Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Manager, Research Imaging and Analytics - Think & Speak Lab

Chicago, IL Full time

By joining our team, you’ll be part of our life-changing Mission and Vision. You’ll work in a truly inclusive environment where diversity and equity are championed through words and actions. You’ll contribute to an innovative culture that is second to none, one that embraces curiosity, discovery and compassion. You’ll play a role in something that’s never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes — as we Advance Human Ability, together.

Job Description Summary

This Manager, Research Imaging and Analytics (“Manager”) leads research imaging at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, requiring someone with a Ph.D. in a relevant technical field and 7+ years of MRI research experience. The role combines technical leadership with people management - overseeing imaging operations, developing data analysis pipelines, and collaborating with diverse research teams across Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Key responsibilities include coordinating equipment use among research and clinical activities, implementing imaging components for studies, and collaborating with scientists and clinicians on grant development. The Manager may also develop custom devices, train staff, and maintain expertise in emerging imaging technologies. This is essentially a senior technical leadership position that bridges advanced MRI research with operational management and collaborative scientific support.

The Manager will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute.

The Manager will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, and Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties.

Job Description

The Manager, Research Imaging and Analytics will:

  • Manage and oversee the operation of research imaging activities.

  • Coordinate the use of equipment between research and clinical activities.

  • Participate in implementing imaging components of basic science and clinical studies.

  • Develop and maintain standard quality control and data analysis pipelines.

  • Assist with identifying appropriate software for MRI data acquisition and analysis.

  • Work with scientists/clinicians to develop and implement study-specific data analysis and machine learning pipelines.

  • Advise and assist scientists and clinicians with the selection of appropriate imaging protocols and parameters.

  • Collaborate with scientists and clinicians during grant development to integrate imaging components in their research proposals.

  • Anticipate the needs of scientists and clinicians engaged in imaging research and provide advice on an ongoing basis. Suggest problem resolutions and procedures that best meet their short-term and long-term needs.

  • Develop and adapt stimulus delivery and data collection instrumentation and devices for use in imaging studies.

  • Train research staff in imaging data preprocessing and analysis.

  • Maintain and develop updated knowledge of imaging technology and data analysis methods through professional development and regular participation in professional and scientific meetings.

  • With appropriate accreditation, may be asked to assist with independent scanning of clinical patients.

  • Perform all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, including special projects.

Reporting Relationships

  • Reports to the Scientific Chair, Think & Speak Laboratory.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

  • Ph.D. in Engineering, Physics, or equivalent technical field.

  • Minimum 7 years of post-graduate research experience using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques.

  • ARRT or ARMRIT accreditation is preferred.

  • Scientific knowledge and technical expertise required to collect and process MRI data.

  • Supervision and management experience working in diverse teams.

  • Experience in budgeting and the administration of research projects.

  • Experience in interfacing third party equipment and data collection instruments with the MR scanner.

  • Experience in developing MR-compatible custom stimulus delivery and feedback devices for task-based fMRI.

  • Strong analytical skills to identify, diagnose and problem solve independently.

  • Strong experience in statistical analysis and machine learning and relevant programming languages (R, Python, MATLAB, Bash, etc.).

  • Experience in human biomedical research in diverse populations: healthy, people with disabilities, and pediatric populations.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

  • Evidence of interdisciplinary interests related to rehabilitation.

  • Strong interpersonal skills.

Working Conditions

  • Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature.

Pay and Benefits*:

Pay Range: $ 95,508.19 annually - $ 158,537.60 annually  

Benefits: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab offers a comprehensive benefits program that is competitive with our industry peers in our geographic locations:  https://www.sralab.org/benefits

*Benefits and benefits’ eligibility can vary by position. Actual compensation will vary based on applicant’s experience and qualifications, as well as internal equity. 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Equal Employment Opportunity

ShirleyRyan AbilityLab 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.