Radiochemist

University of Missouri-Columbia; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 117,000 - 164,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

The University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) seeks a Radiochemist to join the Innovative Development & Translation (ID&T) division. The ID&T division focuses on advancing radioisotope production methodologies with emphasis on their translatability into cGMP standards and supports MU and other facilities across the US.

You will report to the Developmental Radiochemistry Senior Manager and develop radioisotope processing methods, lead projects, collaborate with cross-group teams, and ensure

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in related/relevant area and at least 3 years of experience.
• Ph.D. in Radiochemistry, Nuclear Chemistry, Radiopharmacy, Analytical Chemistry, or related field (preferred).
• Experience or familiarity with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) in medical isotopes or radiopharmaceutical manufacturing (preferred).
• Prior experience in lanthanide and actinide radioisotope separations (preferred).
• Strong understanding of nuclear reactions and radiation safety (preferred).
• Demonstrated commitment to safety in a laboratory setting (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize radioisotope production and separation methods.
• Lead radioisotope process development projects of moderate to high complexity and manage resources accordingly.
• Develop novel radioisotope manufacturing methodologies for translation into cGMP compatible processes.
• Conduct radioisotope separations to support development of new processes.
• Perform radioanalytical tests and lead quality control method development (e.g., gamma spectroscopy, ICP-MS, ICP-OES).
• Collaborate with other groups within ID&T and MURR to align project needs.
• Lead or assist in developing SOPs and technical documentation for process development and QC methodologies.
• Produce research-grade radioisotope precursors to support researchers across MU and other facilities.
• Investigate and analyze issues in radiochemical production methodologies; stay current with literature.

Education

Doctoral degree in related/relevant area

Ph.D. in Radiochemistry or related field

Experience with cGMP in medical isotopes or radiopharmaceutical manufacturing

Experience in lanthanide and actinide separations

Strong understanding of nuclear reactions and radiation safety

Job description

Hiring Department

University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR)

Job Description

The University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) is seeking a Radiochemist to join our Innovative Development & Translation (ID&T) division. The ID&T division at MURR focuses on advancing radioisotope production methodologies with an emphasis on their translatability into current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards. Core objectives of the ID&T division include: first, developing innovative and scalable radioisotope production techniques; second, optimizing and continuously improving existing isotope production lines at MURR to address any emergent issues; third, providing support to MURR's research groups through a blend of technical expertise, collaborative projects, and tailored solutions; and fourth, evaluating new opportunities and managing new projects that will become the foundation of tomorrow's growth and success.

This position will report to the Developmental Radiochemistry Senior Manager and will be responsible for developing radioisotope processing methods with a focus on radioisotope separations for the manufacturing of new cGMP medical radioisotopes to be used as Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) in radiopharmaceutical formulations.

Key Duties Performed by This Position Will Include

• Design, implement, and optimize radioisotope production and separation methods using the University of Missouri Research Reactor.
• Lead radioisotope process development projects of moderate to high complexity and manage resources accordingly.
• Develop novel radioisotope manufacturing methodologies in collaboration with ID&T team members to ensure suitability for translation into current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) compatible processes for medical grade radioisotope production.
• Conduct radioisotope separations to support the development of new radioisotope processes.
• Perform radioanalytical tests, and lead or assist in developing new quality control methods (e.g., gamma spectroscopy, ICP-MS, ICP-OES), including (radio)chromatography techniques (e.g., HPLC, IC, TLC).
• Collaborate with the members of other groups (i.e., Change Control & Translation, Developmental Engineering) within the Innovative Development & Translation division and other groups within MURR to understand the specific needs of each radioisotope development project.
• Lead or assist in developing SOPs and relevant technical documentation required for radioisotope process development and quality control methodologies.
• Perform research-grade radioisotope processing to produce high-quality radioisotope precursors to support researchers in MU and other research facilities across the US.
• Lead or assist in developing investigations and performing analyses to resolve issues that may arise in existing radiochemical production methodologies at MURR.
• Conduct detailed literature reviews to stay abreast of the latest advancements in isotope production, radiochemistry, radioisotope, and radiopharmaceutical development.
• Ensure compliance with all safety protocols and regulations related to radioisotope handling and production.
• Train staff on radiochemical procedures and safety protocols.

Successful candidates will be persuasive communicators with exceptional organizational and time management skills. They must demonstrate the following durable skills: leadership, character, collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, mindfulness, growth mindset, and fortitude. Additionally, customer service, confidentiality, integrity, and a commitment to university values in their activities.

Must be available for reliable and consistent onsite work.

Shift

Monday through Friday, 8:00AM to 5:00PM

Minimum Qualifications

Doctoral degree in related/relevant area and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Radiochemistry, Nuclear Chemistry, Radiopharmacy, Analytical Chemistry, or related field.
• Experience or familiarity with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) in medical isotopes or/and radiopharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Prior experience in lanthanide and actinide radioisotope separations.
• Strong understanding of nuclear reactions and radiation safety.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety in a laboratory setting.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $117,000 to $163,904 per year

Grade: GGS M15

University Title: Radiochemist

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Sponsorship Information

Visa Sponsorship Information:
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

Other Information

MURR Innovative Development and Translation (ID&T)

A life-saving operation in the middle of America - the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) - needs you to help guide its future. MURR is expanding its critical cancer-fighting and medical isotope production.

MURR's reactor is the highest-power university research reactor in the United States, operating at 10 megawatts, 6.5 days a week and 52 weeks a year. The MURR facility enables research across many disciplines - from investigating ancient cultures and how plants respond to their environment, to analyzing industrial materials and developing radiopharmaceuticals that have lifesaving clinical applications. The MURR facility is a reliable resource for researchers, scientists, engineers and students across the country.

Be a part of the future of fighting cancer and saving lives.

Be a part of MURR

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.