Pre-clinical Imaging Facility Manager (Ft)

The Pre-Clinical Imaging (PCI) core, based in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa, is a state-of-the-art imaging facility which includes MRI, optical, and ultrasound equipment. The core was funded through a major grant from the Canada Foundation for Innovation. The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (through significant matching funds) was a key co-founder of the core, along with the Faculty of Medicine. The core’s main purpose is to support basic and clinical research through the provision of cutting edge, high-resolution imaging equipment and expertise.

• Approx. users in the faculty: 40 researchers, 200 postdoctoral fellows, technicians, and Ph.D. and M.Sc. graduate students.

A. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Manage and supervise all PCI Core Facility equipment in the Faculty of Medicine.
• Manage any individuals who are part of the PCI core facility (other than the director).
• Ensure the imaging machines are functional, which includes coordinating annual maintenance and occasional repairs.
• Provide training for users (researchers, technicians, postdoctoral fellow, graduate students, undergraduate students, visitors) requiring direct use of the equipment (except the MRI) including providing and developing training material
• Minimize the probability of equipment damage by providing training and supervision.
• Manage development of protocols for, and carry out operation of, the MRI machine by the MRI physicist.
• Provide support to researchers ranging from management of the core facility to hands-on imaging services.
• Provide support in all aspects of research projects and facilitate all researchers on short notice.
• Engage in scholarly activities to gain/maintain necessary expertise on the latest technology, including attendance of relevant conferences, seminars, training sessions, and workshops.
• Ensure good communication with users and learn their aims and needs
• Liaison frequently with veterinary staff regarding equipment location, maintenance, animal care, animal handling, and scheduling.
• Liaison frequently with The Department of Radiology regarding MRI protocols and proper interpretation of images.
• Assist researchers with grant, abstract, and journal article preparation.
• Perform regular statistics including tracking and updating a publication list
• Grow Core usage by building collaborative networks and garnering external research contracts.
• Oversee end to end research projects for external users in collaboration with local users and animal services
• Engage in activities leading to acquiring external clients in coordination with Innovation Support Services
• Develop independent research program utilizing core infrastructure.
• Coordinate new purchases, demos, and installations of equipment with all relevant facilities and departments.
• Maintain networks with other core facility managers and associations to continuously develop the core infrastructure and management
• Take part in all decisions regarding the core management and inclusions of new equipment.

B. MARGINAL FUNCTIONS :

• Generate fees by means of billing researchers for time and equipment use to cover partial or total cost of service contracts and operational expenses.
• Control efficiency of budgetary expenses, oversee expenses over revenues.
• Contact service providers to maintain standing services rendered.
• Prepare and forecast budget expenses.
• Serve as co-investigator or collaborator on faculty-led grants if needed.
• Collaborate with the Faculty Health and Safety Officers, monitor and ensure safe workplace practice and follow protocols for the requirement of health and safety legislations.
• Give talks and seminars to market the PCI core and disseminate research accomplishments from PCI projects.
• Attend Research Day events in the form of virtual booths to present the core facility.
• Maintain social media presence on the PCI Core Facility accounts LinkedIn and Twitter.

C. REQUIREMENTS

Essential qualifications :

• Minimum education required: PhD in biological sciences with experience in preclinical in vivo research and imaging.
• Minimum 1 year of postdoctoral fellowship.
• Knowledge of research methodologies, animal handling and lab protocols.
• Knowledge and/or experience with at least one imaging technique used at the Core Facility (optical imaging, ultrasound, intravital microscopy, MRI).
• Knowledge of MRI physics, normally acquired through post-secondary education or equivalent experience is an asset.
• Ability to learn different in vivo imaging techniques.
• Maintain scientific knowledge to provide advice on the latest scientific advances and new technologies in the field which might benefit researchers using the facility.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience designing, developing, and managing projects in a research-intensive environment. More years are preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of the basic science environment for the Faculty of Medicine.
• Must be able to d