Image Analyst/Morphometrist

The Morphometrist develops and optimizes image analysis algorithms to quantify biological tissue responses and regions of interest in medical device pathology studies. This role involves performing complex digital measurements, such as color segmentation and manual tracing, on cytochemical, immunohistochemical (IHC), and/or immunofluorescent (IF) stained slides while ensuring all work complies with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). Beyond technical analysis, they collaborate directly with pathologists to generate data tables and prepare comprehensive report templates for client findings.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must have the knowledge, skills, and abilities identified below and perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily, either with or without reasonable accommodation. The below is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for this job’s performance and is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities or requirements.

Key Accountabilities

• Develops and optimizes algorithms and/or conducts direct measurements on digital images (e.g., slide scans), using image analysis software, to quantify features of interest (e.g., amount of new bone growth, residual implant material, vessel stenosis, etc.) within predefined regions of interest(s) (ROI[s]), depending on the model and expected healing responses for a particular type of medical device study.
• Communicates and coordinates with other team members (e.g., management, pathologists, and coworkers) to understand and meet departmental and study objectives.
• Effectively cross trains coworkers in image analysis / morphometry, as needed.
• Assists with or performs validation and/or verification of image analysis software for use in a Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) environment, as needed.
• Assists pathologists with report generation for image analysis data.
• Interacts with clients in a support role with regards to computerized morphometry / image analysis methodology and study findings.
• Performs duties as needed to maintain study timelines when possible and to meet departmental needs.
• Performs and assists with other tasks within the medical device pathology department, as needed, such as assisting with image panel creation and/or assisting Report Writers with reporting tasks, as needed. This role may entail generating data tables, report narrative templates, appendices for reports, and/or performing quality control reviews on data and reports.
• Requests and organizes applicable data, as needed, from the Sponsor/Study Director in support of the Pathologist’s evaluation of slides.
• Prepares pathology report templates and data spreadsheets to provide a formatted, complete, clear, and concise presentation of results, discussion, and conclusion by the Pathologist.
• Performs quality control (QC) of study related data entry spreadsheets and reports to assure accuracy of results.
• Assists the Pathologist in the resolution of audit related findings.
• Cross trains across related sectors, such as digital slide scanning and image editing, to ensure and support overall image analysis processes.

Other

• Follows all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other applicable laboratory or company policies and procedures.
• Maintains confidential information.
• Supports and participates in company initiatives as directed.
• Performs periodic review of all applicable SOPs to ensure accuracy and confirm procedures are being performed according to SOPs. Participates in SOP writing, review, and revision, as needed.
• Completes training requirements as assigned and maintains appropriate training documentation.
• Maintains compliance and adheres to all safety regulations, policies, and procedures and good documentation practices.
• Maintains a basic knowledge and ensures compliance with Good Laboratory Practices, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Association of Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC), Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW), and other applicable regulations.
• Interacts with clients, other employees, and the community in a professional manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Critical Success Factors

• Possesses strong organizational skills and is able to manage time and (re)prioritize tasks, within a dynamic environment, in order to meet study milestones with minimal oversight.
• Generates high quality work, with an exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to develop novel image analysis processes and techniques that accurately capture the stated study objectives (e.g., tissue response to a medical device implant).
• Demonstrates an understanding of facility SOPs and Good Laboratory Practice Regulations (21CFR, Part 58) as they relate to study specific services provided, this job description, and general facility operations.
• Ability to use personal computer and various software programs.
• Demonstrates mastery of, or an ability to master, various image analysis software (e.g., Image-Pro, ImageJ, QuPath, etc.), and perform or assist in executing validation of said software, as needed.
• Commits to continuous learning by cross training in adjacent fields to support evolving needs of the image analysis process.
• Excels in a fast-paced laboratory environment and able to manage multiple projects involving image analysis.
• Maintains high standards for written and oral communication and demonstrates the ability to communicate to stakeholders (e.g., management, study pathologists, principal investigator, study director, and coworkers) realistic and accurate expectations related to study conduct (e.g., time expected to complete a project, feasibility of quantifying a feature, etc.).

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or five years of digital image analysis, with a preferred focus in biological sciences.
• Two years of working in and understanding a GLP, or similar, regulatory environment.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with other multidisciplinary teams.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Outlook, Word, and Excel) and Adobe Acrobat, with the ability to quickly learn and master new software applications as needed (e.g., PhotoShop, ImagePro, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior Quality Assurance/Quality Control and/or report writing
• Experience with ImagePro 10 or comparable image analysis software

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

(The phrases “occasionally,” “regularly,” and “frequently” correspond to the following definitions: “occasionally” means up to one-third of working time, “regularly” means between one-third and two-thirds of working time, and “frequently” means two-thirds and more of working time.)

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior office environment. The employee must be able to complete their work satisfactorily in an environment where there are significant distractions, including staff, clients, and vendors walking through and conversing, telephones ringing, conversations carrying over, loud noises, and interruptions to answer questions from others. The noise level is usually minimal to moderate.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Light physical activity. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and should do so in a sound and safe manner.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include use of personal protective equipment.

*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.