Senior Technical Specialist

Role Description

Department of Psychology

The Department of Psychology is recognised as one of the leading and most accomplished departments at York, with a global reputation for excellence in both teaching and research. We are committed to fostering a supportive environment where staff and students can thrive, contribute their best, and achieve their full potential. We take great pride in holding the Athena Swan Gold Award.

Role

The York Neuroimaging Centre (YNiC) is a multidisciplinary hub with a national reputation for excellence in human neuroscience. Equipped with world-class infrastructure, including 3-Tesla MRI and OPM MEG systems, we bridge the gap between academic innovation and commercial application. Beyond our core academic service YNiC provides specialist technical services, high-performance computing, and bespoke imaging solutions to a diverse range of external partners. 

We seek an outstanding senior technical specialist who will deliver in one or more of the following areas: MRI acquisition and pulse-sequence development; the introduction and broader use of advanced analysis methods in cognitive neuroscience; and the wider application of imaging across research domains. You will provide specialist technical knowledge in a world-leading MRI environment to support ongoing research activities and expand imaging capabilities. You will play a key role in the operation and development of the Centre, enabling research across all stages of the imaging lifecycle.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

•   Lead the development and delivery of an MRI data processing and analysis service, providing advice, bespoke training, and support to researchers adopting new analytical approaches and imaging methodologies.

•   Expand YNiC's imaging portfolio beyond neuroimaging into cardiac diffusion and other body imaging applications. Develop and support imaging work on the preclinical MR system, establishing methods and quality assurance to enable translational research.

•   Lead the development and delivery of an MRI data processing and analysis service, providing expert advice, bespoke training, and support to researchers adopting new analytical software and tools in MATLAB/Python.

•   Ensure compliance with GCP, IRAS/HRA governance, and health & safety protocols (including the safe procurement, controlled storage, and handling of MRI contrast agents).

•   Sustain and develop YNiC's capability to deliver high-quality MR scanning services for external sponsors, liaising with local NHS Trusts, clinical trial partners, and contract research organisations.

The ideal candidate will be a proactive, collaborative, and highly skilled specialist with a strong theoretical and practical grounding in MR physics. You bring technical expertise to ensure YNiC remains a safe, fit-for-purpose, and commercially viable environment for pioneering research.

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: please contact (contact name) on (contact details) Dr Elisa Zamboni (elisa.zamboni@york.ac.uk) or Prof Aidan Horner  (aidan.horner@york.ac.uk) or Prof Beth Jefferies (beth.jefferies@york.ac.uk)

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum (essential) criteria for each position will be offered an interview.  Read more about the University of York’s commitments under the Disability Confident scheme.