The identification of myocardial infarction (MI) patients who can benefit from revascularisation remains one of the most challenging aspects of cardiology. Ideally, an assessment of viability following myocardial ischaemia requires knowledge of both myocardial blood flow (MBF) and aerobic metabolism (myocardial oxygen consumption MVO2). Unfortunately, the current gold standard for imaging aerobic metabolism, 15O2 positron emission tomography (PET), is not practical for routine clinical use. This project takes the first steps in developing a safe alternative approach based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), using intravenous delivery of oxygen carriers pre-saturated with 17O2 gas and 17O decoupled 1H MRI. The method will be validated in vivo using a pre-clinical model of myocardial infarction. An MRI based method for imaging aerobic metabolism, combined with MRI assessment of perfusion, would allow better assessment of myocardial viability directly via “flow-metabolism mismatch”.

Specifically, the postholder will conduct, manage and publish research in the area of preclinical MRI physics and in-vivo experiments as well as assist in managing and directing this complex and challenging project.

The funding for this post is for 2 years in the first instance. Informal enquires may be made to Dr William Holmes (william.holmes@glasgow.ac.uk).

For further information see http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/BDI364/research-associate-in-preclinical-mri-physics/

Closing date: 3rd September 2017