MRI Analyst – Neuroimaging Research Group

About the employer

The Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC) is a research center dedicated to the prevention of Alzheimer's disease and the study of cognitive functions affected in healthy and pathological aging. It was created in 2012 by the Pasqual Maragall Foundation, with the support of the Pompeu Fabra University.
The mission of the BBRC is to provide innovative solutions to decipher and prevent biological changes and cognitive dysfunction associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Due to the aging of the world population, these diseases constitute a global challenge, since for example, dementia can reach epidemic levels in 2050, with a forecast of more than 150 million people affected, if is not found a way to prevent its appearance and development.
The BBRC received the HR Excellence in Research award (HRS4R) granted by the European Commission; a recognition that shows its adherence to the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Research Staff. The center offers a stimulating and favorable working environment in accordance with the Charter and Code, which describe the rights and responsibilities of researchers and their employers, and contributes to the creation of a transparent, attractive and open ecosystem at international level.
Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Pompeu Fabra University and “la Caixa” Foundation are permanent members of the BBRC Board. The center is affiliated and located in the Ciutadella Campus of the Pompeu Fabra University of Barcelona, in a building inaugurated in 2016. The BBRC headquarters has excellent technical facilities, including a 3T MR scanner dedicated to research, and spaces for conducting Clinical Trials and EEG. State-of-the-art scientific facilities, effective management and continuous high-standard peer-review evaluation are the BBRC core proceedings to ensure achieving world-class research results.
BBRC is also part of the Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), a large research facility that hosts other seven different research institutions related to biomedical research, including the Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), the Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), the Department of Experimental and Health Sciences of the Pompeu Fabra University (CEXS-UPF), the Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE CSIC-UPF), the Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal) and the Barcelona site of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), among others, in a multidisciplinary, collaborative and stimulating international environment in close contact with a clinical setting, thus conducive to translational research. 

More information about BBRC: www.barcelonabeta.org

About the project

The ALFA (for Alzheimer and Families) parent cohort, established by the Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center, comprises nearly 3.000 cognitively normal participants, most of whom are first-degree descendants of AD patients. This cohort was established as a research platform to characterize preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in asymptomatic individuals and will serve to untangle the natural history of the disease and to model the preclinical stages to develop successful trials to prevent AD. Within the ALFA programme, the ALFA+ cohort study is composed of 420 cognitively unimpaired participants, aged between 45 and 65 years at ALFA baseline visit, who have been thoroughly characterised from a sociodemographic, clinical, lifestyle, cognitive, genetic, and biomarker (both fluid and neuroimaging). Participants are followed every 3 years: so far we have conducted the study’s baseline visit (2016-2019), the first follow-up visit (2019-2022), and are currently performing the second follow-up visit (2023-2025) 
During each visit, participants undergo two one-hour MRI sessions in the BBRC’s cutting-edge MRI scanner (Philips Ingenia 3.0T CX), which is dedicated exclusively to research and supported by Philips’ scientific-technical expertise. MRI data are organized and processed using an imaging informatics system (XNAT) tailored for imaging informatics and research workflows. The MRI sequences performed, especially those in the second session, have high innovative value and require thorough analysis and quality control to be validated for future research use.

About the job

The Neuroimaging Research Group, led by Dr. Gemma Salvadó, together with the associated team focused on Neuroplasticity and Connectomics, headed by Dr. Raffaele Cacciaglia, forms a well-established group within the BBRC. Their research activity centers on neurodegenerative diseases and Alzheimer’s disease, employing a wide range of neuroimaging techniques combined with biomarkers and neuropsychological data.

We are looking for a highly motivated MRI Analyst to join our research team. The position is set to begin on September 15th, 2025 and will be available through December 31st, 2026. During this period, there will be opportunities to apply for predoctoral fellowships with the aim of transitioning into a PhD position within our group. The selected candidate will benefit from logistical support and scientific guidance from the neuroimaging research team at the Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC). We are looking for a candidate who is independent, detail-oriented, and enthusiastic about working in a collaborative research environment focused on understanding the human brain.

Main Responsibilities
 

• Perform analysis of structural MRI data, with a focus on techniques such as Voxel-Based Morphometry (VBM) and Cortical Thickness Analysis.
• Process and analyze other neuroimaging modalities, including Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS), functional MRI (task-based and resting-state), and neuromelanin-weighted MRI (NM-MRI).
• Collaborate with researchers in the Neuroimaging and Neuroplasticity teams to support ongoing studies in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.
• Ensure data quality control, preprocessing, and post-processing of MRI datasets.
• Contribute to the preparation of scientific outputs, including figures, documentation and reports.
• Participate in the development of protocols and pipelines related to neuroimaging analyses.
• Engage in internal meetings and scientific discussions, actively contributing to the research environment.
• Apply for predoctoral fellowships to transition into a PhD position during the contract period.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Master’s degree completed by the start date (September 15th, 2025) in Biomedical Engineering, Physics, Neuroscience / Neurology, or a closely related discipline.
• Proven experience and proficiency in neuroimaging, with a specific focus on structural MRI analysis.
• Hands-on experience with neuroimaging techniques such as VBM and Cortical Thickness Analysis.
• Experience with other MRI modalities (MRS, task-based/resting-state fMRI, NM-MRI) will be highly valued.
• Interest in pursuing a PhD and motivation to apply for a fellowship during the contract period.

Personal Skills

• Self-initiative. Capacity to work independently and communicate efficiently.
• Strong problem-solving mindset.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a multidisciplinary team.
• Good Organization and time management skills
• Ability to think independently and work collaboratively (empathic and focused team- worker).
• Goal-oriented and work ethic driven.
• Interest in joining a non-profit organization with a mission of high social impact.

We offer

• Starting date: September 15th, 2025
• Contract: Full-time, temporary position until December 31st, 2026
  (Possibility to apply for a predoctoral fellowship during this period, with the aim of transitioning to a PhD position within the group).
• Full-time position, 38 hours/week.
• Salary will depend on experience and will be in accordance with BBRC’s salary scales.
• The Foundation offers an extended vacation period and the possibility of benefit from flexible working hours.
• Hybrid work model (on-site + teleworking).

We offer a unique research opportunity in a highly innovative project in a multidisciplinary institution, promoting a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.     
In the BBRC we also care about developing your professional abilities and career. We evaluate the potential of our team in order to develop the skills necessary to achieve a high level of professional performance.      

Application process

To apply, please submit a single PDF file containing the following:
1)    Cover letter addressed describing research interests and relevant background
2)    CV
3)    The names of up to three individuals who could provide reference letters. All files or inquiries should be submitted electronically to: talent@barcelonabeta.org. Subject: MRI Analyst - Neuroimaging Research Group

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