The Singapore Bioimaging Consortium (SBIC) is a member of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). The Consortium aims to harness existing imaging expertise and capabilities in Singapore and develop them into a focused national platform to support the growth of multi-disciplinary research activities and speed the development of biomedical research discoveries.

Due to the formation of new research groups and expansion of research activities, we are looking for suitable candidates in the following areas:

Postdoctoral Fellow in Small Animal Imaging

Postdoc positions are available in the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Group, Singapore Bioimaging Consortium (SBIC) in Singapore. SBIC is a government funded research institute lead by Sir George Radda dedicating on advancing pre-clinical imaging and its translation to clinical applications. SBIC is composed of four major labs studying from animal models, imaging probe design, imaging techniques, to data processing. For further information about SBIC, please visit our website: http://www.sbic.a-star.edu.sg/.

The research focus of the MRI Group is on the development of advanced MRI methods and imaging biomarkers for detection of neural plasticity, neurodegeneration, regeneration and tumor in small animal disease models. Methods include functional MRI, diffusion, perfusion (arterial spin labeling and contrast enhanced), manganese-enhanced MRI, chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST), pharmacological MRI, etc. We are also working with a major pharmaceutical company to develop new methods for evaluating drug effects in the brain and tumor. The results will be validated by EEG, spectroscopy, histology, or other imaging modality like PET. We have very active interdisciplinary research teams consisting of people from engineering, biochemistry, physics, chemistry, biology, and neuroscience backgrounds. It is worth noting that Prof David Townsend is leading the PET/SPECT development group in SBIC.

The successful candidate will have chance to work with scientists at the Clinical Imaging Research Center to translate the methods into clinical applications. The center currently hosts a Siemens 3T TIM Trio system and is expanding to include more imaging modalities and higher field MRI.

The lab currently hosts a Varian 9.4T MRI, a Bruker 7T ClinScan MRI, a Bruker 400MHz NMR and a NanoSPECT/CT. A microPET will be installed in 2010. Other facilities include a chemistry lab for imaging probe development, a molecular biology lab for developing transgenic animal models, and the SBIC-Nikon imaging center, which hosts all the advanced live cell optical imaging systems by Nikon. We also have access to animal behavior and radiochemistry facilities.

We welcome highly-motivated people who want to explore new ideas and multidisciplinary researches to apply. Preferred background includes, but not limited to, neuroscience, biology, physics, and engineering. Prior experience with MRI/NMR or animal surgery is preferred.

Interested candidates should submit his/her CV to the following address:

You will be responsible for the development of animal models and/or Stem cell biology in SBIC for the study of Stem Cell applications in pre-clinical models of Neurodegenerative diseases, the translation of the technologies and findings to clinical investigations in Clinical Imaging Research.

• At least PhD in Neuroscience or related field with emphasis on stem cell applications
• Minimum 3 years experience in pre-clinical models
• Experience and enthusiasm for research in the field of imaging such as MRI and PET

You will be responsible for the development of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and advanced spectroscopic imaging approaches for the study of metabolic abnormalities in pre-clinical and/or clinical setting. Research will include models of diabetes, insulin resistance and neuronal insults, the translation of the technologies and findings to clinical investigations in Clinical Imaging Research Centre as well as to link up with the metabolic imaging in Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences. There will also be opportunities to work on collaborative projects for development of multi-modal metabolic imaging such as MRI and PET.

• At least PhD in Physics, Biophysics, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or related field with emphasis on Magnetic Resonance
• Skills in one or more of the programming environment will be desirable
  C, C++, Matlab, IDL
• Experience with pulse sequence development and data analysis on pre-clinical and/or clinical MRI/MRS scanners will be an added advantage

You will study the molecular regulation of hormone secretion and its role in the pathogenesis of diabetes and obesity using mouse genetic, biochemical, electrophysiological, optical imaging, molecular and cell biological approaches.

• A recent PhD or MD in Physiology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Genetics or related fields in biological sciences
• Enthusiasm and commitment to research in the area of metabolic diseases

The research focuses on the development of novel bioimaging probes and discovery of new biomarkers for stem cells, diabetics, and various neuro dieseases.

• PhD in biology, chemistry, engineering or related field with emphasis of bioimaging
• Experience with bioimaging, molecular & cellular biology is preferred.
• Experience with rodent imaging will be an added advantage.

Interested applicants are invited to send in your detailed resume to