Lab Technician Preclinical Imaging

Job Title

Laboratory Technician (Preclinical Imaging)

Director, Radiobiology

Full Time, Non-Exempt

Austin, MN or Rochester, MN - onsite

The Lab Technician / Research Associate (Preclinical Imaging) plays a key role in supporting cell culture, cell‑based assays, and preclinical model support, enabling high‑quality imaging inputs for radiopharmaceutical development and translational studies.

• Perform in vivo and ex vivo small‑animal studies, including dosing (IV, IP, SQ), tumor implantation, blood sampling, tissue collection, tumor measurements, and tissue dissection.
• Perform and maintain pre‑clinical molecular imaging equipment (PET/CT, SPECT/CT, and optical imaging).
• Prepare, handle, and administer radiopharmaceuticals and other imaging agents.
• Perform pre‑clinical imaging and dosimetry analysis.
• Collaborate with radiochemistry, supply chain, and radiation safety teams to support logistics for evaluating radiopharmaceuticals.
• Support radiation‑safety‑compliant workflows including proper dosimetry, shielding, PPE use, facility surveys, and waste management.
• Support molecular and functional assay development, including receptor binding, internalization, reporter assays, cell proliferation and viability assays.
• Support tumor modeling for in vivo studies.
• Support SOP development and drafting.
• Work collaboratively with Nucleus LABS teams to integrate cell culture, cell‑based assays, and animal models into workflow.
• Participate in project meetings and contribute scientific insight from experimental results.
• Provide support for study planning, experimental design, data tracking, and results reporting.
• Maintain detailed records of all experiments using ELN standards or laboratory notebooks.
• Offer training to colleagues and collaborators on proper cell culture, sample preparation, and imaging workflows.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Radiological Sciences, or a related field.
• Experience:
  
  0 – 2 years in a laboratory setting. Experience working with small‑animals is required.
• Prior work experience in a core facility, radiopharmaceutical lab, or CDMO environment.
• Experience with imaging technologies (PET/CT, SPECT/CT, MRI, optical) and radiotherapy studies.
• Knowledge of radiopharmaceutical workflows and handling of radioactive tracers.
• Ability to create, format, analyze, and share data using logical, statistical, and mathematical functions.
• Experience writing technical documents (procedures, records, forms, experimental reports etc.) required.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to maintain accuracy in laboratory analysis and documentation.
• Advanced interpersonal skills, including but not limited to problem‑solving, teamwork development, and leadership with other team members. Works well with others to achieve common goals required.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team.
• In‑depth critical‑thinking skills to evaluate issues and identify a potential solution. Creatively addresses complex or new problems required.
• Ability to effectively support one or more projects with competing priorities to meet the demands of a fast‑paced and dynamic work environment required.
• Adaptable to quickly changing priorities required.
• Ability to work sitting and standing for extended periods, grasping/gripping, fine motor control with hands.
• Ability to lift / move, transport, position equipment and work items weighing up to 30 pounds across on a frequent basis.
• Normal near visual acuity (20/20 with or without corrective lenses) and no impairment of color vision.
• Testing for visual acuity and color discrimination required.
• Extended hours and weekend work may be required occasionally.

The hourly range in Minnesota is $28.00 to $35.00 per hour. Please note that compensation may vary outside of this range depending on several factors, including but not limited to a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, experience, and location.

Benefit packages for this role include medical, dental, and vision…