Senior R&D Chemist: Isotope & UNF Process Lead

U.S. Fusion Energy; Shine (NC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SHINE Technologies in Janesville, WI seeks a Senior R&D Chemist to lead the design, execution, and analysis of experiments that support medical isotope production, purification, and used nuclear fuel recycling.

You will contribute to radiochemical process development, ensure safety and regulatory compliance, and collaborate with chemistry, process engineering, and licensing teams while maintaining analytical instruments like ICP-MS, XRD, HPLC, HPGe, and LSC.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Radiochemistry, Nuclear Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong background in metal ion chemistry, separation science, and analytical techniques.
• Experience with radioactive materials is a plus but not required; training will be provided.
• Prior work with UNF or metal ion separation (e.g., solvent extraction, crystallization, chromatographic separation) strongly preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing technical proposals.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize separation processes for actinides and fission products using advanced chemical techniques.
• Lead and execute experiments for isotope production and UNF recycling, applying techniques such as column chromatography, solvent extraction, and crystallization.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams in chemistry, process engineering, and licensing to develop innovative UNF recycling solutions.
• Maintain and calibrate key analytical and radioanalytical instruments including ICP-MS, XRD, HPLC, HPGe, LSC etc.
• Contribute to innovative research by drafting proposals for funding opportunities.
• Ensure safe handling of chemicals.

Skills

Metal ion chemistry

Separation science

Analytical techniques

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry/Radiochemistry/Nuclear Engineering

Master’s or Ph.D. in inorganic/analytical/radiochemistry

Tools

ICP-MS

XRD

HPLC

HPGe

LSC

Job description

SHINE Technologies in Janesville, WI seeks a Senior R&D Chemist to lead the design, execution, and analysis of experiments that support medical isotope production, purification, and used nuclear fuel recycling.

You will contribute to radiochemical process development, ensure safety and regulatory compliance, and collaborate with chemistry, process engineering, and licensing teams while maintaining analytical instruments like ICP-MS, XRD, HPLC, HPGe, and LSC.