Faculty Radiochemist

University of California - San Francisco; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Francisco invites applications for the position of Faculty Radiochemist. Appointments may be at Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor in the In Residence or Adjunct series, depending on qualifications.

The candidate will develop molecular imaging agents across the research pipeline and lead an externally funded program with strong collaboration across departments. The role emphasizes mentorship, teaching, and service; required qualifications include a Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Radiochemistry, Nuclear Chemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related discipline.
• At least two years postdoctoral or equivalent research experience.
• Evidence of success in securing external research funding as PI and/or in collaboration.
• Expertise in radiochemistry and related experimental methodologies.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Commitment to excellence in teaching, mentorship, and collaborative research.
• Preferred: regulatory oversight of radiopharmaceuticals in human subjects; experience with regulatory submissions (IRB, FDA IND).
• Experience with radiopharmaceutical production workflows and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Advance development of molecular imaging agents from early tracer development to first-in-man studies.
• Establish and maintain a nationally recognized, externally funded research program.
• Mentor students and postdoctoral researchers; contribute to departmental and university service.
• Teach residents, fellows, medical students, and master’s students; foster an inclusive academic environment.

Skills

Postdoctoral experience

External funding success

Radiochemistry expertise

Written and oral communication

Teaching and mentorship

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Regulatory submissions experience

Education

Ph.D. in Radiochemistry or related field

Job description

Application Window

Open date: September 1, 2026

Next review date: Thursday, Oct 1, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Wednesday, Mar 1, 2028 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging at the University of California, San Francisco invites candidates to apply for the position of Faculty Radiochemist. The selected candidate will be appointed at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor in the In Residence or Adjunct series depending on qualifications and interests.

The candidate will work collaboratively with faculty within the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging and other departments at UCSF to advance the development of new molecular imaging agents, from early tracer development to first-in-man clinical studies. The successful candidate will establish and maintain a nationally recognized, externally funded research program, mentor students and postdoctoral researchers, and participate in departmental, university, and professional service activities. Required qualifications (to be met by the time of the faculty appointment start date) include:

• Ph.D. in Radiochemistry, Nuclear Chemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related discipline.
• At least two years postdoctoral or equivalent research experience.
• Has demonstrated success in securing external research funding as principal investigator and/or in collaboration.
• Evidence of expertise in radiochemistry and related experimental methodologies.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Commitment to excellence in teaching, mentorship, and collaborative research.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Expertise in nuclear chemistry, targeted radionuclide therapy, radiopharmaceutical production, and regulatory oversight of radiopharmaceuticals in human subjects.
• Experience working with multiple radionuclides, including radiometals and radiohalogens, for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
• Experience in the development and radiolabeling of small molecules for diagnostic and/or therapeutic applications.
• Experience in the development and radiolabeling of biologics for diagnostic and/or therapeutic applications.
• Experience with radiopharmaceutical production workflows.
• Experience with regulatory submissions for first-in-human radiopharmaceutical work (IRB, FDA IND applications).
• Experience working with radiation safety programs and regulatory compliance.
• Record of interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive academic environment.

Specific areas of expertise with regards to disease focus are flexible and could include neurological, oncology, cardiology, or other clinical applications. The successful candidate will work with basic scientists and clinical researchers in planning, conducting, and evaluating data. Faculty are required to teach residents, fellows, medical students, and master's students.

The total compensation for this position ranges from $200,000-$320,000.

Total compensation at the University of California, San Francisco includes your base salary, which is determined by your rank and step at appointment, and negotiated pay for Health Sciences Compensation Plan members. Faculty who are members of the Health Sciences Compensation Plan may also be eligible for additional incentive pay.

The UCSF Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging offers faculty salaries that are highly competitive with the national radiology benchmarks. The University of California provides employees with comprehensive health and retirement benefit packages, in addition to many other benefits.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Cover Letter - In the cover letter, please include a brief description of prior teaching and research experience.

• Curriculum Vitae - CV must clearly list current and/or pending qualifications (e.g. board eligibility/certification, medical licensure, etc.).

• Statement of Research (Optional)

• Statement of Teaching (Optional)

About UC San Francisco

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

UCSF is committed to welcoming and serving all people, honoring the dignity of every individual without preference or prejudice, in support of its public mission and in alignment with our PRIDE values and Principles of Community.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
* "Misconduct" means any violation