Research Investigator - Imaging Physics

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is ranked the nation’s top hospital for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals.”  MD Anderson’s mission is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation and the world through exceptional programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention

The overall purpose of this position is to assist the principal investigator with scientific research projects. The Research Investigator will co-lead, facilitate, and provide technical expertise to computational science-based research in the Morfeus lab and for the Image Guided Cancer Therapy (IGCT) Program. 

This position will co-lead, design, and complete computational science research projects in the Morfeus Lab and IGCT and serve as a team expert the design and development of image registration algorithms for complex applications. The Research Investigator will lead/co-lead design, development, testing, validation, documentation, and revisions for algorithms and pipelines, and will serve as a key point person in the laboratory for image registration algorithms. The Research Investigator will assist in clinical translation and maintenance of algorithms, and in the implementation and documentation of graphics, image processing and visualization software to enable the research. The Research Investigator will maintain and learn new tools for troubleshooting and resolving complex and specific problems. The Research Investigator will work closely with clinical and research collaborators and data scientists to analyze, define, and resolve computational problems and improve systems, processes, data transfer, automation, workflow efficiency, and analysis of outcomes for a wide array of computational science-oriented projects. This position will serve as a bridge between the clinical and research areas of the IGCT Program and will contribute directly to the clinical translation of research advances.

Data Management and Workflows  

Procures, curates, and transfers images, clinical information, and outcomes data and records from multiple sources and modalities for IGCT research projects. Performs searches and image curation from radiation oncology treatment planning system (RayStation), patient record and verify system (Mosaiq), image storage system (PACS) and the electronic health record system. Interacts with research and clinical staff and faculty collaborators in multiple departments. Co-leads efforts for data pipeline creation, optimization, automation, management, and deployment. Serves as a key point person and lab expert for the design, development, testing, validation, documentation, revisions, and deployment of image registration algorithms in the Morfeus Lab and IGCT. Maintains clear and comprehensive records of research data, projects, and processes.

Computational Science Research  

Assists principal investigator with scientific research projects, functioning independently to design and initiate research experiments. Co-leads and designs computational research projects with primary focus on image guided cancer therapies and deformable image registration algorithms. Serves as a laboratory expert for image registration algorithms, software, and tools. Leads collaborations on and contributes to cross-functional research projects, including data acquisition and analysis, deployment of algorithms for innovative research, and assessment of workflows and outcomes. Works closely with data scientists, collaborators, clinicians, other stakeholders, and clinical and research systems to analyze and improve systems, processes, data transfer, automation, workflow efficiency, and analysis of outcomes. Co-leads implementation and documentation of graphics, image processing and visualization software. Acquires additional tools and knowledge, as needed, to support the work of Morfeus Lab and Image Guided Cancer Therapy Research Program. Serves as a bridge to help integrate, translate, and maintain advances into the clinical setting. Advises and assists other members of the IGCT and Morfeus Lab teams in analyzing, defining, and resolving computational research problems.

Administrative Duties    

Leads and contributes to written scientific, technical, and commissioning reports, contributes to abstracts, grants and manuscripts. Maintains comprehensive and clear records of data requests, curation and transfer activities, and data generated. Serves as a resource for computational science inquiries and innovative problem solving for complex lab problems. Shares algorithm development and computational science knowledge to assist lab personnel in troubleshooting, as needed.

Other Duties as Assigned