The Translational Sciences group, within Neuroscience Discovery Research, is actively engaged in an innovative research program dedicated to identifying and strengthening biomarkers and translational endpoints to support AbbVie’s therapeutic programs. Working across the Neuroscience portfolio, with assets in neurodegeneration, movement disorders, psychiatry, and migraine, our comprehensive approach includes discovering and developing novel positron emission tomography (PET) radioligands, and their application (along with known radioligands) in drug discovery and development.  

Within Translational Sciences the Molecular Imaging team leads pre-clinical and translational imaging activities working closely with other groups in AbbVie (e.g., medicinal chemists, biologists, pharmacologists, and clinicians), leading academics, and CROs. The responsibility of the In Vivo Imaging Scientist will be to lead and conduct preclinical PET imaging studies. The candidate will have access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and the opportunity to work with novel PET radioligands, animal models, and therapeutic drug approaches. This role operates in a collaborative culture and requires a high degree of matrix working both within the imaging function and across research departments. 

Major Responsibilities: 

• Function as the study coordinator of several preclinical imaging studies. 

• Provide experimental support for preclinical PET imaging studies in rodents and large animals (e.g., formulation and administration of radiotracer/contrast agent/compound, image data acquisition, and blood sampling). 

• Operate various imaging systems, including a Mediso LFER 150 PET/CT and a Mediso Nanoscan PET/CT.  

• Handling & processing of plasma samples for, e.g., radiometabolite analysis via HPLC.  

• Perform analysis of imaging data using specialized software. 

• Develop and ensure high quality study protocols.  

• Ensure maintenance of imaging equipment, in close collaboration with vendor support team.  

• Communicate key results to team members and project stakeholders and contribute to study reports/publications.