Radiochemical Technologist, Actinium Operations

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories; Chalk River; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Benefits effective Day One

Tuition support

Defined-benefit pension plan

Job summary

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories is hiring for an Actinium Operations Radiochemical Technologist role in Chalk River, Ontario. This position focuses on supporting the production of Ac-225 in a laboratory setting, adhering to regulated safety protocols. Candidates should have a background in radiochemistry, with relevant educational qualifications and hands-on experience in chemical separation and analytical techniques. The role includes training with senior staff and participating in quality control processes. Enjoy a supportive work environment with a focus on continuous learning and development.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a recognized institute of advanced technology or equivalent formal education.
• Five to eight years of pertinent experience or equivalent training.
• Advanced understanding of principles of radiochemistry.

Responsibilities

• Train and perform radiochemical separations with minimal supervision.
• Maintain laboratory experimental procedures and knowledge.
• Perform detailed radiochemical analyses and prepare reports.

Skills

Understanding of radiochemistry and radioanalytical techniques

Good computer skills, including word processing and spreadsheets

Attention to quality assurance

Education

Graduation from a recognized institute in radiochemistry or related field

Secondary School Graduation Diploma with 5-8 years relevant experience

Tools

Radiation detectors

chromatographic techniques (HPLC, TLC)

specialized chemistry/radiochemistry software

Job description

Are you looking for a hands‑on role where you can directly contribute to the production of life‑saving medical isotopes? Do you enjoy working as part of an operations team, using specialized processes and raw materials within a highly regulated nuclear environment? As an Actinium Operations Radiochemical Technologist, you will support the manufacturing and processing of Ac‑225 while collaborating with teams across multiple facilities and divisions at CNL. If you answered yes, this may be the job for you—apply today!

What will you be doing!

• Training and working under minimal supervision with Senior Radiochemical Technologists and the Section Head Radiochemist to develop and perform radiochemical separations and analytical techniques for a variety of radiological samples.
• Acquiring and maintaining a detailed working knowledge of laboratory experimental procedures, instrumental methods, and current developments in the field.
• Performing detailed radiochemical analyses of samples and preparing data analysis and technical reports.
• Preparing and executing experimental protocols related to radionuclide production, separation and purification, radiolabelling of small molecules, peptides, and antibodies, stability studies, and analytical method development.
• Calibrating, operating, and maintaining standard laboratory equipment, including balances, centrifuges, water purification systems, pipettes, pH meters, and UV‑visible spectrometers.
• Operating equipment‑control software and developing customized spreadsheets for calculations, data analysis, and result reporting.
• Developing, modifying, updating, and adhering to Standard Analytical Procedures (SAPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Standard Calibration Procedures (SCPs).
• Preparing chemical solutions, maintaining chemical inventories, and overseeing the collection and disposal of chemical and radioactive waste.
• Maintaining accurate and complete laboratory notebooks and records.
• Analyzing experimental results and contributing to internal and client summary reports.
• Adhering to CNL’s Science & Technology Quality Assurance (QA) programs, including preparing QA documentation and non‑conformance reports.
• Developing and conducting sampling and analysis programs for quality control purposes, independently or in collaboration with Analytical Chemistry services.
• Applying and documenting equipment use or procedures in unique and innovative ways.
• Sourcing laboratory equipment from new vendors and navigating procurement processes.
• Working collaboratively and communicating effectively with team members to coordinate activities.
• Working safely within a Licensed Nuclear Facility and ensuring compliance with all facility regulations and requirements.
• Leading Actinium production steps in collaboration with existing Hot Cell Facility staff.
• Other duties as assigned by your manager.

What We Are Looking For

• Education
  • Graduation from a recognized institute of advanced technology, or equivalent formal education in a field relevant to the position, such as radiochemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, forensics, biochemistry, chemical engineering technology OR
  • Secondary School Graduation Diploma or equivalent, and five (5) to eight (8) years of pertinent and progressive experience or the equivalent in experience, additional education and/or training.
• Experience
  • Relevant technological experience is considered an asset.
  • Familiarity with chemical separation techniques for metal ions, including co‑precipitation, column chromatography separation, solvent extraction, etc., is desirable.
  • Familiarity with radiation detectors, gamma spectrometry, alpha spectrometry, liquid scintillation counters, and similar radiation‑counting equipment is desirable.
  • Familiarity with HPLC, TLC, and similar chromatographic techniques and/or MS, ICP‑MS is desirable.
  • Familiarity with specialized chemistry/radiochemistry software is a strong asset.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Advanced understanding of the principles of radiochemistry and radioanalytical techniques.
  • Good computer skills, including word processing and spreadsheets, are required.
  • Excellent work performance, with good knowledge of and commitment to quality assurance.
  • Knowledge or experience working with radioactive compounds (e.g., one or more among identification, separation, purification, and radiolabeling) is a significant asset.
  • Knowledge and work experience with radiation safety principles is desired (CNL‑specific training will be provided)
• Security Clearance Eligibility Required
  • Level 2 Secret requires a minimum of 7 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

• This position is part of the USW 1568 Union and is governed by the terms and conditions outlined in their Collective Agreement. As a member of this bargaining unit, you’ll benefit from clear expectations around hours of work, wages, vacation, and other conditions that support a fair and consistent working environment.
• Working schedule: Five (5) days per week, eight (8) hours per day for a forty (40) hour work week.
• Work in moderate‑radiation‑hazard environments where personal protective equipment is required.

Why CNL?

Does the idea of working with a dynamic team across Canada to advance nuclear science and technology for a clean and secure world excite you? At CNL, we’re reinventing ourselves to be industry leaders—pioneering solutions to the problems that matter most.

From building the next generation of clean nuclear and hydrogen energy technologies, to developing targeted cancer treatments, to continuing our global leadership in environmental remediation—we are driven by impact, innovation, and purpose.

What We Offer: A Total Rewards Package

• Paid time off: vacation, sick, personal, and floater days
• Benefits effective Day One – no waiting period
• Tuition support to help you keep learning and growing
• A defined‑benefit pension plan or a defined‑contribution pension plan, depending on your employee group, to support your long‑term financial security

Do Our Priorities Resonate with You?

• Delivering clean energy for today and tomorrow
• Restoring and protecting the environment
• Contributing to the health of Canadians

If so, you’ll feel right at home at CNL!

Location: Onsite

Located in the heart of the Ottawa Valley, our Chalk River site offers a beautiful natural setting with forests, lakes, and wildlife, right at your doorstep. Surrounded by welcoming communities such as Deep River, Petawawa, and Pembroke, you’ll have access to unparalleled outdoor adventures and a fantastic work‑life balance.

Please note: This is a fully on‑site position based at our Chalk River Laboratory in Ontario.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

At CNL, we are committed to fostering an environment that promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion. We celebrate and welcome employees, stakeholders, and partners of all backgrounds and identities. Click here to read all about it!

We are proud to uphold a workplace culture grounded in our Core Values:

• Respect
• Teamwork
• Accountability
• Safety
• Integrity
• Excellence

These values drive our employment practices and ensure meaningful career development opportunities and accommodations for all employees.

CNL is an equal opportunity employer. If you require accommodation during any phase of the hiring process, please let us know via [e-mail] . All requests will be handled with confidentiality.

CNL operates on sites located on the traditional lands, waterways and ceded and unceded territories of Indigenous peoples. CNL recognizes and affirms all First Nations, Métis communities and Inuit in this land we now know as Canada. We acknowledge, respect and seek to better understand Indigenous history, rights and title on the lands where we work and develop projects. We honour and respect the importance of the relationship between Indigenous peoples and their lands, waters and territories.