Scientist I, Imaging and Pharmacology

Perceptive
  • Needham, Massachusetts
    6 days ago

    Job Description

    What can we offer you?

    Apart from job satisfaction, we can offer you:

    HEALTH

    • Medical, Dental and Vision benefits for you and your family, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

    YOURSELF

    • Paid time off policy including holidays and sick time

    • Internal growth and development programs & trainings

    WEALTH

    • 401(k) program, life & accident insurance and disability insurance

    We are seeking a motivated and skilled Scientist I to support our invivo imaging studies using small animal models. This role is central to our preclinical research team and involves hands-on work with nuclear medicine (PET/SPECT), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The successful candidate will play a key role in project leadership, with the opportunity to oversee staff and lab spaces. They will also provide technical support across a range of in vivo disease models, perform dosing and surgical procedures, and contribute to team leadership by mentoring junior staff.

    This position offers an exciting opportunity to evolve into a strategic leadership role within a fast-paced, collaborative research environment. Whether leading a small team or contributing as a senior individual contributor, you'll have the autonomy to drive research excellence and help shape the future of preclinical imaging studies.

    Key Responsibilities

    Team Leadership & Staff Development

    • Lead or support day-to-day activities within the invivo team, ensuring alignment with project timelines and goals.
    • May oversee and develop junior staff (2-4 members) provide training and technical guidance as needed.
    • Contribute to the management and optimization of laboratory space, including equipment and supply maintenance.
    • Develop, write and enforce laboratory-specific standard operating procedures (SOP’s)
    • Evaluate study protocols and collaborate with Discovery Research teams during protocol development.
    • Liaise with IACUC and internal stakeholders to ensure compliance with animal use protocols (AUP’s)
    • Lead onboarding and integration of new team members.

    Study Support & Execution

    • Participate in protocol development and review with Discovery Research and cross-functional teams.
    • Assist in coordinating study scheduling and establish timelines for protocol execution.
    • Execute a wide range of study types including:
      • Efficacy, biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, toxicokinetic, and xenograft models.
    • Perform dosing and surgical procedures such as:
      • IV, IP, SC, IM, PO administrations
      • Perfusion, tissue resection, microdissection
      • Biological sampling (blood, CSF, organs)
      • Survival surgery and CNS administration (preferred but not required)
    • Assist in image acquisition (PET, SPECT, CT, MRI) and related procedures.
    • Handle radioactive and BSL2 materials, including sample processing, gamma counting, and proper waste disposal.
    • Ensure strict adherence to laboratory SOPs and regulatory guidelines (IACUC, radiation safety, lab safety).
    • Ensure accurate data collection, analysis and reporting.
    • Maintain complete and clear laboratory records.
    • Monitor and report on animal health in collaboration with attending veterinarian.
    • Represent in vivo operations in meetings and cross-functional communications.

    Functional Competencies (Technical knowledge/Skills)

    • ​Some understanding of biology, pharmacology, or small animal imaging in the context of pharmaceutical research
    • ​Ability to multi-task
    • ​Comfort with various computer operating systems and programs 
    • ​Strong written and oral communication skills  
    • Occasional weekend and after-hours work as needed 
    • ​Ability to lift 50 pounds 

    ​Highly Desired Competencies  

    • ​Strong proficiency in IV dosing and minor surgical procedures
    • Microdissection of specific tissues (e.g., lymph nodes, brain sections)
    • Hands-on experience in a preclinical imaging environment

    Experience, Education, and Certifications

    • ​Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Animal Science, or related field, with 7+ years of relevant in vivo research experience or higher degree with 5+ years of relevant in vivo research experience.
    • Demonstrated experience mentoring laboratory staff.
    • Competence with computer systems and laboratory data platforms.
    • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
    • Availability to work occasional weekends as required.

     This role is based in the Perceptive office/lab located in Needham, MA.  The annual base salary range for this role is $65,305-$121,287.  This range represents the anticipated initial annual salary and may vary depending on several factors including the candidate’s experience and skills and may be subject to market rate adjustment.

    Numbers & Facts

    LocationNeedham, Massachusetts

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