Postdoctoral Research Associate - Radiopharmaceutical Chelator Development

Oak Ridge National Laboratory • Oak Ridge, TN

68d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate with a strong background in organic synthesis and coordination chemistry to develop novel chelation platforms for s-, p- and f-block radioactive ions of interest in nuclear medicine. This position resides in the Chemical Separations Group in the Chemical Sciences Division, Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), under the mentorship of Dr. Nikki Thiele. As part of the Chemical Separations Group, you will have the opportunity to work with a multidisciplinary team comprising specialists in organic and inorganic synthesis, coordination chemistry, thermodynamics, laser spectroscopy, materials characterization, chemical separations, computational chemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Our cold labs house state-of-the-art instruments including a triple-quad ICP mass spectrometer, single-crystal X-ray diffractometer, potentiometric titrators, and ultrafast laser systems. Our radiochemistry facility includes six hoods and two gloveboxes equipped for radiological work, as well as a suite of radioanalytical instrumentation for detection of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-emitting isotopes and quantification of radioactive complexes. As a member of our research team, you will take a leading role in the design, synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of novel chelation platforms for medically relevant radionuclides. You will be expected to independently drive research projects forward, troubleshoot challenging synthetic and coordination chemistry problems, and generate high-quality, publishable research. Your work will focus on developing selective chelation strategies and applying these systems to targeted radionuclide therapy and cancer imaging. Research accomplishments will be disseminated through high-impact peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international scientific meetings.

Requirements

• A PhD in chemistry, nuclear chemistry, or a related discipline, completed within the last five years

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated record of independently completing complex synthetic procedures and producing well-characterized target compounds, rather than primarily supporting synthesis efforts led by others.
• Strong record of taking projects from initial design through synthesis, purification, characterization, and delivery of target compounds.
• Extensive hands-on experience with multi-step organic synthesis, particularly synthesis of chelators or other complex organic molecules at gram scale, including reaction optimization, troubleshooting, scale-up, and isolation/purification using techniques such as column chromatography, recrystallization, and preparative HPLC.
• Strong expertise in chemical characterization and analytical methods, including NMR, UV-vis, FT-IR, mass spectrometry, HPLC, and related techniques, with the ability to independently interpret data and assess compound identity and purity.
• Proven ability to work independently and drive research forward, including identifying problems, developing solutions, and making sound decisions without requiring extensive day-to-day supervision.
• Radiochemistry and/or nuclear chemistry experience is preferred but not required; willingness and ability to learn radiochemical techniques is essential.
• Exceptional scientific communication skills, including the ability to clearly communicate experimental results, prepare high-quality manuscripts, and present research effectively.
• Ability to manage multiple technically demanding projects simultaneously, prioritize competing deadlines, and maintain high-quality work in a fast-paced research environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work creatively and effectively in multidisciplinary collaborative teams, while maintaining ownership and accountability for individual research responsibilities.
• Strong scientific judgment, attention to detail, and commitment to producing high-quality, reproducible experimental results.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and evaluate novel chelators for radioactive s-, p-, and f-block metal ions.
• Independently execute and troubleshoot complex, multi-step organic syntheses on the multi-gram scale, including reaction optimization, scale-up, purification, and preparation of well-characterized target compounds.
• Apply a range of analytical and characterization techniques to evaluate chelator structure, affinity, selectivity, and metal complexation, including radio-TLC, radio-HPLC, potentiometric titrimetry, UV-vis spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction.
• Take ownership of research projects, including experimental planning, prioritization of tasks, interpretation of results, troubleshooting, and development of next-step strategies.
• Collaborate effectively with scientists across disciplines while independently advancing assigned research objectives.
• Present research results at group meetings, scientific conferences, and other professional forums.
• Prepare manuscripts and publish research results in high-impact, peer-reviewed scientific journals in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate and thorough experimental records and ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Benefits

• medical and retirement plans
• flexible work hours
• on-site fitness
• banking
• cafeteria facilities
• Prescription Drug Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Contributory Pension Plan
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Generous Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Educational Assistance
• Relocation Assistance
• Employee Discounts

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree