Detector Scientist – PET Detector Physics

Siemens Healthineers

3d•$102,870 - $141,449

About The Position

The Detector Scientist specializing in PET Detector Physics contributes to research, development, and experimental validation of advanced detector technologies for next-generation Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging systems. The role combines radiation detection, detector physics, experimental methods, and scientific data analysis with hands-on laboratory research and detector characterization. The scientist works with multidisciplinary engineering and scientific teams to investigate emerging detector technologies, evaluate performance, and support innovations in molecular imaging. This is a hands-on individual-contributor research and development position. Active laboratory work—including experimental setup, detector testing, performance characterization, troubleshooting, and validation—is essential. The position does not include direct people management or formal project management responsibilities. Responsibilities span research and development of PET detector technologies; design, construction, testing, and characterization of experimental systems and prototypes; feasibility studies, simulations, and experimental evaluations; and investigation of scintillators, photosensors, detector electronics, and signal-processing solutions. The role measures detector performance such as timing and energy resolution and sensitivity, develops experimental methods and data-acquisition approaches, analyzes results, diagnoses limitations, and recommends improvements. It also supports detector development across the product lifecycle, collaborates with internal teams and external partners, documents findings in reports, presentations, publications, and invention disclosures, and contributes to future PET detector technology and roadmap development. Domestic and international travel may be required as business needs dictate.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or a related experimental science or engineering discipline.
At least one year of postdoctoral or post-Ph.D. research and development experience in PET, SPECT, radiation detector development, medical imaging, or a closely related field.
Strong understanding of PET detector technologies, radiation detection principles, detector physics, and experimental measurement techniques.
Hands-on experience designing, assembling, testing, and characterizing radiation detector systems in a laboratory or research environment.
Experience with scintillation detectors, photosensors, or related radiation detection instrumentation.
Experience evaluating detector performance, including timing resolution, energy resolution, sensitivity, and related parameters.
Experience with detector electronics, signal processing, data acquisition systems, and experimental measurement techniques.
Demonstrated ability to conduct laboratory experiments, collect and analyze scientific data, interpret detector performance results, and troubleshoot experimental systems.
Proficiency in scientific programming and data analysis using Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar tools.
Ability to investigate technical challenges and communicate research findings effectively.
Experience collaborating with engineers, scientists, academic researchers, and external technology partners.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated interest in experimental research and medical imaging innovation.
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as business needs require.

Responsibilities

Conduct research and development focused on advanced PET detector technologies and radiation detection systems.
Design, build, test, and characterize experimental detector systems and laboratory prototypes.
Plan and execute feasibility studies, technology investigations, simulations, and experimental evaluations of detector performance and technical feasibility.
Investigate detector technologies involving scintillators, photosensors, detector electronics, and signal-processing solutions.
Measure and characterize detector performance, including timing resolution, energy resolution, sensitivity, and related imaging parameters.
Develop experimental methods, test configurations, and data-acquisition approaches for detector research and validation.
Analyze experimental data, identify performance limitations, troubleshoot technical issues, and recommend improvements to detector designs and configurations.
Support detector development throughout the product lifecycle, including concept development, prototype evaluation, system integration, manufacturing support, and product improvements.
Collaborate with R&D, systems engineering, manufacturing, quality, and product management teams to advance detector technologies toward product implementation.
Work with external technology suppliers, academic institutions, and research collaborators to investigate emerging technologies and support innovation initiatives.
Document and communicate technical findings through scientific reports, presentations, publications, and invention disclosures.
Contribute to future PET detector technologies and support the broader technology roadmap.
Travel domestically and internationally as business needs require.