The Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, School of Medicine is seeking a motivated Research Assistant to support radiochemistry and preclinical nuclear imaging in our laboratory. The successful candidate will carry out radiolabeling, quality control, and small animal imaging experiments, and will play a central role in the day-to-day operation of the radiochemistry and imaging workflow. Training will be provided for candidates with strong laboratory fundamentals but limited prior radiochemistry experience.
Key Responsibilities
• Perform routine radiolabeling reactions and prepare radiolabeled agents for in vitro and in vivo studies.
• Carry out quality control and analytical characterization, including HPLC, radio-TLC, and stability assays, and maintain accurate records of all preparations.
• Support small animal PET/SPECT/CT imaging sessions, including animal handling, dosing, anesthesia, positioning, and scan acquisition.
• Assist with ex vivo biodistribution studies, tissue collection, and gamma counting.
• Maintain radiation safety compliance, including surveys, waste handling, dosimetry records, and radioactive material inventory, in coordination with institutional Environmental Health and Safety.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, manage ordering and inventory, and support general lab operations.
• Compile and summarize experimental data and contribute to figures and manuscripts.
• Work closely with postdoctoral fellows and graduate students, and assist with training new lab members.
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Medical Physics, or a related field.
• Prior laboratory research experience, in an academic or industry setting, with strong attention to detail and careful record keeping.
• Willingness to work with radioactive materials and to complete institutional radiation safety training and certification.
• Familiarity with analytical techniques such as HPLC, TLC, or UV-V is spectroscopy is desirable.
• Prior experience with radiolabeling, radiopharmacy, or nuclear medicine is a strong plus.
• Experience with rodent handling, injections, and small animal imaging is a plus; willingness to complete institutional animal handling training is required.
• Ability to work independently and within a collaborative team; strong organizational and communication skills.
Application: Interested candidates should send their CV, a cover letter outlining their research experience, interest in this position and contact information for three references to Dr. Nalinikanth Kotagiri at [contact details available in the full listing]
Desired start date: January 2027
