Bibek Thapa

Scientific Instrumentation Specialist with extensive experience operating, troubleshooting, calibrating, and supporting advanced analytical and biomedical imaging instruments in complex research and laboratory environment. Hands-on expertise with a broad range of scientific instruments, including FTIR, XRD, VSM, IVIS, MRI, PET, and CT systems, with strong knowledge of system performance evaluation and optimization. Experienced in instrument diagnostics, quality control, preventive maintenance coordination, technical problem-solving, user training, SOP development, and customer support.

Skilled at translating complex technical issues into practical solutions through effective communication with researchers, engineers, vendors, and end users. Highly motivated to contribute as a Field Service Engineer, providing reliable technical support and maintaining high-performance scientific instrumentation.

Manager, Pre-clinical Imaging Core at Department of Research and Innovation - UNT Health - Fort Worth, TX

(2022-06)

• Operations Management: Manage daily operation and technical support of multi-modal imaging systems including MRI, PET, CT and IVIS instrumentation.
• Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Diagnose technical issues, perform instrument troubleshooting, calibration procedures, and preventive maintenance coordination to ensure optimal system performance.
• Managerial Leadership: Collaborate with manufacturers and service engineers to resolve instrument-related problems. Provide technical training and customer support to core users. Maintain detailed technical documentation and laboratory records.
• Technical Onboarding: Develop and implement quality assurance procedures and standard operating procedures (SOP) for laboratory instrumentation.

Postdoctoral Researcher at Department of Radiology - Thomas Jefferson University - Philadelphia, PA

(2021-02 - 2022-05)

• PET/CT and IVIS Operation: Performed preclinical PET/CT and IVIS imaging.
• Protocol Optimization: Optimized imaging protocols, acquisition parameters, and image reconstruction workflows.
• Troubleshooting: Identified and resolved imaging artifacts to improve data quality and system performance.
• Hardware Maintenance and Quality Assurance: Maintained, calibrated, and troubleshooted PET/CT, IVIS imaging systems. Managed daily equipment calibration using radioisotope standards (57Co, 68Ge), documenting adherence to safety guidelines.

Postdoctoral Researcher at AIRC - UT Southwestern Medical Center - Dallas, TX

(2019-01 - 2021-01)

• MRI Operation: Conducted preclinical 9.4T MRI studies using advanced imaging sequences.
• System Optimization: Optimized acquisition parameters to improve image quality, optimized resolution and SNR.

Graduate Research Assistant at the Department of Physics - The University of Puerto Rico - San Juan, PR

(2012-01 - 2018-12)

• Analytical Instrumentation: Performed advanced materials characterization using FTIR, UV-vis, XRD, XPS, VSM, SEM, EDX, TGA, DSC, DLS & Zeta potential, NMR relaxometry (Bruker and Nanalysis)
• Method Development: Developed and optimized analytical methods for materials characterization and research applications.
• Training & Technical Support: Trained graduate and undergraduate researchers on instrument operation, laboratory procedures, and research protocols.
• Maintenance & Laboratory Operations: Maintained laboratory equipment, performed routine upkeep, and ensured compliance with SOPs and laboratory safety standards.
• Collaboration: Partnered with interdisciplinary research teams on materials science and biomedical imaging projects.
• Conference presentations (Oral): MRS Fall Meeting & Exhibit 2017. MRS Spring Meeting & Exhibit 2016.

Ph.D. - Chemical Physics (Materials Science and Engineering) - The University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus (2018)

MSc - Condensed Matter Physics - Tribhuvan University (2008)