Molecular imaging: a booming field of research
Molecular imaging has revolutionized in vivo research investigations by allowing non-invasive, high resolution and high sensitivity monitoring of therapeutic molecules in living biological systems.
The advent of molecular imaging has significantly reduced both the time and the cost required for new drugs to advance through the pre-clinical development stage. As a result, much investment has been put forward by the pharmaceutical industry, often in partnership with internationally renowned scientific institutions, to establish dedicated imaging facilities for drug development. |
Career opportunities in molecular imaging
This booming field has also led to a new evolution in biological research which has broadcasted its innovations to numerous other health-related disciplines. Molecular imaging can be directly applied to all of the major diseases (i.e. Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, cancer, diabetes, autism and schizophrenia) and its recent advances have already dramatically improved the accuracy of early diagnosis.
Molecular imaging is a truly multi-disciplinary field of research. It spans from equipment engineering to patient monitoring and it involves coordinated inputs from many scientific areas, including:
- chemistry: synthesis of radiotracers
- physics: instrumentation development and optimization
- biology: pre-clinical research and investigation of molecular processes
- medicine: diagnosis and treatment
As a result, a wide set of skilled personnel (from technicians to high level researchers) is required to better respond to the needs of medical laboratories and industries, both locally and at an international level. |
Master of research or professionnal master
EMMI is closely linked to both academic and industrial research institutions and its program is aimed at preparing students to successfully pursue careers in academia or industry. This double streamed program will start with common theoretical courses, which will stimulate the formation of a broader vision for these professionals of the future as well as facilitate cooperation between academia and industry. The diversification of training for students in the two streams will take place towards the last stage of the program.
Upon completion of the Master program, several opportunities are available. It is possible to either directly search for employment or to pursue a PhD degree in Science with a research thesis in the academic setting. |
Career prospective in industry
Possible career paths in the industrial setting following the successful completion of this Master program include:
- Working as a Research Assistance or Research Associate in the Research and Development (R&D) department of a pharmaceutical or biotechnology company. Most large pharmaceutical companies, such as Jonhson & Johnson, Merck, Sanofi-Aventis all have recently established research programs dedicated to biomarker discovery and imaging for drug development;
- Working as a Technology Analyst for either a consulting or scientific intellectual property company. Holders of a Master in Molecular Imaging are extremely attractive candidates for these positions as they are knowledgeable in various aspects of a number of innovative technologies (i.e. medical imaging devices, biologically targeted probes).
|
Career prospective in academia
The Doctoral or PhD thesis must be conducted in a laboratory following registration at the School of Doctoral Studies in its affiliated University. It is possible to pursue the Doctoral thesis in the same laboratory as the student's Master thesis, upon approval of the director of the laboratory. It is also possible to conduct the doctoral research project in one of the partner laboratories. The student may also choose to further his academic training by pursuing a post-doctoral fellowship upon completion of his/her PhD.
With these credentials, it is possible to apply for a job in academia either as an Independent Researcher at a research institution (i.e. NIH - National Institute of Health in the United States, INSERM or CNRS in France) or as an Assistant Professor at a University. It is also possible to pursue a career in industry. A candidate with a PhD degree will be eligible to hold Scientist, Project Manager or Research Team Leader positions in pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical devices companies. |
Useful links
PhD association: http://www.abg.asso.fr/
PhD positions: www.pro-nest.org
Ecoles doctorales: http://www.campusfrance.org/ecoledoc/
Campus France: http://www.campusfrance.org/en/index.htm
CNRS : http://www.cnrs.fr/
INSERM : http://www.inserm.fr/fr/
Servier : http://www.servier.fr/carriere/carriere.asp
Sanofi : http://en.sanofi-aventis.com/hr/hr.asp
GE Healthacre : http://www.gehealthcare.com/eufr/careers/career-news.html
Guerbet : http://www.guerbet.com/index.php?id=8 |
