The Advanced Imaging Research Center (AIRC) at the UT Southwestern Medical Center in

Dallas / Texas / USA invites applications for an open rank (Assistant, Associate or Full Professor 

depending on qualification) tenure-track faculty position in the field of molecular imaging / 

contrast agent development.

Potential topics include but are not limited to (I) novel MRI contrast agents; (II) novel PET 

contrast agents with a focus on brain applications; (III) novel optical or optoacoustic contrast 

agents; (IV) multimodal PET-MRI or optical-MRI contrast agents; (V) theranostic agents;

(VI) molecular imaging of inflammation; (VII) molecular imaging of cancer; (VIII) molecular imaging 

of neurodegenerative disorders; (IX) cross-validation of molecular imaging readouts against ex vivo 

methods (NMR, mass spectroscopy, optical and electron microscopy, biochemical assays) to enhance 

the physiological interpretation of imaging contrasts.

Since its creation in 2005, the AIRC has established a track record of excellence in metabolic 

imaging including the development of MRI contrast agents, a hyperpolarization program, magnetic 

resonance spectroscopy as well as the investigation of tissue extracts by NMR after ¹³C labelled 

isotope infusion. Due to the recent establishment of the O’Donnell Brain Institute at UTSW and to 

better support an active clinical and basic science neuroimaging community at UTSW, UTD and UTA we 

aim to develop a strong MRI neuroimaging methodology expertise to complement the existing focus. 

UTSW has an international reputation in clinical and basic science excellence. There have been six 

Nobel Prize recipients since 1985.

AIRC provides access to human and preclinical MRI scanners to faculty and students at the three 

University of Texas academic institutions in north Texas to advance human imaging studies and 

translational research in animals. The AIRC currently consists of 12 primary faculty and more than 

20 secondary or adjunct faculty and will expand by about 5 primary faculty in near future. AIRC is 

equipped with three human research-only 3T MR scanners (Philips Ingenia, Siemens Prisma, GE 750w), 

one human 7T MR scanner (Philips, first DDAS 7T system worldwide, software R5.9, parallel 

transmission fully integrated, state-of-the art neuroimaging scan protocols, enhanced multinuclear 

capability), three state-of-the art small animal MR scanners (Bruker 3T with HP capability, Bruker 

7T with PET insert, 9.4T with rat and mouse brain cryo-coils and strong gradients), two 

hyperpolarization setups (Spin Aligner for preclinical and SpinLab for human application), 3 NMR 

spectrometers (Bruker) and a large chemistry lab for contrast agent development. The human and 

preclinical MRI and NMR facilities inside the AIRC recently underwent renovation and comprehensive 

hardware and software upgrades and are at the latest state-of-the-art. The nearby Radiology 

Department offers access to a cyclotron and hot chemistry labs for producing radiotracers, small 

animal and human PET/CT and SPECT/CT scanners, bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging for rodents 

and a highly focused ultra-sound (HIFU) system integrated with pre-clinical MRI. The installation 

of integrated human PET-MRI and MRI-HIFU systems (Radiology) and two

integrated MR-LINAC (Radiation Oncology) were completed recently.

Applicants for this position should have a strong scientific record of accomplishment in either

contrast agent development or application of molecular imaging in preclinical or clinical studies, 

which is supported by respective publications and extramural funding. The research focus of the 

candidate should be the development of novel contrast agents and/or the integration and application 

of multi-modal molecular imaging methods. Knowledge of either contrast agent chemistry and/or 

molecular imaging methodology / instrumentation is required. Applicants should have a degree in 

chemistry, biomedical engineering, biology, physiology, physics, electrical engineering, computer 

science or related fields. Experience in supervising graduate students and/or postdoctoral 

researchers is preferred. Faculty are expected to develop an independent, extramurally-funded 

research program and actively engage with clinical and basic research faculty across campus to 

apply the latest molecular imaging technologies to probe basic physiology and investigate small 

animal disease models or to translate molecular imaging into human studies.

The position is available immediately and the search is going to continue until a suitable 

candidate is found. The rank (Assistant/Associate/Full Professor), is dependent on 

qualifications, previous experience and record of accomplishment of the candidate. The offer will 

include an attractive start-up package and a highly competitive salary.

UT Southwestern Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Women, 

minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Applications should include a letter of interest, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications (peer- 

reviewed original articles; review articles; book chapters; conference contributions; patents; 

other), a list of grants (please clearly distinguish grants as PI, as Co-PI and as person funded by 

the grant); a list of supervised students (Bachelor, Master, PhD) and postdoctoral researchers; a 

comprehensive summary of past research experience and future research interests (max 4 pages); PhD 

and Master certificates and respective transcripts; PDF copies of 5 most important publications and 

three references (contact details only).

All materials should be sent electronically as a single PDF file to Anke Henning, Director, 

Advanced Imaging Research Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, US: 

Anke.Henning@UTSouthwestern.edu and uploaded to the UTSW Talent Acquisition system: 

https://jobs.utsouthwestern.edu/job/16792682/molecular-imaging-faculty-advanced-imaging-

research-center-dallas-tx/.