Imaging Scientist

Are you passionate about cutting-edge imaging technology, digital pathology, and the power of high-resolution data? Join our dynamic team as we push the boundaries of biomedical research through whole-slide imaging and advanced analysis. As an Imaging Scientist, you'll work at the intersection of biology, technology, and innovation-capturing and decoding the intricate details of tissue samples to support groundbreaking research and drug development. If you're looking for a role that combines hands-on microscopy, computational problem-solving, and collaboration with both clients and scientific teams, this is your opportunity to make a real impact.

Details

Location: Onsite daily at Inotiv's Boulder location

Schedule: Monday - Friday, daytime hours

Salary: This position could be offered at different levels for candidates who qualify with a combination of advanced levels of education and/or years of experience. The salary range for this role is $75,000 - $110,000 and can adjust along with the level of the role to match the person's relevant experience and/or education level.

Job Summary

The Imaging Scientist collaborates with team members to acquire and analyze both brightfield and multiplexed fluorescent images. Image acquisition is primarily performed using the Leica AT2 whole-slide brightfield scanner and the Akoya PhenoImager HT whole-slide fluorescent scanner. Image analysis is conducted using Visiopharm and other image analysis platforms. The Imaging Scientist also communicates directly with clients to discuss imaging capabilities, analysis methods, and study results. Day-to-day responsibilities include image acquisition, complex troubleshooting, process and method development, internal and client communications, and image analysis

Key Accountabilities

• Operate and maintain the Leica AT2 brightfield scanner and the Akoya Vectra Polaris fluorescent whole-slide scanner.

• Apply expertise in brightfield and fluorescence microscopy, tissue pathology, and cell biology to accurately image and analyze tissue samples.

• Participate in the development, optimization, and troubleshooting of multiplex labeling protocols.

• Effectively prioritize tasks to meet internal and external project deadlines.

• Maintain organized documentation of studies, including slide storage and data management.

• Create, optimize, and implement image analysis algorithms for both brightfield and fluorescent images using Visiopharm and other analysis platforms.

• Communicate directly with clients regarding fluorescent imaging capabilities, analysis feasibility, study results, and data interpretation.

• Develop and refine image analysis algorithms using artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and computer vision techniques to quantify histologically prepared tissue slides stained with chromogenic or fluorescent markers.

• Critically evaluate staining quality, image analysis results, and algorithms developed by peers across various images and projects.

• Communicate effectively with internal team members to align on project timelines and resource needs.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including histology, immunohistochemistry, pathology, and data science, to enhance image analysis workflows and support integrated project goals.

• Prepare image analysis methods and data visualizations for inclusion in technical reports and presentations.

• Track project progress using logs, trackers, and reporting systems, adhering to good documentation practices (GDP).

• Advance image analysis capabilities by contributing novel approaches to support new endpoints, biomarkers, and animal models.

• Contribute to team-based learning through participation in journal clubs, roundtable discussions, and interdepartmental seminars.

• Author and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), imaging protocols, and validation documentation.

• Complete all assigned training requirements in a timely manner.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• MS or PhD in molecular or cellular biology, engineering, or a related field - or 3-5 years of hands-on experience in an academic research lab conducting independent studies in these disciplines.

• Minimum of 1 year of experience identifying and troubleshooting computational and/or mechanical issues related to digital pathology or microscopy.

• At least 3 years of experience performing fluorescence microscopy, ideally across a range of imaging modalities, including:

• Widefield microscopy (slides and multi-well plates)

• Confocal microscopy (laser scanning and spinning disc)

• Live-cell imaging (widefield and confocal)

• Other advanced techniques (e.g., SIM, TIRF, Light Sheet)

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in diverse, cross-functional teams within a fast-paced corporate environment.

• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines and support high-profile client projects.

Preferences

• Knowledge of tissue biology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), in situ hybridization (ISH), fluorescence microscopy, and image analysis.

• Proficiency in data analysis, data visualization, and basic statistical methods.

• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a collaborative, cross-functional team in a dynamic environment.

Critical Success Factors

• Customer Focus. Identifies, prioritizes and anticipates customer needs and delivers relevant, value-add, solutions to meet and exceed them

• Results Driven. Internal drive toward action to efficiently, timely, and accurately achieve results. Sets high but achievable standards for self and others. Seeks opportunities to improve process and outcomes. Constantly reviews performance to identify areas to develop.

• Efficient. Takes responsibility for own time and effectiveness. Identifies what needs to be done and does it before being asked or before the situation requires it. Able to work things out without having to be shown too often. Seeks opportunities to contribute appropriately without direction.

• Communication. Able to communicate information and ideas clearly and articulately both in oral and written form. Uses appropriate language, style and methods depending on audience and the purpose of communication. Able to convey complex information clearly. Anticipates the information that others will need. Expresses ideas effectively. Practices attentive and active listening.

• Collaboration. Actively supports and contributes to the success of the team. Actively encourages and practices collaboration and cooperation on the team. Shares information and supports other team members. Can get things done with and through others and set realistic objectives. Seeks opportunities to develop others.

• Relationship Builder. Develops, maintains, and strengthens strong partnerships with others internally and externally, cross functionally, in person and remotely.

• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving. Able to identify and separate out the key components of problems and situations. Able to manipulate and interpret information from a range of sources to spot patterns and trends in information and to deduce cause and effect from this. Can generate a range of creative solutions, evaluate, and choose the most appropriate option

• Improvement Driven. Inspires and generates new solutions and approaches to issues and challenges to maximize efficiency and effectiveness through everyday practice of root cause analysis and critical thinking problem solving; Continually works to refine skills and abilities; Builds on ideas of others to come up with new ways to address issues or problems; Generates creative new solutions and approaches to issues and processes.

• Organization and time Management. Plans and prioritizes work, manages time appropriately to meet deadlines, follows up with others to ensure one's own work and commitments are completed on time, deals with pressure and deadlines through good planning.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Extended computer and display screen equipment usage

• Ability to push, pull, lift 5 pounds unassisted.

• Stand / walk for extended period of time.

• Ability to read and interpret materials, verbally communicate, and hear required.

#LI-Onsite #LI-OF1

*This position could be offered at different levels for candidates who qualify with a combination of advanced levels of education and/or years of experience. The salary range will adjust along with the level of the role to match the person's relevant experience and/or education level.

Inotiv is a growing contemporary drug discovery and development company where we "Play to Win" in an industry rich with opportunity. Together, we face challenges and together we win in the delivery of world-class drug discovery and development solutions that impact the health and well-being of people all over the world. There's an opportunity for everyone at all phases of a career, each individual's unique skill set has an impact on the work we conduct. If you have the talent and desire to impact the quality of people's lives, we have the career opportunities to make it happen. Join us in embracing research and science to impact the health and well-being of people all over the world.

Salary will be commensurate with experience and responsibilities. Benefits include health and dental coverage, short- and long-term disability, paid time off, paid parental leave, 401K, and more!

Inotiv is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide a fair and equal employment opportunity to all persons, regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination and access to benefits and training.