Senior Scientist, Imaging (12 Month Contract)

Job summary

Design, conduct, reconstruct, and analyze preclinical imaging studies of radiopharmaceuticals in rodent disease models, integrating imaging results with ex vivo biodistribution, efficacy, and pharmacology data to inform research decisions. Develop imaging methods and capabilities, oversee imaging equipment and protocols, and collaborate with teams while mentoring junior scientists.

Job details

Senior Scientist, Imaging Duration: 12 months Location: Hamilton, ON Onsite 5 days/ week Description: Fusion Pharmaceuticals, part of the AstraZeneca Group, is redefining precision oncology with next‑generation radio conjugates that deliver powerful alpha‑emitting payloads directly to tumors. Our pipeline spans multiple first‑in‑class programs—backed by a GMP‑compliant, brand new radiopharmaceutical facility in Hamilton, we’re turning groundbreaking science into real‑world impact for patients. Join us at the forefront of radio pharma innovation and be part of turning breakthrough science into meaningful outcomes for patients—come build what’s next with us! The Role: As Sr. Scientist, Imaging, this role is for an experienced preclinical imaging scientist to join the In Vivo Pharmacology team within AstraZeneca’s Radioconjugate Discovery Group. The successful candidate will provide strategic and technical expertise in the conception, design, execution and interpretation of preclinical imaging studies. A critical component will be the integration of nuclear imaging methodologies with pharmacology and ex vivo readouts to provide decision-enabling insights across Discovery activities including candidate screening and selection, mechanism of action, dosimetry, and biomarker discovery. What you’ll do Design, conduct, and analyze imaging-based biodistribution and mechanistic studies of radiopharmaceuticals in rodent models of cancer (or other disease indications of interest) to enable decision-making data packages for go/no-go decisions. Perform reconstruction and quantification of multimodal imaging data Drive the development and implementation of imaging-based methods to explore dosimetry and PK/PD relationships as they relate to mechanism of action across our therapeutic pipeline. Integrate results with ex vivo tissue biodistribution and efficacy studies Build strong partnerships with cross-functional experts, align collaborators and clearly communicate plans and results to teams and governance Develop and expand internal preclinical imaging capabilities and spearhead the incorporation of nuclear imaging modalities into AstraZeneca’s Radioconjugate Discovery experimental workflow. Align nuclear medicine imaging protocols, including review of parameters for QC, image acquisition and reconstruction, radiation dose determination, and protocol dose management Oversee the maintenance, calibration, and operation of innovative PET/SPECT/CT/MRI/Optical imaging equipment Mentor and train junior scientists on image acquisition, reconstruction, and analysis Produce high quality and well documented data with strong attention to detail Contribute to internal project teams through the setting and achievement of scientific goals, communication of results, and solving multifaceted scientific challenges Other duties as required Essential for the role MSc or Ph. D (Biochemistry, Biology, Immunology, Biomedical Engineering, Medical physics, Molecular/Cell Biology or related field) 3–6+ years of hands-on preclinical in vivo imaging in mouse models, demonstrating expertise in PET/SPECT and at least one of MRI or CT Experience with in vivo mouse solid tumor models including IV injections, tumor implantation and tissue collections Proficiency with analysis tools (PMOD, VivoQuant, 3D Slicer, Amide) and scripting (Python/MATLAB/R) for automation and reproducibility Expertise with the operation of nuclear imaging equipment including software image reconstruction, analysis, and quantification of nuclear imaging data Ability to adapt to, perform, and develop unfamiliar methods in a rapidly evolving research environment Dedicated to finding practical solutions and works well with others in a multi-disciplinary setting, with the ability to communicate with colleagues at all levels Experience with the safe handling of radioactive and biohazardous materials Desirable for the role Theranostic strategy experience and preclinical dosimetry modeling Proficiency in quantitative image analysis and statistics and integration with ex vivo and PK/PD datasets Experience evaluating radioconjugates in solid tumors (antibody-, peptide-, or small-molecule–based), including isotope/chelator selection and labeling parameters impacting in vivo behavior. Biotech or pharmaceutical experience is an asset Great People want to Work with us! Find out why: GTAA Top Employer Award for 11 years Top 100 Employers Award Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Culture Learn more about working with us in Canada View our YouTube channel Are you interested in working at AZ, apply today! AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion and providing a workplace that is free from discrimination. AstraZeneca is committed to accommodating persons with disabilities. Such accommodation is available on request in respect of all aspects of the recruitment, assessment and selection process and may be requested by emailing AZCHumanResources@astrazeneca.com. ⠀ Annual base salary for this position ranges from 108,713.60 to 142,686.60. AstraZeneca is committed to providing fair and equitable compensation opportunities to all colleagues. Our compensation policies and practices have been designed to allow colleagues to progress through the salary range over time as they progress in their role. The range provided in this posting represents an offer pay range used in a majority of situations. The base pay offered will vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including the candidate's skills and experience, job-related knowledge, and other specific business and organizational needs. In some cases, offers outside the range may also be considered to address unique circumstances. In addition, our permanent positions offer an annual Variable Pay Bonus/Short Term Incentive opportunity as well as eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (if applicable to role). Benefits offered for permanent roles include a competitive Flex Benefits & Retirement Savings Program, 4 weeks’ paid vacation, and annual Personal Days. Fixed Term Contract/Temporary positions (excluding students) are offered a Contract Benefits Program. We are using AI as part of the recruitment process. This advertisement relates to a current vacancy.

What you’ll do

Design, conduct, reconstruct, and analyze preclinical imaging studies of radiopharmaceuticals in rodent disease models, integrating imaging results with ex vivo biodistribution, efficacy, and pharmacology data to inform research decisions. Develop imaging methods and capabilities, oversee imaging equipment and protocols, and collaborate with teams while mentoring junior scientists.

Requirements

Requires an MSc or PhD in a relevant life science, biomedical engineering, or medical physics field, plus 3–6+ years of hands-on preclinical imaging experience with PET/SPECT and at least one of MRI or CT. Candidates must have experience with mouse tumor models, imaging equipment and analysis software, scripting, and safe handling of radioactive and biohazardous materials.

Benefits

• Contract Benefits Program

Listed skills

• Python · Preferred
• Cross-Functional Collaboration · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Preclinical In Vivo Imaging
• PET/SPECT Imaging
• MRI/CT Imaging
• Mouse Tumor Models
• Radiopharmaceutical Biodistribution
• Image Reconstruction and Quantification
• PMOD
• VivoQuant
• 3D Slicer
• Amide
• Python
• MATLAB
• R
• Preclinical Dosimetry
• Radioactive Material Handling
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Communication
• Management
• Governance
• Workflow Management
• Decision Making
• Innovation
• Detail Oriented
• Biology
• Pharmaceuticals
• Research
• Immunology
• Python (Programming Language)
• Scripting
• Automation
• Optics
• Collections
• Go (Programming Language)
• R (Programming Language)
• Statistics
• Packaging And Labeling
• Oncology
• Biochemistry
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Biotechnology
• Intravenous Therapy
• Nuclear Medicine
• Pharmacodynamics
• Pharmacokinetics
• Pharmacology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Quantification
• Cell Biology
• Biomarkers
• Radiopharmacology

Job areas

• Science & Research
• Healthcare
• Engineering
• Imaging Scientist
• Pharmacology Research Scientist
• Pharmaceutical Technicians and Assistants
• Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

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