Research Assistant I

Job Description

Overview:

• The Research Assistant will support in vivo preclinical imaging projects within the Bioimaging group of the Global Discovery Pathology and Multimodal Imaging department.
• This role focuses primarily on supporting preclinical PET/SPECT/CT and MRI imaging studies in support of drug discovery and development goals.
• The successful candidate will perform experiments and studies with precision and consistency, contributing to project and candidate R&D objectives through high-quality experimental execution and data analysis.
• This position operates in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment and requires a candidate who demonstrates exceptional organizational skills, outstanding time management and prioritization abilities, and excellent written and verbal communication.
• The ability to thrive under close supervision, meet strict deadlines, and collaborate effectively across diverse scientific disciplines is essential.
• The position offers excellent opportunities for professional development in preclinical imaging sciences, with direct exposure to cutting-edge multimodal imaging technologies and multidisciplinary drug discovery programs.
• The successful candidate will receive mentorship and training to develop expertise in preclinical imaging.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform in vivo PET/SPECT/CT, echoMRI, and MRI imaging studies.
• Support projects utilizing other imaging modalities (optical, ultrasound).
• Handle laboratory animals (rodents) per institutional guidelines and regulations..
• Safely handle radioactive materials in compliance with radiation safety protocols
• Execute imaging protocols with precision and consistency; maintain detailed experimental records.
• Process and analyze imaging data using specialized software; perform quantitative PET/SPECT/CT analysis applying automation methods and AI-powered tools; maintain organized data repositories and ensure data integrity.
• Contribute to the preparation of study reports, presentations, and scientific documentation.
• Utilize GraphPad Prism, Excel, and PowerPoint for data analysis, visualization, and reporting.
• Support the implementation of new imaging protocols and methodologies as directed.
• Maintain imaging equipment, manage inventory, and follow SOPs and safety protocols.
• Troubleshoot technical issues under supervisor guidance.
• Participate in laboratory and department organization activities.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree (Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Imaging Sciences, Physics, or related) plus a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience in an academic or biopharmaceutical setting OR Master’s degree in relevant field.
• Good foundation in scientific practice and biological/imaging sciences principles.
• Recognized as a competent technical contributor.
• Applied technical skills to complete assigned work within a project team using established procedures and methodologies.
• Exceptional time management, prioritization, and personal organization skills.
• Ability to organize work independently to meet deadlines with meticulous attention to detail in execution, data management, and documentation.
• Exceptional English language written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in dynamic, multidisciplinary, team-focused, and fast-paced environment with changing priorities and strict deadlines.
• Proactive problem-solving mindset; active guidance seeking when needed.
• Ability to work in laboratory settings performing detailed procedures with animals and radioactive materials.
• Comfortable working in open office spaces.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience with in vivo PET, SPECT, CT, and/or MRI imaging modalities.
• Experience handling laboratory animals (rodents) in research settings.
• Good understanding of animal anatomy and physiology.
• Experience working with radioactive materials and radiation safety knowledge.
• Advanced proficiency with GraphPad Prism and Microsoft Excel.
• Understanding of preclinical imaging data workflows (acquisition through analysis).
• User experience with quantitative PET/SPECT/CT analysis software (Imalytics, PMOD, VivoQuant, AMIDE, or similar).