Process Radiochemist

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories; Laurentian Hills; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nuclear innovation laboratory in Ontario is seeking a Process Radiochemist to lead projects in radioisotope production and radiopharmaceutical research. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Chemistry, with a minimum of 2-3 years’ experience in relevant fields. Responsibilities include supervising teams, analyzing results, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. This onsite role offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities in a variety of scientific projects.

Benefits

Paid time off

Tuition support

Benefits effective day one

Pension plan

Qualifications

• A minimum of 2-3 years of relevant working experience in Chemistry or Radiochemistry.
• Experience with production or purification of medical radionuclides is essential.
• Knowledge of quality assurance and safety regulations related to radioactive materials.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects in radioisotope production and radiopharmaceutical research.
• Supervise technologists and students in executing work plans.
• Analyze technical results and present them to stakeholders.

Skills

Radioisotope production

Separation chemistry

Process development

Quality control methods

Effective communication

Education

PhD or advanced degree in Chemistry or related field

Tools

Shielded facilities/hot cells

Automation

Job description

Can you picture yourself working at the forefront of radiochemistry, developing life-changing medical innovations? Join us at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ (CNL) Chalk River location as a Process Radiochemist in our Radiobiology & Health Branch. You’ll lead exciting projects in radioisotope production and radiopharmaceutical research, contributing to advancements that make a difference in people’s lives every day. If you’re ready to see your science come to life, we want to hear from you. Apply today!

What will you be doing!

• Actively engaging and supporting existing technical programs of work in the areas of isotopes production.
• Supervising technologists and students, implementing the strategy, executing work plan(s), and providing technical and scientific expertise in support of CNL business development and other business areas.
• Analyzing technical results and outcomes produced in the laboratory and operational facility environments, and summarizing and presenting for internal and external stakeholders.
• Leading projects and generating research project proposals with appropriate resourcing and budgeting, and ensuring the research scope is accomplished within these confines.
• Leading R&D activities for commercial applications, in the areas of isotopes production, radiochemistry, and pre-clinical evaluation of new therapeutics.
• Providing scientific advice within the and to external clients.
• Seeking and establishing collaborative research opportunities.
• Generating results and publications in peer-reviewed scientific literature.
• Delivering presentations at technical meetings, workshops, and conferences, and representing the company on major scientific and technological issues nationally and internationally.
• Authoring and reviewing administrative, progress, scientific, and technical reports, including high-quality reports for customers, as well as journal and project publications, to inform and support the federal priorities.
• Actively participating in short- and long‑term planning of the branch and the health program, influencing the branch and CNL's strategic technical direction in the field of radioisotopes and medical applications.
• Ensuring that all activities are carried out with due diligence relative to established Quality Assurance/Quality Control requirements, applicable environmental and safety regulations, and requirements (industrial and radiological), and company policies and procedures (including relevant labour contracts).
• Other duties as assigned by your manager.

What we are looking for:

• Education
  • A PhD or advanced degree in Chemistry, Radiochemistry, or Chemical Engineering from a university of recognized standing.
• Experience
  • A minimum of 2‑3 years of relevant working experience in the areas of Chemistry, Radiochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Organometallic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Nuclear Chemistry or is required.
  • Demonstrated R&D experience with academic collaborators and with commercial customers in delivering services for industry.
  • Experience in shielded facilities/hot cells and automation of processes is essential.
  • Experience in the production or purification of medical radionuclides is essential.
  • Experience with production and/or handling of alpha‑emitting radioisotopes (Ac, Ra, Th, U, Pb isotopes) is considered a major asset.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Strong theoretical knowledge and practical skills/experience in radioisotope production, separation chemistry, process development, and quality control methods are required.
  • Theoretical knowledge and practical skills/experience in the synthesis of radiolabelled materials and radiopharmaceuticals are assets.
  • Demonstrated ability to publish the results of their scientific research as a lead author in peer-reviewed scientific literature is an asset.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate within multidisciplinary environments and audiences, including shareholders (non‑expert), industry partners, and collaborators, is required.
  • Excellent oral and written English communication skills are essential to the performance of the duties of the post. The incumbent must be able to effectively interact with staff at various levels (technical, management and customer) to meet operational objectives.
  • A demonstrated commitment to laboratory safety, including a good working knowledge of the hazards associated with radioactive materials, chemicals, and biological materials.
• Security Clearance Eligibility Required
  • Reliability Status with Site Access Security Clearance (SASC), which has a minimum requirement of 3‑5 years of verifiable history in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and/or the United Kingdom. CNL implements security screening in accordance with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's “Standard on Security Screening” and the “Policy on Government Security.”

Working Conditions:

• Occasionally, performing research activities, with typical hazards associated with radiochemistry research, such as hazardous chemicals and reagents, radiation sources (external and internal), under strict regulations of chemical, biological and radiation safety standards.
• Office, laboratory, and licensed facility work setting, with standard hours, sometimes involving prolonged periods of standing and sitting.
• Occasional travel for meetings and conferences (nationally and internationally).

Why CNL?

Does working with a team across Canada to advance nuclear science and technology for a clean and secure world speak to you? We’re reinventing ourselves to be the pacesetters so we can lead the charge in solving the problems that matter, like building the next generation of clean nuclear and hydrogen energy solutions, developing new and better‑targeted cancer treatments, and continuing to lead the world in environmental remediation.

Benefits

• Paid time off (vacation, sick, floater & personal)
• Benefits effective day one, that’s right, no waiting period
• Tuition support
• and a pension!

Our Priorities

• Clean energy for today and tomorrow.
• Restore and protect the Environment.
• Contribute to the health of Canadians.

Location:

This role is a fully onsite role that requires the employee to primarily work at CNL’s Chalk River Laboratory site, with only occasional opportunities to work remotely, if desired by the employee. CNL’s Chalk River laboratory is nestled in the Ottawa Valley and affords our employees an area that is environmentally pristine with extensive forests, hills and numerous small lakes, all of which support a variety of wildlife typical to the southern edge of the Canadian Shield. Many surrounding towns, such as Pembroke, Petawawa and Deep River, provide you with unparalleled outdoor adventures at your doorstep!

CNL is committed to providing an atmosphere free from barriers that promotes equity, diversity and inclusion in achieving our mission. CNL welcomes and celebrates employees, stakeholders and partners of all racial, cultural, and ethnic identities. Read here further on our DE&I Commitment.

CNL also supports a workplace environment and a corporate culture that is built on our Core Values: Respect, Teamwork, Accountability, Safety, Integrity and Excellence which encourage equitable employment practices and career prospects inclusive of accommodations for all employees. CNL is committed to being an equal‑opportunity employer. If you require accommodation measures during any phase of the hiring process, please indicate via our ATS when applying. All information received in relation to accommodation requests will be kept confidential.

The Chalk River Laboratories site is located on the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe people. As an organization, CNL recognizes and appreciates their historic connection to this place. CNL also recognizes the contributions that First Nations, Métis, Inuit and other Indigenous Peoples have made, both in shaping and strengthening this community in particular, and this province and country as a whole.