Mri Diffusion Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Office of Research at the University of South Florida (USF) Health Morsani College of Medicine seeks a Computational Imaging Scientist for a non-tenure earning Instructor I faculty appointment to support and advance multidisciplinary neuroimaging research. This research-focused faculty position will lead the development, implementation, and validation of advanced structural, functional, and diffusion MRI analysis methodologies. The individual will work closely with investigators across collaborating departments, colleges, and key stakeholders to support hypothesis-driven research, grant development, and translational research initiatives. The successful candidate will also develop an independent research program aligned with institutional priorities and contribute to the scholarly mission of USF Health. 

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF 

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: 

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.  This job description does not constitute an employment contract.  

MINIMUM:

Minimum: PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience, Neuroimaging, Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, or a closely related field. Demonstrated expertise in neuroimaging data analysis, including structural MRI, fMRI, and/or diffusion imaging. Proficiency in programming for imaging analysis (e.g., Python, MATLAB, and similar languages). Experience with widely used neuroimaging software platforms such as SPM, FSL, AFNI, and FreeSurfer. Record of peer-reviewed publications commensurate with career stage. Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary research environments. Preferred: Postdoctoral training in neuroimaging, cognitive neuroscience, or a related discipline. Experience developing or scaling automated imaging pipelines or computational workflows. Familiarity with statistical modeling, machine learning, or AI-enabled imaging approaches. Prior involvement in NIH, DoD, or other federally funded research projects. Demonstrated success or clear potential to obtain external research funding as a PI or co-Investigator. Experience working within shared research cores or large multidisciplinary research teams. 

• RESEARCH -Lead and support advanced processing and analysis of structural MRI, functional MRI (fMRI), and diffusion-weighted imaging (DTI/DWI) data, including surface-based and volumetric analyses. Develop, optimize, and maintain standardized imaging analysis pipelines using established and emerging neuroimaging platforms. Collaborate with faculty investigators to design imaging components of grant proposals submitted to NIH, DoD, and other funding agencies. Serve as Principal Investigator and/or Co-investigator on externally funded research projects. Integrate neuroimaging data with behavioral, cognitive, and clinical measures to support translational research. Prepare manuscripts for publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present research findings at national and international conferences. Ensure data integrity, reproducibility, and secure management of large-scale imaging datasets in compliance with institutional and regulatory policies. 
• TEACHING -Supervise and mentor postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, residents, and research trainees engaged in imaging and related research. Provide hands-on training in MRI data processing, analysis methodologies, and computational workflows for trainees and junior investigators. Participate in didactic teaching activities as appropriate, including guest lectures, workshops, or formal coursework, based on departmental and programmatic needs. Contribute to the academic development and career advancement of trainees through mentorship and scholarly guidance
• OTHER -Provide imaging science and data analysis support as part of the fMRI Research Core's shared research infrastructure. Participate in departmental, college, or university service activities consistent with faculty responsibilities. Contribute to interdisciplinary research teams, core meetings, and institutional initiatives that advance USF Health's research mission. 
• Responsible to a Chair or other appropriate higher-level administrator of a State university.
• Responsible for teaching, research, service, and related administrative activities.
• Responsible for academic advising and related activities.
• May represent the university, college/school, or department.