Associate Scientist, Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Translational Imaging
MSD
Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated scientist for a postdoctoral fellowship position within the Translational Imaging group at our company's Research Laboratories in South San Francisco, California. The successful candidate will contribute to the development and application of advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) approaches to investigate skeletal muscle physiology, muscle metabolism, and muscle health in metabolic disease. The fellowship will focus on quantitative imaging biomarker development and translational imaging technologies that enable noninvasive assessment of muscle composition, function, and energetics in preclinical models.
Job description
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated scientist for a postdoctoral fellowship position within the Translational Imaging group at our company's Research Laboratories in South San Francisco, California. The successful candidate will contribute to the development and application of advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) approaches to investigate skeletal muscle physiology, muscle metabolism, and muscle health in metabolic disease. The fellowship will focus on quantitative imaging biomarker development and translational imaging technologies that enable noninvasive assessment of muscle composition, function, and energetics in preclinical models.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement advanced MRI/MRS methodologies for preclinical research.
- Design, optimize, and validate imaging acquisition and analysis workflows.
- Contribute to MRI pulse sequence development and programming.
- Analyze and interpret complex imaging datasets using quantitative and computational approaches.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across imaging, biology, pharmacology, and data science.
- Present research findings at scientific conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
- Drive innovative research projects while developing scientific independence and technical leadership.
Education Minimum Requirement
Must currently hold a PhD OR receive a Ph.D. no later than spring 2027. Ph.D. in Physics, Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Imaging Science, Biophysics, Applied Mathematics, or a related quantitative discipline.
Required Experience and Skills
- Strong foundation in MRI physics and magnetic resonance theory.
- Experience with MRI pulse sequence development and/or pulse sequence programming.
- Experience with quantitative image analysis and scientific computing.
- Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, C++, or related languages.
- Demonstrated scientific productivity through publications and presentations.
- Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaborative skills.
Preferred Experience and Skills
- Experience with MRI/MRS method development, pulse sequence programming, image reconstruction, or quantitative imaging.
- Experience with ³¹P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (³¹P MRS) and/or other advanced spectroscopy techniques.
- Experience working with preclinical or clinical MRI systems.
- Experience in obesity, diabetes, metabolic disease, skeletal muscle biology, adipose biology, or related fields.
- Experience working with and handling laboratory animals in a research setting.
- Familiarity with machine learning, AI, or quantitative biomarker development.
- Interest in translational imaging and muscle physiology research.
Requirements
- Must currently hold a PhD or receive a Ph.D. no later than spring 2027
- Ph.D. in Physics, Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Imaging Science, Biophysics, Applied Mathematics, or a related quantitative discipline
- Strong foundation in MRI physics and magnetic resonance theory
- Experience with MRI pulse sequence development and/or pulse sequence programming
- Experience with quantitative image analysis and scientific computing
- Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, C++, or related languages
- Demonstrated scientific productivity through publications and presentations
- Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaborative skills
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- 401(k) Matching
- Retirement Benefits
- Paid Holidays
- Vacation
- Compassionate Leave
- Sick Days
- Annual Bonus
- Long-Term Incentive
Company overview
MSD, known as Merck Sharp & Dohme outside the United States and Canada, is a global research-intensive biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Rahway, New Jersey. Founded in 1891, the company has established itself as one of the world's leading pharmaceutical corporations with a rich history spanning over 130 years. MSD operates as the international division of Merck & Co., Inc., focusing on the discovery, development, manufacturing, and marketing of innovative medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and animal health products. The company's extensive portfolio includes groundbreaking treatments in oncology, infectious diseases, cardiology, diabetes, and vaccines, with notable products such as Keytruda (pembrolizumab) for cancer immunotherapy, Gardasil for HPV prevention, and Januvia for diabetes management. MSD maintains a strong commitment to research and development, investing significantly in scientific innovation to address unmet medical needs worldwide. With approximately 75,000 employees globally, the company operates through four main segments: pharmaceuticals, animal health, healthcare services, and strategic alliances. MSD's mission centers on using leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world, guided by the principle that medicine is for people, not profits.