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Functional Neuroimaging Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Functional Neuroimaging information

See Virginia salary details

$44.6K

$81.6K

$128.4K

How much do functional neuroimaging jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for functional neuroimaging in Virginia is $81,580.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,800.00 and $93,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is functional neuroimaging?

Functional neuroimaging refers to a set of techniques used to measure and visualize brain activity in real time, typically while a person performs specific tasks or experiences certain stimuli. Common methods include functional MRI (fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and magnetoencephalography (MEG). These tools help researchers and clinicians understand how different areas of the brain contribute to various mental processes and behaviors. Functional neuroimaging is widely used in neuroscience research, clinical diagnosis, and pre-surgical planning for brain surgeries.

What are jobs that use functional neuroimaging?

Jobs that use functional neuroimaging include neurologists and neuropsychologists. Functional neuroimaging is a process that creates images that show activity in parts of the nervous system or brain. As a neurologist or neuropsychologist, you use these images for diagnosis and to develop treatment plans for patients. You analyze brain activity in patients who have brain injuries and mental disorders, using research and patient data to fulfill treatment and care duties. Your responsibilities include interpretation of scans, investigation of brain functions versus mind functions, and developing treatments for brain conditions. In engineer roles, you use technology tools to evaluate and measure brain functions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a functional neuroimaging specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Functional Neuroimaging Specialist, you need a solid background in neuroscience, psychology, or biomedical engineering, usually supported by an advanced degree and experience in neuroimaging research. Expertise in using MRI, fMRI, PET, and analysis software like SPM or FSL, along with familiarity with data processing and statistical tools, is critical. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and collaboration skills help interpret complex data and work effectively with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are vital to ensure accurate research findings, patient safety, and the advancement of brain science.

What are the typical collaborative relationships for a functional neuroimaging specialist within a research or clinical team?

Functional Neuroimaging specialists regularly collaborate with neurologists, radiologists, psychologists, and data scientists to design studies, interpret imaging results, and integrate findings into broader research or clinical objectives. They often work closely with MRI technologists and research coordinators to ensure proper data acquisition and protocol adherence. Effective interdisciplinary communication is key, as these roles require integrating neuroimaging insights with clinical assessments or experimental outcomes. Such collaboration not only enhances the quality of research but also opens pathways for professional growth and multidisciplinary learning.

What is the difference between Functional Neuroimaging vs Neuropsychologist?

AspectFunctional NeuroimagingNeuropsychologist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees in neuroscience or related fields, often with specialized training in neuroimaging techniquesDoctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology, with specialization in neuropsychology
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, hospitals, imaging centers, academic institutionsClinics, hospitals, private practices, research settings
Industry UsagePrimarily in research and clinical studies to visualize brain activityAssessing and diagnosing cognitive, behavioral, and neurological conditions

Functional Neuroimaging focuses on using imaging techniques like fMRI and PET scans to visualize brain activity, often in research settings. Neuropsychologists evaluate cognitive functions and diagnose neurological conditions through assessments. While both work within neuroscience, their roles differ in methods and application.

Infographic showing various Functional Neuroimaging job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,580 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Research Scientist, Neuroradiology

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


University Of Virginia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

210th of 622 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The Division of Neuroradiology within the Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging at the University of Virginia (UVA) within the School of Medicine seeks applications for a Research Scientist. We are seeking applicants whose research interests center on using advanced brain MRI to better understand the structure and function of the human brain under both normal and pathologic situations. The Research Scientist will work with the Division Chief of Neuroradiology to broadly facilitate collaborative human brain MRI research between the Division of Neuroradiology and other Departments across Grounds at UVA. Research work will be largely conducted with independent judgment, while reporting outcomes to the Division Chief regularly. All candidates will be encouraged to develop their own research projects, including seeking extramural funding.
The tasks associated with these responsibilities may include:
  • Working with the Division Chief and other collaborators to better design and implement MRI approaches for ongoing and new research projects.
  • Train and supervise other personnel in the performance of advanced brain MRI data analyses
  • Intellectually engage with the UVA brain imaging community to foster new research directions and improve the quality of existing research
  • Analysis of large brain MRI data sets, including statistical testing
  • Write and submit peer-reviewed manuscripts. Manage the publication process of peer-reviewed manuscripts.
  • Present results at scientific conferences.
  • All candidates will be required to pursue extramural funding to perform independently developed research projects.

QUALIFICATIONS
A doctoral degree (or master's degree with significant experience) is required, preferably a PhD degree with dissertation work that utilizes human neuroimaging methods. Possible PhD fields could include (but are not limited to): neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Psychology or Data Science.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Ability to process and integrate more than one type of advanced human brain MRI data (e.g. functional MRI, diffusion MRI, volumetric MRI, perfusion MRI, etc.) is required, as demonstrated by publication record.
  • Ability to perform high-throughput analyses on large data sets with a high-performance computing cluster is preferred.
  • Prior experience working with neuroimaging data from neurological or neurosurgical patient populations is preferred.
  • Recent postdoctoral research experience that integrates the analysis of advanced brain MRI is preferred.
  • Able to work independently and train junior lab personnel, who might include undergraduate students, medical students, graduate students and clinical residents/fellows.
  • Familiarity with commonly utilized neuroimaging research software (SPM, FSL, MRItrix, Freesurfer, etc.).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.
Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits .
Initial appointments and reappointments to these positions may be made in increments of one to three years, contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.
This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.
About UVA and the Community
To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA .
Additional Requirements
Background checks, pre-employment health screenings, and drug screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
How to Apply
Please apply online , by searching for requisition number R0086322. Complete an application with the following documents:
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Contact information for three professional references

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.
Internal applicants: Search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website .
Reference Check Process
Reference checks will be completed by UVA's third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.
Contact
For questions about the application process, please contact Jeremy Brofft, Senior Academic Recruiter at xmf9ad@virginia.edu .
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .

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About University of Virginia

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The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819