHN?

In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world, UHN offers a wide range of benefits, programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor, allowing you to find value where it matters most to you, now and throughout your career at UHN.

• Competitive offer packages
• Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP https://hoopp.com/)
• Close access to Transit and UHN shuttle service
• A flexible work environment
• Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
• Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel, restaurants, parking, phone plans, auto insurance discounts, on-site gyms, etc.)

Current UHN employees must have successfully completed their probationary period, have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHN's attendance management program, to be eligible for consideration.

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.

UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates.  Please ensure you check your email regularly.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.