R&D Radiochemist

TerraPower•Everett, WA

5d•$102,804 - $176,883•Onsite

About The Position

TPI seeks to support revolutionary radiotherapies for treatments of cancers, such as prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma by supplying radioisotopes that currently cannot be accessed in amounts required to develop medical treatments. The R&D Radiochemist will support TPI’s efforts toward the long-term production of actinium-225, leveraging specific expertise and experience working with chemicals and/or radionuclides at scales relevant to this goal. This position interfaces with a dynamic interdisciplinary environment in which effective communication, teamwork and collaboration is required, while maintaining composure to act safely, ensure quality of data, and enable timely decision-making. The candidate must be capable of working closely with a focused and high achieving group, working with minimal day-to-day supervision, and relocating to the Everett, WA area. Develop and conduct radiochemistry experiments focused on manufacture and purification of radioisotopes. Assist in radiochemistry laboratory and system development, including efforts for flexible experimental chemistry capabilities to support TerraPower R&D activities. Provide radiochemistry support for the design, scale-up, start-up and ongoing production of radioisotopes and associated equipment and containment systems. Assist in the development of novel projects related to TerraPower research emphasizing radionuclides and nuclear technology. Interface effectively with TerraPower quality assurance disciplines as needed to ensure quality of experiments, analytical methods, and engineering designs are maintained and continuously improved. Maintain laboratory procedures (e.g., calibration, analytical methods, notebook results preparation, usage documentation). Perform all work in compliance with site safety and radiation protection guidelines, including effective teamwork and communication with health physicists, authorized users and RSO. Emphasize safety in new and existing design and safe practices in all experimental activities. Support ensuring organization, housekeeping and effectiveness of TerraPower R&D radiochemistry use areas and production facilities is maintained at a high standard at all times. Perform other general duties associated with position as member of radiochemistry team to ensure ongoing effectiveness and continuous improvement of TerraPower R&D efforts.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) and minimum of 2 years of relevant experience, or a master’s degree with 0-2 years of experience.
Demonstrated hands-on laboratory experience and expertise including but not limited to the following fields chemistry, radiochemistry, radiochemical separations, inorganic chemistry, and/or chemical synthesis.
Familiarity with the principles of separation chemistry and/or chromatography including but not limited to lanthanide and actinide materials and other radioisotopes, with emphasis on experience conducting column-based separations of radioactive materials.
Proficient in calculations such as activity, equilibrium, and kinetics.
Hands-on experience or familiarization outside of a classroom setting conducting some analytical measurements relevant to metal complexes with an emphasis on the radionuclidic characterization of actinide compounds including one or more of the following ICP-MS, ICP-OES, alpha spectroscopy, gamma spectroscopy, metalation reactions/radiolabeling, HPLC, ion chromatography, ESI-MS, and wet-chemistry techniques.
Experience conducting complex experimental studies with moderate supervision, identifying and responding to unexpected results, and communicating research results effectively in a team environment.
Demonstrated commitment to meet stakeholder expectations and reliably perform work to deliver high quality results on time.
Experience working and communicating productively in a multidisciplinary team including R&D, production, quality assurance, and engineering design functions.
Experience working and handling a high level of radioactive materials within hot cells (preferable, but not essential), glove boxes (strongly preferable), fume hoods (essential) and conducting experiments on laboratory benchtops.
Ability to understand requirements (regulations, codes and standards, etc.), incorporate them into TerraPower documents, and provide associated guidance to TerraPower personnel.
Flexibility to work periodic off-hours.
Experience demonstrating the highest standards with respect to safety and if applicable radiation protection in all work activities and familiarity with radiation protection and NRC standards.
Strong organizational and communication skills including technical writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
The successful candidate will possess a high degree of trust and integrity, communicate openly and display respect and a desire to foster teamwork.

Nice To Haves

Experience working and handling a high level of radioactive materials within hot cells (preferable, but not essential)

Responsibilities

Develop and conduct radiochemistry experiments focused on manufacture and purification of radioisotopes under the mentorship of a Senior R&D Radiochemist.
Assist in radiochemistry laboratory and system development, including efforts for flexible experimental chemistry capabilities to support TerraPower R&D activities.
Maintain laboratory procedures (e.g., calibration, analytical methods, notebook results preparation, usage documentation).
Perform all work in compliance with site safety and radiation protection guidelines, including effective teamwork and communication with health physicists, authorized users and RSO.
Support ensuring organization, housekeeping and effectiveness of TerraPower R&D radiochemistry use areas and production facilities is maintained at a high standard at all times.