Radiochemist / Nuclear Medicine Research

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center • Houston, TX

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Radiochemist role supports the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center's mission by advancing the development, validation, and quality control of innovative radiopharmaceuticals used in research and clinical applications. Within the Nuclear Medicine Research Department, the Radiochemist contributes technical expertise in radiochemistry, analytical testing, and radiopharmaceutical development. The Radiochemist works closely with scientific staff, engineers, and laboratory personnel to develop novel tracers, optimize processes, support regulatory compliance, and advance research initiatives. The Radiochemist plays a critical role in ensuring quality, safety, and scientific excellence throughout the product development lifecycle at UT MD Anderson. The ideal candidate will possess educational preparation and experience in radiochemistry, analytical chemistry, radiopharmaceutical development, or a related scientific discipline. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in analytical techniques, method development, quality control operations, scientific communication, and radiation safety practices. Licenses and certifications were not provided; therefore, candidates meeting the minimum required qualifications will be considered. At UT MD Anderson, the Radiochemist directly contributes to advancing cancer research and the development of innovative radiopharmaceuticals that support patient care, clinical trials, and scientific discovery. This role offers opportunities to collaborate with multidisciplinary experts, participate in cutting-edge research, publish scientific findings, and contribute to meaningful advancements in cancer treatment while supporting professional growth and work-life balance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree Chemistry, Biochemistry or related field.
• 3 years Experience in manufacturing and/or quality control of PET radiopharmaceuticals
• Expertise in analytical techniques, method development, quality control operations, scientific communication, and radiation safety practices.

Nice To Haves

• Master's Degree Chemistry, Biochemistry or related field.
• Authorized user listed in Radioactive Materials (RAM) License as per Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

Responsibilities

• Perform quality control procedures in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) using radio-HPLC, GC, TLC, and related analytical techniques
• Validate and implement analytical methods independently or collaboratively as required
• Draft documentation, SOPs, and quality documents supporting technical transfer of radiotracers for future clinical trials
• Troubleshoot analytical methods and resolve technical issues affecting testing processes
• Interpret analytical data and maintain analytical results with appropriate backup recordkeeping
• Report equipment malfunctions and perform minor repairs when possible
• Maintain equipment service, calibration, and quality records
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and serve as a subject matter expert during root cause investigations
• Provide input into strategic planning efforts for new product lines
• Develop and optimize radiolabeling procedures and analytical methods as assigned by the Principal Investigator
• Contribute to planning and development of new radiopharmaceuticals and analytical procedures
• Evaluate technical feasibility of new products in collaboration with scientific staff
• Collaborate with engineers and technical experts on target design, scale-up activities, and operational handoff
• Provide scientific recommendations, innovative ideas, and technical input to the Principal Investigator
• Develop and validate synthesis processes for novel PET, SPECT, and radiotherapeutic tracers
• Characterize radiolabeled products, troubleshoot processes, and interpret experimental data
• Optimize formulations and radiolabeling processes to improve product performance
• Develop analytical methods for characterization of radiolabeled products
• Utilize analytical techniques including HPLC-MS, HPLC, iTLC, and HPGe for product analysis and characterization
• Troubleshoot radiochemistry challenges using both manual and automated approaches
• Develop strategies with laboratory personnel supporting in-vitro and in-vivo studies involving radiotracers
• Ensure compliance with radiation safety, contamination control, and radioactive waste management requirements
• Verify functionality and calibration of radiation safety equipment within the laboratory
• Support radiation safety control management efforts across laboratory workspaces
• Assist in preparing scientific components of grant applications
• Author and edit reports, presentations, and other documents summarizing scientific findings and collected data
• Maintain effective communication of scientific activities with internal and external stakeholders
• Publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals
• Present scientific findings at scientific meetings and professional conferences

Benefits

• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week
• Optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank
• Paid holidays
• Wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service
• Access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System
• Voluntary retirement plans
• Employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior