Scientist within Radiochemistry / Nuclear Chemistry

Christian AS; Kjeller; On-site; NOK 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension scheme

Insurance

Flexible working hours

International collaboration

Job summary

The Institute for Energy Technology (IFE) in Kjeller, Norway, invites applications for an early‑stage nuclear chemist/radiochemist. You will develop production pathways for medically relevant radionuclides and collaborate with Norwegian radiopharmaceutical companies, the University of Oslo, and European partners.

The role combines hands‑on radiochemistry with project development across the Tracer Technology and Environmental Safety and Radiation Protection departments.

Qualifications

• Ph.D in nuclear chemistry or radiochemistry with 5 years' relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience in radiochemical separations techniques.
• Knowledge of chemistry of naturally occurring radioactive elements like Th, U and Ra is desirable.
• Experience with neutron generators or related nuclear instrumentation is an asset.
• Project generation experience from public funding agencies / EU or private actors is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Develop production pathways of medically relevant radionuclides.
• Conduct experimental work and run services in advanced analytical radiochemistry.
• Lead project generation across departments and collaborations with industry.
• Contribute to open radioactive sources handling and safety compliance.
• Collaborate with Norwegian radiopharmaceutical companies and universities.

Skills

Radiochemical separations

Laboratory experimentation

English language proficiency

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D in nuclear chemistry / radiochemistry

Tools

Neutron generators

Nuclear instrumentation

Open radioactive sources handling

Job description

The Institute of Energy Technology (IFE) is an independent research foundation in Norway, with locations in Kjeller and Halden. We are an internationally leading research environment that actively develops innovative solutions through people and technology. We operate under the mission 'Research for a better future'. IFE is a broad interdisciplinary research organization with top-level international expertise in digital technologies, materials and process technology, flow and analysis technology, environmental technology, critical raw materials, radiopharmaceutical technology, and nuclear technology and safety.

The Tracer technology department was established in 1980s and has been pioneer in research and development (R&D) of tracer technology. The department runs a broad R&D portfolio covering application of tracer technology in oil/gas, the environment, geothermal and industrial processing, environmental monitoring, mineral technology and applied nuclear technology. We have been active in the development of radionuclides for the pharmaceutical industry, we are a core member of the Norwegian Nuclear Research Centre (NNRC) and we are hosting a national infrastructure project on neutron generators (HUNT).

The department of Environmental Safety and Radiation Protection (MIST) carries out analyzes of radioactive substances in various types of sample materials (environmental samples, food and other commercial products) and has laboratories and measuring equipment for the analysis of samples with very small amounts of radioactivity. The laboratory is one of Norway's largest in this field and is a qualified member of the IAEA's ALMERA (Analytical Laboratories for the Measurement of Environmental Radioactivity) network.

Main responsibilities and work tasks

We are looking for a motivated early-stage nuclear chemist/radiochemist with competence in advanced radiochemical separations. You will work on the development of production pathways of medically relevant radionuclides. Our activities in this area are conducted in collaboration with Norwegian radiopharmaceutical companies, the University of Oslo and with European and international R&D partners. The role also entails execution of projects on the separation of naturally occurring radioactive elements from value streams of critical elements.

You will perform experimental work according to project needs and run commercial research-derived services within advanced analytical radiochemistry. You will also work on project generation, and you are expected to build seniority by establishing new research activities for the two departments and the research area. IFE is a contract research organization, and you must expect to participate and eventually lead project generation in nuclear technology applications, across several departments.

IFE is hosting the national infrastructure project Competence Hub for Neutron Technology. Experience with neutron generators or neutron instrumentation is appreciated. We are also member of the Norwegian Nuclear Research Center together with the University of Oslo and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU). A strong involvement in the research activities and spin-off projects of the Center is expected.

This is an experimentalist position and solid, documented experience in working with open radioactive sources is of paramount importance. The position will be shared between the Tracer Technology department and the department of Environmental Safety and Radiation Protection, and formally reporting to the Tracer Technology department head.

Qualifications

• Ph.D in nuclear chemistry / radiochemistry, or related field with preferably 5 years relevant experience. This can include the work for the acquisition of the PhD title.
• Demonstrated experience in radiochemical separations techniques.
• Application and understanding of the chemistry of naturally occurring radioactive elements like Th, U and Ra are desired.
• Experience in nuclear instrumentation, such as neutron generators or other techniques is an advantage, but not required.
• Project generation experience, from public funding agencies / the European Union and/or from private actors is an asset.
• Experimentalist, with hands-on laboratory work experience.
• Strong awareness towards Health Safety Environment and Radiation protection regulations compliance. The latter is highly important.
• Excellent command of both oral/written English. Norwegian language skills both oral/written or the genuine interest to learn within two years.

Personality

We are looking for a person who is a genuine team player, who creates safe and trust-based relationships both within our organization and with our external customers.

• Motivated and engaging person within the professional area and towards the colleagues.
• Proactive with high degree of initiative and creativity.
• Safe, clear and transparent communicator.
• You can lead small teams but also can be a team-member.
• You should be solution oriented.
• Structured.
• You take responsibility.
• You take decisions in line with the departments and the organization.
• You enjoy cooperating with both academic and industrial partners.

We offer

• Competitive salary, pension- and insurance schemes.
• Exciting and challenging tasks in a team that works in the forefront of research.
• Participation in leading international research teams.
• Collaboration with other departments.
• Competent and easy to collaborate colleagues in a professional environment that values mutual growth.
• A growing and healthy organization that focuses on individual and group development.
• Flexible working hours.

IFE is subject to the Security Act, which includes requirements for the organisation’s management of critical national information, as well as other relevant legislation concerning the management of sensitive information. The successful applicant for the position advertised will have access to classified information and critical national objects and infrastructure. In order to meet the qualification criteria, the applicant must therefore meet the security clearance and/or authorisation requirements. Note that relevant applicants will be asked questions that are necessary to ascertain this. This includes questions about any ties to countries that the PST has classified as a ‘high-risk country’ in its open threat assessment. Background checks are performed as part of our recruitment process.

Kontaktinformasjon

Georgios Kalantzopoulos,Department Head
Ingrid Helen Hauge,Department Head MIST
Christian Dye,Research Director

Nøkkelinformasjon:

• Arbeidsgiver: Institutt for energiteknikk (IFE)
• Referansenr.: 5185343390
• Stillingsprosent: 100%
• Permanent position
• Søknadsfrist: 08.10.2026