Principal Scientist, Radiopharmaceutical Development

Aktis Oncology, Inc.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Aktis Oncology, Inc. is seeking a Principal Scientist to lead manufacturing and assay development for radiopharmaceutical drug products.

You will oversee a small team, conduct radiolabeling and formulation development for clinical use, and collaborate with RPD leadership to ensure timely tech transfer and regulatory readiness. The role requires hands-on experience with radioactive materials, radiopharmaceutical analyses, and cross-functional collaboration to advance programs from development

Qualifications

• Advanced degree required in chemistry, engineering or related field.
• Minimum of seven years of relevant industry experience.
• Experience leading scientific laboratory teams and external project management.
• Hands-on experience with metal chelation chemistry, radiolabeling methods and handling radioactive materials.
• Experience analyzing radiolabeled compounds, experience with gamma detectors, UV- and radio-HPLC.
• Experience with protein solubility, binding assays, and drug product formulation.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with ability to work independently and as a team leader.
• Demonstrated communication and collaboration aligned with mission-driven goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team to execute radiolabeling and formulation development of Aktis’ radioactive drug products for clinical use.
• Support and execute the manufacturing development strategies from RPD department head.
• Participate in day-to-day laboratory operations, including radiation safety.
• Lead and support development activities at external Contract Research Organizations.
• Write development reports that can be used for transfer of technology and regulatory filing.
• Foster rigor and data-driven decision making to bring novel therapies to the clinic.
• Maintain high standards for scientific rigor, teamwork, and alignment with company objectives.
• Operate and maintain fume hoods, radio-HPLC systems, detectors, and analytical instruments.

Skills

Radiolabeling

Team leadership

Project management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Advanced degree in chemistry, engineering or related field

Tools

Gamma detectors

UV-HPLC

Radio-HPLC

Analytical instruments

Job description

Aktis Oncology, Inc. is a clinical-stage oncology company focused on expanding the breakthrough potential of targeted radiopharmaceuticals to large patient populations, including those not addressed by existing platform technologies. Aktis’ most-advanced program, AKY-1189, is a miniprotein radioconjugate targeting Nectin-4, with multi-indication potential across multiple tumor types, including locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer, breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer, cervical cancer, and head and neck cancer. Aktis’ second pipeline program, AKY-2519, is a miniprotein radioconjugate targeting B7-H3 expressing tumors, including prostate, lung and other solid tumors. Aktis has a strategic collaboration with Eli Lilly and Company to leverage its miniprotein platform to develop novel radioconjugates outside of Aktis’ proprietary pipeline.

Aktis Oncology is seeking a highly motivated Principal Scientist to support manufacturing and assay development of AKTIS Oncology’s proprietary radiopharmaceutical drug products. The Principal Scientist lead a small team of scientists and participate in the manufacturing and formulation optimization of Aktis’ clinical candidates within the RPD group and provide subject matter expert support of regulatory packages. This role is critical in ensuring product quality, regulatory compliance, and successful advancement of radiopharmaceutical programs from early development through clinical manufacturing phases. The position will collaborate closely with cross-functional team members to ensure timely delivery of robust manufacturing protocols in support of technology transfer activities. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience in radiolabeling and handling radioactive materials and radiopharmaceutical analytical techniques. This role requires full-time on-site presence at the Aktis Boston office.

RESPONSIBILITIES

This role will drive several areas of strategic importance to Aktis:

• Lead a team to execute radiolabeling and formulation development of Aktis’ radioactive drug products for clinical use
• Support and execute the manufacturing development strategies from RPD department head
• Participate in day-to-day laboratory operations, including radiation safety
• Lead and support development activities at external Contract Research Organizations
• Write development reports that can be used for transfer of technology and regulatory filing
• Take on new challenges willingly and build a culture of rigor and data-driven decision making to bring novel therapies to the clinic.
• Demonstrate high standards for scientific rigor, team behaviors, excellence and a culture of innovation that is fully aligned with company objectives
• Operate and maintain fume hoods, radio-HPLC systems, detectors, and analytical instruments

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of an advanced degree in chemistry, engineering or related field.
• Minimum of seven years of relevant industry experience
• Experience in leading scientific laboratory teams and external project management
• Hands-on experience with metal chelation chemistry, radiolabeling methods and handling radioactive materials.
• Experience analyzing radiolabeled compounds, experience with gamma detectors, UV- and radio-HPLC
• Experience with protein solubility, binding assays, and drug product formulation
• Project management and organizational skills, proven track record of setting priorities, and ability to work independently and as a team leader.
• Strong desire to be part of a mission‑oriented company leading transformative change for patients.
• Proven demonstration of transparent communication and fostering open and diverse debate.
• Ability to work with agility and manage ambiguity.
• Personifies positive energy and exemplifies respect.

Aktis Oncology is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Aktis Oncology is committed to promoting and maintaining a work environment in which all applicants, employees, and other individuals are treated with dignity and respect free from unlawful harassment, discrimination, or retaliation.