Postdoctoral Fellowship

Union: Non-Union
Number of Vacancies: 1
New or Replacement: New
Site: Toronto General Hospital
Department: Medical Engineering
Reports to: Ian Connell
Hours: 37.5 Per Week
Salary: $54902 to $93333 annually
Shifts: Monday - Friday ; 9:00 am 5:00 pm
Status: Temporary Full-time 
Closing Date: March 6 2026

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Director of Medical Engineering this postdoctoral position focuses on the design and development of integrated antenna systems for MRI-guided intravascular and interventional devices. The successful candidate will lead the electromagnetic design simulation fabrication and testing of miniaturized RF receive antennas intended for integration into catheters guidewires and other interventional tools to enable high-resolution real-time MRI guidance during minimally invasive procedures.

This position operates within a multi-field MRI research environment (0.5T 3T and 7T) and requires strong expertise in RF engineering antenna theory and MRI physics. The work spans computational electromagnetic simulation through bench characterization to in-scanner validation with the ultimate goal of translating novel antenna designs toward clinical application.

Duties

• Design miniaturized RF receive antennas (loop coils monopoles transmission line resonators) for integration into intravascular catheters and interventional devices
• Perform electromagnetic simulations using tools such as COMSOL CST Microwave Studio or HFSS to model antenna performance coupling behavior and RF safety (local SAR)
• Conduct bench testing of antenna prototypes including S-parameter measurements impedance matching resonance tuning and quality factor characterization using network analyzers
• Develop matching and decoupling networks for integration with MRI receiver systems
• Validate antenna performance in phantom and ex-vivo models within the MRI environment across multiple field strengths
• Collaborate with interventional radiologists neurosurgeons and device engineers to translate designs toward clinical requirements
• Perform RF safety assessments for interventional devices operating in the MRI bore including heating studies and SAR modeling
• Support pulse sequence adaptation for interventional imaging applications as needed
• Document and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences

Qualifications :

• PhD awarded within the past 5 years in electrical engineering biomedical engineering medical physics physics or a related discipline
• Strong foundation in RF/microwave engineering antenna theory and electromagnetic simulation
• Hands-on experience with RF bench measurement techniques including network analyzer operation impedance matching and resonator tuning
• Proficiency with electromagnetic simulation software (COMSOL CST HFSS or equivalent)
• Understanding of MRI physics principles including signal reception B1 field behavior and RF safety considerations
• Experience working in or around MRI systems
• Proficiency in MATLAB Python or similar tools for data analysis and simulation post-processing
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a record of peer-reviewed publications
• Experience designing RF coils or antennas specifically for MRI applications preferred
• Familiarity with intravascular or catheter-based device development preferred
• Knowledge of MR safety standards (IECASTM F2182) and RF-induced heating assessment methods preferred
• Experience with micro-fabrication or flexible circuit techniques relevant to miniaturized antenna construction preferred
• Understanding of active tracking and visualization techniques for MRI-guided interventions preferred
• Exposure to multi-vendor MRI platforms (Siemens Philips GE) preferred
• Experience with regulatory considerations for investigational medical devices preferred

Additional Information :

Why join UHN

In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world UHN offers a wide range of benefits programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor allowing you to find value where it matters most to you now and throughout your career at UHN.

• Competitive offer packages
• Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP access to Transit and UHN shuttle service
• A flexible work environment
• Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
• Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel restaurants parking phone plans auto insurance discounts on-site gyms etc.)

Current UHN employees must have successfully completed their probationary period have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHNs attendance management program to be eligible for consideration.

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.

UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates.  Please ensure you check your email regularly.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading inaccurate or incorrect UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.

We thank all applicants for their interest however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Contract