An animal handling system (AMS), for positioning an immobilized animal in a predefined configuration therein, comprising an automated tuning unit, including: a proximal portion, held outside a medical device including: at least one inner shaft and at least one outer shaft, the at least one inner is telescopically maneuverable within the at least one outer shaft providing a variable telescopic mechanism; and a distal portion including: a configurable encapsuable life support system (ELSS), the ELSS is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the at least outer shaft and the at least inner shaft and translationally moveable parallel to the longitudinal axis by means of the maneuverable telescopic mechanism.