Call for Applications

Post of Scientific Officer

Faculty of Engineering Transdisciplinary Research and Knowledge Exchange (TRAKE)

A vacancy currently exists at the Faculty of Engineering to support the University of Malta Magnetic Resonance Imaging Platform (UMRI) as part of the TRAKE project. 

Eligibility 

Applicants must be in possession of a university degree (Master or PhD level) in a science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) subject with a considerable computational component.

Skills and Competencies (the applicant must be able to demonstrate/prove all of the skills mentioned below, if applicable, also practically to the selection board on request)

Applicants must:

• Be able to work both independently and as a member of a team;
• STEM Background (Computer Science, Physics, Maths, Engineering, or a related field);
• Comfortable using a UNIX-like system;
• Familiarity with version control software (e.g. git);
• Familiarity with several programming languages including python;
• Previous experience using and manipulating large data sets
• Be experienced in writing publications and conference abstracts;
• Be interested in the supervision and training of undergraduate students
• Have good communication skills, both oral and written (a good command of the English Language is essential).

The applicants should preferably have at least some of the desirables listed below:

• High-level organisational and problem solving skills; 
• Flexibility, original thinking and an ability to work reliably and under pressure; 
• Skills in resource organisation and schedule development; 
• Report writing skills;
• Experience in the maintenance of equipment;
• Previous experience using MRI analysis software, eg. FSL, fmriprep, datalad, mrtrix3 
• Previous experience analysing MRI data;
• Experience with the DICOM standard
• In possession of, or currently preparing for, a PhD degree related to MRI imaging.

Salary

The post carries an annual salary of €25,062 rising by annual increments of €487 up to a maximum of €27,983. On completion of two years of service in the grade, the appointee will, on satisfactory performance, be entitled to move on to the next salary band with annual increments of €531 up to a maximum of €29,901. After a further period of five years of service in the grade, the appointee will, on satisfactory performance, be entitled to move on to the next salary band with annual increments of €596 up to a maximum of €32,096.

Candidates must upload covering letter, curriculum vitae, certificates (certificates should be submitted in preferably in English) and names and electronic addresses of three referees through this form: https://www.um.edu.mt/hrmd/workatum-general. 

Applications should be received by Thursday, 4 November 2021

Late applications will not be considered. 

Further Information 

The appointee will be responsible primarily for the operational support of research and development carried within an ERDF funded project (TRAKE, sub-project: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Lab) to assist in the set-up and running of a new laboratory for the collection and pre-processing of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data. 

Key Responsibilities and Duties

The appointee will be expected to:

• Collaborate on project plans and organise operational tasks related to equipment, running of samples, purchasing of consumables, and funding related to UMRI; 
• Provide assistance with student research projects within the UMRI;
• Be an active participant in new national and international research projects and collaborations undertaken by UMRI and the Faculty;
• Keep abreast with equipment and software relevant to the research of UMRI;
• Assist in the general running of day to day activities including organisation of conferences and seminars within UMRI;
• Carry out maintenance work and repairs on the equipment of UMRI;
• Contribute to the research output of the UMRI and the interfaculty research groups that form part of it;
• Work on a day to day basis with the academic staff and students participating in the research groups and be responsible to the chair of UMRI;
• Be able to work independently and have a commitment towards the UMRI and its mission.

The appointee is expected to work: 

On a full-time basis, and will not be allowed to engage in any other gainful employment without the permission of the Council; and

At such places and during such hours as may be determined by the University authorities.

The Selection Procedures

The evaluation of qualifications and experience claimed and supported by testimonials and/or certificates (copies to be included with the application).

Short-listing of candidates.

An invitation to short-listed candidates to a Selection Board interview.

The Selection Process

The selection process will follow the document “Guidelines for Members of Selection Boards in the Recruitment of Administrative, Technical and Industrial Staff”

(https://www.um.edu.mt/hrmd/policiesprocedures).

In accordance with the guidelines, members of the Selection Board will establish the following selection criteria for the selection process:

• Relevant academic qualifications
• Relevant work experience
• Aptitude and suitability
• Performance in interview

The appointment will be subject to a probationary period of one year, and to the provisions of the Statutes, Regulations and Bye-Laws of the University which are now or which may hereafter be in force.

Office of the University

Msida, 21 October 2021

111_scientific officer_TRAKE_2021