Radiochemical Technologist, Actinium Operations

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories; Chalk River; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Radiochemical Technologist to join their team at the Chalk River location. In this role, you will support the production of Actinium (AC-225) while ensuring compliance with safety regulations. You will engage in detailed radiochemical analyses, operate laboratory equipment, and contribute to quality control programs. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a cutting-edge environment focused on advancing nuclear science and technology for a clean and secure world. If you are passionate about making a difference in the field, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Paid time off (vacation, sick, floater & personal)

Benefits effective day one

Tuition support

Pension plan

Qualifications

• Graduation in radiochemistry or related field required.
• 5-8 years of relevant experience or equivalent education.
• Familiarity with radiation safety and quality assurance practices.

Responsibilities

• Perform radiochemical analysis and prepare data reports.
• Calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Develop and follow Standard Operating Procedures.

Skills

Radiochemistry

Analytical Chemistry

Chemical Separation Techniques

Radiation Safety

Data Analysis

Laboratory Equipment Operation

Quality Assurance

Education

Graduation from a recognized institute of advanced technology

Secondary School Graduation Diploma

Tools

HPLC

TLC

Radiation Detectors

Gamma-Spectrometry

Alpha-Spectrometry

Liquid Scintillation Counters

Specialized Chemistry Software

Job description

Our Chalk River location is looking for a Radiochemical Technologist, Actinium Operations, to support our Licensed Nuclear Facilities Branch. Can you see yourself in a role where you will support the production of Actinium (AC-225) within our Universal Cells and our Fuels and Materials Cells Facilities? You will work alongside our operations team utilizing raw materials and executing the process to manufacture AC-225 within the safety envelope of the Licensed Nuclear Facilities. If this role sounds like a good fit, apply today!

What will you be doing!

• Acquiring detailed knowledge and understanding of experimental procedures and instrumental methods used in the laboratory and keeping up to date with current developments in the field.
• Performing detailed radiochemical analysis of samples and preparing data analysis reports.
• Preparing experimental protocols and executing them.
  • These can be related to one or more of the following: radionuclide production, radionuclide separation and purification, radiolabeling of small molecules, peptides, and antibodies, stability studies, analytical method development, etc.
• Calibrating, operating, and maintaining standard laboratory equipment such as balances, centrifuges, water purification systems, pipettes, pH meters, UV visible spectrometers, etc.
• Operating computer software in equipment-control applications, using and developing customized spreadsheets for calculations and result reporting.
• Developing, modifying, updating, and following Standard Analytical Procedures (SAPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Standard Calibration Procedures (SCPs).
• Preparing chemical solutions, maintaining the chemical inventory, and overseeing the laboratory's collection and disposal of chemical and radioactive wastes.
• Keeping proper laboratory notes.
• Participating in analyzing experimental results and contributing to preparing summary reports for internal use or external clients.
• Adhering and conforming to CNL’s S&T QA Programs and preparing QA documentation, including non-conformance reporting.
• Developing and conducting sampling and analysis programs for quality control purposes, either directly or through interaction with Analytical Chemistry services.
• Applying and documenting the use of equipment or procedures uniquely and innovatively.
• Sourcing equipment from new vendors and navigating the procurement process.
• Working and communicating effectively as a team member, and coordinating activities with other team members.
• Leading the Actinium production steps with the existing Hot Cell Facility staff.
• Ensuring compliance with facility regulations and requirements.
• 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 typically 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.
  • It is desirable to be familiar with chemical separation techniques for metal ions, including co-precipitation, column chromatography separation, solvent extraction, etc.
  • Familiarity with the use of 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, radiolabeling) is a significant asset.
  • Knowledge and work experience with radiation safety principles are 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:

• Expected to work in the nuclear facilities on Site at Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories.
• Work in moderate radiation hazard environments where personal protective equipment is required.
• The environment demands high vigilance for alarms, lights, and signals as a safety requirement.

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.

We offer a complete total rewards package:

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

Do Our Priorities Resonate with You?

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

Location:
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 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.

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