Research Associate – Preclinical Imaging (Pharma)

Job Title- Research Assistant I

Location: Cambridge, MA 02141

Duration: Contract till May 2027 with possibility to extend

Checklist:

1. In vivo PET, SPECT, CT, and/or MRI imaging modalities
2. handling laboratory animals (rodents) in research settings
3. Experience working with radioactive materials and radiation safety knowledge
4. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel
5. User experience with quantitative PET/SPECT/CT analysis software (Imalytics, PMOD, VivoQuant, AMIDE, or similar)

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

Required Qualifications

• 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)