Senior Scientist I/II, Medical Image Analysis

AbbVie Inc.; North Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

AbbVie Inc. in North Chicago seeks an Image Analyst within the Translational Sciences group to quantify preclinical and clinical PET/MR imaging data and develop Python-based processing pipelines.

You will work across neuroscience discovery programs, collaborating with imaging CROs and contributing to study reports and regulatory documents. The role requires a strong background in PET/MRI analysis, programming in Python (and MATLAB/R/C/C++), and experience with imaging tools like

Qualifications

• Demonstrated skills in the quantitative analysis of PET and/or MR imaging data.
• Proficiency in scientific programming, with Python or additional relevant languages (e.g., MATLAB, R, C/C++), and strong Linux skills.
• Working knowledge of analysis tools (e.g., FSL, FreeSurfer, SPM, ANTs, or PMOD) and PACS/DICOM.
• Capacity to work effectively and independently in multidisciplinary teams and meet deadlines.
• Good publication record in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Quantify preclinical and clinical PET and MR imaging data, and interpret the results.
• Apply PET compartmental and graphical kinetic models, including plasma input and reference tissue methods, to characterize novel radioligands and assess target engagement.
• Quantify structural, diffusion, and functional MRI data.
• Support whole-body PET imaging and dosimetry analysis.
• Develop, validate, and document Python-based image processing pipelines and novel methodology.
• Curate and quality control imaging data, and help administer the group’s data platforms.
• Provide input on endpoint selection, study design, and the implementation of imaging in trials.
• Collaborate with imaging CROs and provide technical oversight of externally executed analyses.
• Communicate results and contribute to study reports, regulatory documents, and publications.

Skills

Quantitative imaging

Python programming

Linux proficiency

PET/MRI analysis

PACS/DICOM

Cross-functional teamwork

Scientific publishing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in medical physics / biomedical engineering / computer science / neuroscience

Tools

MATLAB

R

C/C++

FSL

FreeSurfer

SPM

ANTs

PMOD

Flywheel

Job description

About AbbVie

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com . Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook , Instagram , X and YouTube.

The Translational Sciences group within Neuroscience Discovery Research

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, which includes assets in neurodegeneration, movement disorders, psychiatry, and migraine, our comprehensive approach includes the discovery and development of novel positron emission tomography (PET) radioligands, as well as the application of PET, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and related imaging methods in drug discovery and development.

Image Analysis team

Within Translational Sciences, the Image Analysis team provides quantitative image analysis expertise to projects across the portfolio, working closely with other groups at AbbVie, leading academic institutions, and CROs. The Image Analyst will be responsible for quantifying preclinical and clinical PET and MRI data and for building and administering the analysis pipelines and data infrastructure on which those analyses depend. The Image Analyst will work in a collaborative culture that requires a high degree of matrix working both within the imaging function and across research departments.

Major Responsibilities

• Quantify preclinical and clinical PET and MR imaging data, and interpret the results.
• Apply PET compartmental and graphical kinetic models, including plasma input and reference tissue methods, to characterize novel radioligands and assess target engagement.
• Quantify structural, diffusion, and functional MRI data.
• Support whole-body PET imaging and dosimetry analysis.
• Develop, validate, and document Python-based image processing pipelines and novel methodology.
• Curate and quality control imaging data, and help administer the group’s data platforms.
• Provide input on endpoint selection, study design, and the implementation of imaging in trials.
• Collaborate with imaging CROs and provide technical oversight of externally executed analyses.
• Communicate results and contribute to study reports, regulatory documents, and publications.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in medical physics, biomedical engineering, computer science, neuroscience, or a related field, with typically 10-12 years of experience; or a master’s degree or equivalent education, with typically 8-10 years of experience; or a PhD, with no experience necessary to typically 4 years of experience, depending on the Senior Scientist level (I or II)

Demonstrated skills in the quantitative analysis of PET and/or MR imaging data.

Proficiency in scientific programming, with Python or additional relevant languages required (e.g., MATLAB, R, C/C++), and strong Linux skills.

Working knowledge of analysis tools (e.g., FSL, FreeSurfer, SPM, ANTs, or PMOD) and PACS/DICOM.

Capacity to work effectively and independently in multidisciplinary teams and meet deadlines.

Good publication record in international peer-reviewed journals.

Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Additional strengths include experience in the following areas

• PET kinetic modeling and receptor occupancy studies, as well as preclinical rodent and NHP imaging.
• Production image processing pipelines, with Git, containerization, and testing; HPC or cloud.
• Imaging data management platforms (e.g., Flywheel) and DICOM curation; GxP imaging data.
• Machine learning and AI-assisted coding tools (e.g., Claude Code).
• Analysis of large multi-site human imaging cohorts, including harmonization across sites and integration of imaging with clinical or omics measures.

Compensation and Benefits

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law: The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.

This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive programs.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.

Equal Opportunity Employer

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.

US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html

US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more: https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html