Radiochemist

South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging up to $15,900 per au

Job summary

SAHMRI, located at North Terrace in Adelaide, seeks an experienced Radiochemist to join the GMP-enabled radiopharmaceutical manufacturing facility. The role focuses on production, testing and release of PET radiotracers for clinical and research use.

The successful candidate will conduct specialised radiochemistry activities, data analysis and documentation to ensure product quality and regulatory compliance. Cross-training in production and QC may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Pharmacy or Biological Sciences.
• At least 12 months relevant post-qualification experience.
• Experience with GMP and BP monographs.
• F-18 radiotracer synthesis knowledge.
• Knowledge of radiation protection practices.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical and microbiological testing of radiopharmaceutical products in accordance with BP monographs and GMP requirements.
• Review test results and provide recommendations regarding batch approval or rejection to the QP/AO and management.
• Manufacture radiopharmaceutical products using aseptic GMP processes.
• Calibrate and maintain QC laboratory equipment and testing systems.
• Prepare and update GMP documentation, SOPs and validation protocols.
• Support internal audits and regulatory compliance activities.

Skills

Analytical methods

GMP compliance

F-18 synthesis

Radiation safety

Cyclotron operations

Laboratory documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry/Pharmacy/Biological Sciences

Job description

• Employment type: FTC - Full-time Contract
• Location: SAHMRI North Terrace
• Applications close: Wednesday, 16 Sept 2026

The South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) is South Australia's independent flagship health and medical research institute. SAHMRI is dedicated to delivering innovative, world-class researchhat improves health outcomes and transforms the quality of life of people locally, nationally and globally.

We are seeking an experienced Radiochemist to join the Molecular Imaging and Therapy Research Unit (MITRU). This role offers a unique opportunity to work within a GMP-compliant radiopharmaceutical manufacturing facility responsible for the production and quality control testing of PET radiotracers used in clinical and research applications.

The successful candidate will undertake specialised radiochemistry activities involving the manufacture, testing, validation and release of radiopharmaceutical products in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), radiation safety requirements and British Pharmacopoeia standards.

About the role

The Radiochemist will be responsible for performing specialised radiochemistry activities across production and quality control functions, ensuring radiopharmaceutical products meet stringent quality, safety and regulatory requirements.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conduct analytical and microbiological testing of radiopharmaceutical products in accordance with British Pharmacopoeia (BP) monographs and GMP requirements.
• Assess product quality using specialised analytical instrumentation and methods.
• Review test results and provide recommendations regarding batch approval or rejection to the Qualified Person/Authorised Person and management team.
• Perform qualification and verification of raw materials, reagents and suppliers.
• Conduct stability studies, investigations, validation activities and trend analysis to support continuous process improvement.
• Maintain accurate GMP-compliant records, laboratory documentation and quality reports.
• Calibrate, standardise and maintain laboratory equipment and testing systems.
• Prepare, review and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), validation protocols and other GMP documentation.
• Support internal audits and regulatory compliance activities.

Production Functions

• Manufacture radiopharmaceutical products and PET radiotracers using aseptic techniques and validated GMP processes.
• Prepare synthesis modules, reagents and dispensing systems for routine F-18 radiotracer production.
• Perform routine production activities to meet clinical supply schedules and operational requirements.
• Operate and troubleshoot radiochemistry equipment and associated production systems.
• Prepare sterile components, consumables and production materials required for manufacturing activities.
• Package and dispatch radioactive materials in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Assist with cyclotron operation and isotope production where appropriately trained.
• Conduct equipment calibration, qualification and preventative maintenance activities.
• Maintain detailed production records and manufacturing documentation in accordance with GMP requirements.
• Participate in validation studies, investigations, process improvements and technology enhancements.

General Responsibilities

• Promote and maintain compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) principles.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across production and quality systems.
• Participate in training programs and maintain competency requirements.
• Expand technical knowledge in radiochemistry, radiopharmaceutical development and molecular imaging applications.
• Support research activities and contribute expertise toward future radiopharmaceutical development opportunities.

About You

The successful candidate will possess the following key attributes:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Pharmacy or Biological Sciences and at least 12 months of relevant post-qualification experience
• Experience in analytical methodology (chemical and microbiological), GMP, and an understanding of F-18 based synthesis
• It is essential that the radiochemist possess an understanding of and familiarity with tests that need to be carried out, and with the associated potential problems accompanying each of the analytical tests.
• Good understanding of pharmacopeia monographs.
• Previous training/study in laboratory operations and a working knowledge of radiation protection practices are required.
• Be well versed with the preparation of production related documents.
• The Radiochemist may have to operate the cyclotron, necessitating cross-training in both areas of production and QC testing.
• Possess working knowledge and have regular training in radiation protection.

Special Requirements

• Some out of hours work may be required.
• DCSI Employment Screening and Police Checks may be required.

Why Join SAHMRI?

Everything we do is underpinned by our values of Excellence, Innovation, Courage, Integrity and Teamwork. We are proud of the impact our work has on improving the health and wellbeing of communities and are committed to fostering an environment that supports research excellence.

As a not-for-profit organisation, SAHMRI offers attractive salary packaging benefits of up to $15,900 per annum, allowing eligible employees to increase their take-home pay through tax-effective salary packaging arrangements.

Applications close: Wednesday 16 th September 2026

Applications may close earlier than advertised if a suitable candidate is found prior to the close date.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply

Applications close Wednesday, 16 Sept 2026

At SAHMRI, we live our commitment to equity and diversity every day: respecting people as individuals and valuing differences to create a working environment that is fair and flexible, promotes personal and professional growth and benefits from the capabilities of a diverse workforce.

SAHMRI is located on Kaurna Country. We pay respects to the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We are committed to embracing knowledge and culture as we continue our working journey to incorporate Aboriginal health research across all of our themes and further reconciliation.

(Learning and knowledge are the pathway to alter the mind)