Senior Preclinical Imaging Scientist - Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Overview

Job Purpose

The Senior Preclinical Imaging Scientist will be a core scientific expert and leader in establishing and driving the University of Glasgow\’s preclinical PET imaging research programme. Based within the University of Glasgow\’s College of Medical, Veterinary, and Life Sciences (MVLS), the Senior Preclinical Imaging Scientist will provide advanced technical and scientific expertise to a diverse research community. The post holder will be a hands-on expert, responsible for developing and implementing new imaging methodologies, mentoring researchers and students, and ensuring the highest standards of scientific output. The post holder will also serve as a Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS), ensuring the safe and compliant use of all radioactive materials within the facility.

This role is a crucial part of a wider strategic development in imaging capabilities across the University and will serve as a key liaison between MVLS researchers and the Molecular Imaging programme at the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute (CRUK-SI). The post holder will facilitate access to the nascent University preclinical PET/CT facility, drive novel PET imaging research projects leading to high quality publications, and build a sustainable and collaborative PET imaging research programme at the University.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Working independently and in collaboration, lead the establishment and maintenance of a new preclinical PET research programme for the University together with wider MVLS and University academic staff.
2. Actively collaborate with researchers from across the University, nationally and internationally to identify and deliver new translational PET research projects, particularly in the area of inflammation and immunity. Facilitate engagement with expert teams at CRUK-SI and the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
3. Promote the use of PET imaging through personal research work and collaborative initiatives. Play a driving role in the preparation of scientific manuscripts, conference abstracts, and reports. Present findings at high-profile national and international meetings, raising the profile of the University\’s imaging programme.
4. Manage the day-to-day operations and logistics for University researchers to access and utilise the PET/CT facility, including managing the servicing, maintenance and operation of the PET/MRI and ancillary equipment.
5. Proactively identify and develop new PET imaging methodologies, radiotracers, and data analysis pipelines to advance research projects across the University. Lead the development and validation of novel PET experiments.
6. Provide expert scientific and technical advice to researchers and students on preclinical PET imaging methodologies, study design, and data interpretation. Through provision of high-level expertise, lead on protocol development and provide expert guidance and implement ex vivo validation as needed.
7. Coordinate with facility management to ensure the efficient use of equipment and resources. Oversee the coordination of radiotracer supply and other necessary consumables for imaging studies. Manage the booking and scheduling of PET/CT scanner time for University researchers, ensuring efficient workflows and proper usage monitoring for financial reporting. Act as the primary point of contact for University users regarding facility access and operational procedures. Perform administrative tasks related to the preclinical imaging, PET and the Shared Research Facilities, including managing budgets and expenditure.
8. Identify new funding opportunities and lead the coordination of strategic bid submissions. Promote the programme and its capabilities to secure external grants and develop an operational plan that supports the programme\’s long-term sustainability and strategic objectives.
9. Provide training and support to University researchers and students on all aspects of preclinical PET imaging, including animal handling, data acquisition, and basic data analysis. Where appropriate supervise Masters Students and act as co-supervisor to PhD students, ensuring all users are compliant with radiation safety and animal welfare protocols.
10. Work closely with the University Radiation Protection Advisor and act as the designated Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) for the preclinical PET imaging facility. This includes overseeing compliance with all relevant radiation safety regulations, preparing risk assessments, and ensuring the proper handling, storage, and disposal of radioactive sources. You will also be responsible for maintaining rigorous quality control procedures and ensuring all studies adhere to Home Office and other ethical guidelines.
11. Act as a key point of contact for both internal and external stakeholders. Promote the University\’s new preclinical PET programme through presentations, publications, and networking events to build and maintain collaborative relationships.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

• A PhD in a relevant scientific discipline (SCQF Level 12 or equivalent) with independent research experience i.e. designing own research & writing peer reviewed papers.
• Extensive and specialised knowledge of preclinical PET/CT imaging research, methodologies and technologies.
• Deep understanding of animal models for translational research.
• Understanding of radiation safety protocols and relevant legislation and of regulatory frameworks for animal research (Home Office).

Desirable:

• Knowledge with other imaging modalities such as MRI, especially in a hybrid PET/MRI setting, SPECT/CT, Optical Imaging, or Ultrasound.
• A developed understanding of a specific disease areas (e.g., inflammation, cardiovascular, neuroscience).
• Specific experience with industry-standard software packages for image analysis and/or proficiency in programming languages commonly used for scientific computing and data analysis.
• Holding a personal Home Office PIL license.

Skills

Essential:

• Outstanding scientific and technical problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to teach, mentor, and collaborate effectively.
• Strong leadership skills combined with an ability to be highly organised and motivated to succeed.
• Strong networking skills to build and maintain collaborative relationships across multiple organisations.
• Ability to manage complex projects, competing priorities, balance stakeholder expectations and resolve conflict effectively.
• Experience providing technically specialist training and guidance to researchers and students.
• A proactive, self-motivated approach, with a drive for scientific excellence and attention to detail.

Desirable:

• Experience with financial data analysis and management of budgets.

Experience

Essential:

• Proven hands-on experience with preclinical PET/CT imaging and associated methodologies.
• Experience working with preclinical models and translational research.
• Proven ability to lead and manage collaborative, multi-disciplinary research projects, from experimental design to data analysis and publication.
• A strong, demonstrable track record of high-impact, peer-reviewed publications related to preclinical imaging.
• Experience of making a distinct contribution to identifying and pursuing research funding applications.
• Experience with advanced image analysis software (e.g., PMOD, VivoQuant) and/or scripting for data analysis (e.g., Python, MATLAB).

Desirable:

• Experience in a role with responsibilities related to radiation safety management, suitable for appointment as a Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS).
• Previous experience in line management or supervision.
• Experience in a role with significant responsibility for managing a core facility or shared resource.
• Experience collaborating with clinical researchers or commercial partners.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 8, £50,253 – £58,225 per annum.

This post is full time and open ended.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1. A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
2. An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension – pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.
3. A flexible approach to working.
4. A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.

Closing Date: 16 October 2025 at 23:45