PET Data Analyst and Modeller (Research Associate) Full Time

University of Glasgow
Job Purpose

This PET Data Analyst and Modeller post focuses on developing and applying analysis pipelines for complex total-body PET imaging data from the MRC-funded Scotland Total-Body PET facility. The role involves performing kinetic modelling, parametric, and network analysis, as well as validating results using ex vivo and in vitro techniques. You will also conduct developmental and translational work using preclinical total-body data acquired across the Scotland facility.

A key part of your responsibilities will be to lead research and innovation outcomes by designing protocols, collecting and analysing data, and publishing your findings in peer-reviewed journals. This is a highly collaborative position where you’ll interact directly and indirectly with a major multidisciplinary team, including staff and students from the Molecular Imaging Facility at the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, the Whole-Body Imaging Facility and the Imaging Centre of Excellence at the University of Glasgow, as well as NHS colleagues at the West of Scotland PET Centre. This includes physicists, technicians, radiochemists, image analysts, research scientists, and clinical researchers. You’ll also collaborate with teams at the University of Edinburgh, a partner institution on the Total-Body PET Scotland Facility project. The post-holder will be based at the University of Glasgow.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Take a leading role in the development and validation of new image analysis pipelines for complex total-body PET datasets, including kinetic modelling, parametric, and network analysis.
2. Support the planning, design, and management of new total-body PET studies while also optimising existing pipelines for acquisition, reconstruction, processing, and analysis.
3. Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of the University of Glasgow/School/Research Group/area, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.
4. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
5. Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research and/or impact profile.
6. Continuously update knowledge and skills in the field of PET acquisition, reconstruction, processing, and analysis. Securely manage and archive research data, maintain accurate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and ensure all Health & Safety and regulatory protocols are followed.
7. Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group/area activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College.
8. Take the lead in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team on PET imaging, kinetic modelling, and other image processing techniques to ensure their effective development.
9. Contribute as appropriate to teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating, etc) and associated administration, as may be assigned through the School in consultation with your line manager.
10. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/area/School/College/University and wider community (e.g. academic and industrial partners).
11. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.
12. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by your line manager and the Head of School.
13. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with University strategy.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills, and Experience Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

• A1 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) in a relevant discipline (e.g. imaging, kinetic analysis) plus track record of emerging independence within a research/professional environment, or alternatively possess professional qualifications and experience equivalent to PhD level plus the requisite experience.
• A2 Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Physics, Mathematics, Imaging).

Desirable:

• B1 Advanced mathematical and statistical knowledge as well as physiological and pharmacological principles.
• B2 Knowledge of PET acquisition and reconstruction physics different kinetic models (e.g., one-, two-, and three-tissue compartment models, graphical analysis methods like Patlak and Logan plots, reference tissue models) and the assumptions behind them.
• B3 Familiarity with deep learning and machine learning applications in imaging.

Skills

Essential:

• C1 Strong programming skills including proficiency in languages commonly used for scientific computing and data analysis like Python, MATLAB, or R.
• C2 Expertise with specialised software packages: Hands on experience with industry standard software for kinetic modelling and image analysis is a must (e.g., PMOD, VivoQuant, or other proprietary/open source tools).
• C3 Data management and archiving skills such as the ability to handle large, complex 4D (3D space and time) datasets from dynamic PET studies and implement robust data management protocols.
• C4 Analytical problem solving including the ability to troubleshoot issues with data quality, model fitting, and input functions to ensure accurate and reliable results.
• C5 Interact and communicate effectively with researchers at all levels and clearly present your findings in both written and verbal formats.
• C6 Excellent organisational skills, including strong time management, administrative, and project management abilities.
• C7 Work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and perform efficiently under pressure.

Desirable:

• D1 Supervision skills, including providing guidance to junior researchers.

Experience

Essential:

• E1 Practical experience in in vivo image acquisition and processing.
• E2 Proven experience in applying a variety of kinetic modeling techniques including compartmental and graphical analysis methods, parametric, and network analysis to different types of PET data.
• E3 Experience with input function derivation: e.g. using arterial blood input functions or non invasive alternatives like image derived input functions (IDIFs).
• E4 Experience in the successful delivery of imaging research projects, from study design to analysis, interpretation and publication.
• E5 Evidence of authorship of peer reviewed publications.

Desirable:

• F1 Experience with PET reconstruction and quality control techniques.
• F2 Experience implementing PET DICOM quality control and troubleshooting protocols.
• F3 Ability to design PET data management and archiving standards.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £41,064 £46,049 per annum.

This position is full time and has funding until 01 October 2030.

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 – pension handbook , 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

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

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Closing Date: 26 November 2025 at 23:45