Animal Research Imaging Specialist

Site:
The McLean Hospital Corporation

Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.

Job Summary

Summary
Working with some independence under the Director’s guidance, collaborates with principal investigators, staff, engineers, and animal handling specialists to conduct related research studies using live animal species, including mice, rats, and nonhuman primates, as well as ex vivo animal and human tissue samples. The Research Specialist collects, securely stores and backs up, and performs initial processing of all imaging related data.

As needed, prepare reports, articles, and presentations based on the data. In addition to scanner operations and study support, this role offers opportunities to contribute to imaging protocol development, image analysis, data workflow optimization, hardware prototyping, and the implementation of novel imaging and neuroscience technologies.

Does this position require Patient Care?
No

Essential Functions
-Operate, maintain (perform regular PM), develop, and support scanner or other imaging machines.

-Carry out both development/exploratory and funded research projects, including experimental design, implementation, troubleshooting, data collection, analysis, and assist with manuscript preparation.

-Process preclinical data, including images and spectroscopy, and maintain data management infrastructure.

-Coordinate and perform research scanning activities, including protocol implementation, equipment preparation, data acquisition, quality assurance/quality control, and user support.

-Run statistical analyses on collected data as requested.

-Perform general lab maintenance of the scanner facility, including interfacing with internal entities and external vendors (e.g., cryogen and gas tank delivery), and maintaining a clean and organized work environment.

-Assist investigators and research staff with the development and implementation of new imaging protocols, research applications, and experimental workflows.

-Support preclinical imaging studies involving small and large laboratory animals and, when needed, assist with animal preparation, positioning, physiological monitoring, and anesthesia-related workflows under established institutional procedures and training requirements.

-Help maintain associated imaging infrastructure, including computers, data storage systems, monitoring equipment, and supporting technologies.

-Work closely with the Electrical Engineering Laboratory to assist with the design and testing of MRI-related hardware, including RF coils, animal support equipment, physiological monitoring devices, and other MRI-compatible technologies.

Qualifications

Education
Bachelor’s Degree Related Field of Study required

Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree?
Yes

Licenses and Credentials

Experience
Animal research experience 1-2 years required and Experience with programming languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB, R or similar) 1-2 years preferred and Experience with imaging operating systems (e.g., Bruker, Varian/Agilent, United Imaging or similar) 1-2 years required

Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

• Must be able to make independent, effective decisions in appropriate situations.
• Must have an aptitude for technical problem-solving.
• Ability to train others to operate the imaging equipment.
• Excellent organizational skills to ensure the smooth functioning of the lab.
• Demonstrated analytical skills and ability to logically sequence projects to maximize research.
• Must possess an aptitude for compliance management.

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

Remote Type

Onsite

Work Location

115 Mill Street

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Employee Type

Regular

Work Shift

Day (United States of America)

Pay Range

$50,502.40 - $82,014.40/Annual

Grade

6

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