Production Radiochemist (TerraPower Isotopes®)

TerraPower•Everett, WA

7d•$102,804 - $176,883•Onsite

About The Position

TerraPower Isotopes (TPI™) has been established to pursue medical isotopes development--advancing nuclear science for significant human health benefits. We seek to support revolutionary radiotherapies for treatments of various cancers through the supply of radioisotopes. TPI currently produces actinium-225 for the growing alpha therapy market and intends to expand. The TerraPower Isotopes (TPI) business is an integral part of the Washington State based TerraPower team, a company working to raise living standards globally. In 2006, the company originated with Bill Gates and a group of like-minded visionaries who evaluated the fundamental challenges to raising living standards around the world. TerraPower’s mission is to be a world leader in new nuclear technologies, while developing innovators and future leaders in the nuclear field. TPI is seeking to hire highly motivated and forward-thinking professionals who are interested in focusing on advanced radiopharmaceutical applications and influencing change within nuclear medicine. TerraPower is seeking a Production Radiochemist to join us in the manufacturing of actinium 225, an alpha emitting isotope used in the development of novel cancer treatments. This role entails a wide breadth of activities, including daily radiochemical process operations in hot cells and gloveboxes and batch production following current Good Manufacturing Processes (cGMP) guidelines of the pharmaceutical industry. This position also supports basic maintenance, troubleshooting, training of operators, and process documentation. As part of an interdisciplinary team, in a high growth environment, the production radiochemist will support the identification, design and implementation of improvements to the chemistry related processes involved in the production of actinium-225. Success in this role requires strong communication, teamwork, and composure while working in a dynamic environment. Sound judgment is essential to ensure safety of our team and our product while delivering on high quality commercial production demands.

Requirements

Proficiency and experience in the handling of radioactive materials. Previous experience handling alpha emitting isotopes is a plus.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience working according to safety procedures in a hazardous (chemical and radiological) environment.
One to two years of experience conducting radiochemical operations in a hot cell and glovebox environment: proficiency with telemanipulator-based operations is strongly desirable.
Ability to perform routine physical tasks with and without respiratory protection, including working for prolonged periods within confined spaces wearing appropriate PPE.
Experience collaborating within a multidisciplinary team to meet production goals.
Flexibility to work off-shift hours (evenings, nights, weekends/holidays) to support routine production.
Commitment to maintaining integrity of operations and documentation through strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Ability to understand requirements (regulations, codes and standards, etc.), incorporate them into TPI documents, while providing relevant guidance.
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills with a desire to foster teamwork within a diverse, mission-driven group.
Demonstrated integrity and the ability to build a high degree of respect and trust with teammates.

Nice To Haves

Department of Energy laboratory or nuclear facility experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Leading daily radioisotope production activities including preparation of materials and stock solutions and kits, execution of hot cell and glovebox based radiochemical operations and dispensing.
Contributing to improvements of actinium 225 production methods, from implementation of testing to report generation and presentation.
Developing, reviewing and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures on process operations.
Collaborating with TPI Quality team to support production planning, issue-resolution, audits, inspection, out-of-specification investigations, and corrective action program reports.
Providing hands-on training and transferring of institutional knowledge to new team-members.
Supporting maintenance of material and supply inventories required for process operations including procurement and replenishment.
Performing radiological operations surveys and conducting minor decontamination as required.
Supporting radiological waste handling and packaging.