Research Associate in Radiochemistry

King's College London; City Of London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned educational institution in London seeks an enthusiastic radiochemist to join a dynamic molecular imaging team. This role involves developing radionuclide therapies for drug-resistant cancer, requiring a PhD in radiochemistry or medicinal chemistry. Candidates should have experience with fluorine-18 radiolabelling and strong communication skills. The position offers a fixed-term contract until 31 December 2027.

Qualifications

• PhD awarded or near completion in relevant field.
• Experience in the radiolabelling of small molecules.
• Expertise in the design and purification of organic compounds.

Responsibilities

• Develop radionuclide-based imaging and therapies for cancer.
• Manage research and administrative activities independently.
• Translate novel imaging methods to clinical applications.

Skills

Fluorine-18 radiolabelling

Organic compound synthesis

Analytical techniques (HPLC, NMR)

Excellent communication skills

Education

PhD in radiochemistry or medicinal chemistry

Job description

About Us

We are seeking an enthusiastic, proactive, and collaborative radiochemist to join Professor Witney's Group in the School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London. You will join a dynamic and successful molecular imaging Team with access to both extensive organic and radiochemistry facilities, and world-renowned expertise. Together, we are developing next-generation radiotheranostics to detect and treat therapy-resistant cancer (see www.witneylab.com for more details). We are committed to improving patient outcomes through commercialisation of our agents (www.nuclidetx.com) and by leading clinical trials (e.g. NCT05889312).

Our Group has a track record of research excellence, substantial grant funding, and awards (e.g. World Molecular Imaging Congress' Young Investigator of the Year Award, CME postdoctoral Fellowship). We are dedicated to supporting the successful candidate's career through assistance with Fellowship applications, networking events, and attendance at international conferences.

About The Role

Working in collaboration with biologists and molecular imaging scientists, the successful candidate will develop radionuclide-based molecular imaging and radionuclide therapies for the detection and treatment of drug-resistant cancer ('radiotheranostics'). You will develop new chemistry and novel fluorine-18 labelled radiotracers for imaging with positron emission tomography (PET) and therapeutic radionuclide therapies labelled with iodine-131 to support this programme of research. As part of the wider aims of the lab, you will support the radiolabelling of other radiotheranostics using zirconium-89 and lutetium-177. In collaboration with the new GMP radiochemistry facility at KCL (PERL), we will translate these novel imaging methods to the clinic. Support will be provided for you to take the project in new and interesting directions.

You will manage your own research and administrative activities, within guidelines provided by the PI and in collaboration with senior colleagues, and contribute to wider project development and potential commercialisation. You will determine the most appropriate methodologies to test hypotheses and identify suitable alternatives if technical problems arise as well as select, follow, and present scientific data from a variety of sources. You will contribute to discussions and share research findings with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups.

You must have a track record of research achievement (through peer-reviewed publications) and hold a PhD in synthetic or radio-chemistry, be self-motivated, able to work independently, and have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Applicants with a keen interest in chemical biology and multidisciplinary research are especially encouraged to apply.

This is a full time post (35 Hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 31 December 2027.

About You

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. PhD awarded (or near completion) in radiochemistry, medicinal chemistry, or similar.
2. Experience in the radiolabelling of small molecules with fluorine-18.
3. Expert knowledge and skills in the design, synthesis, purification and characterisation of novel organic compounds.
4. Expertise in analytical/quality-control techniques (e.g., HPLC, NMR, mass-spec).
5. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including good interpersonal skills with an ability to work co-operatively in a multidisciplinary setting.
6. Meticulous attention to detail in experimental design and execution
7. The ability to take individual responsibility for planning and undertaking own work, according to scientific deadlines.
8. Strong track record of publications in the field of radiochemistry.

Desirable criteria

1. Experience developing sequences for automated radiosynthesis.
2. Experience in the radiolabelling of radiopharmaceuticals with iodine-131/124/123.
3. Development of radiolabelling procedures for zirconium-89 and/or lutetium-177.
4. Postdoctoral radiochemistry experience.

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the next page after you click "Apply Now". This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

Further Information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King\'s.

As part of this commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and through this appointment process, it is our aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our 'How we Recruit' pages.