Senior Research Radiochemist

Job Description

• Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN)
• Full time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 3 years
• Base salary will be in the range $117,958.12 - $132,247.57 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 8)
• Based at our vibrant St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced and highly motivated Senior Research Radiochemist to support AIBN Cyclotron and Radiochemistry Capability in the delivery of radiochemistry services. You will have significant experience and expertise in the manufacture of radiotracers, radiopharmaceuticals, and investigational medicinal products for clinical and pre-clinical research.

Experience in the operation and maintenance of a medical cyclotron would be well regarded, as you will support preclinical and clinical tracer production at the Cyclotron and Radiochemistry Capability at AIBN & CAI. Pharmaceutical Quality System (PQS) exposure or experience would also be a benefit, as you will support the facility’s maintenance and standard operating procedures in this space.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Assist the Cyclotron and Radiochemistry Facility Manager in maintaining: cleanroom and clean workstation (e.g. laminar flow hotcells) compliance with international standards (i.e. PIC/s, ISO), equipment calibration (e.g. laboratory balance, micropipettes, etc.).
• Participate in maintaining the Radiochemistry Facility's Pharmaceutical Quality System (PQS) by managing the control of documents (revised, superseded, controlled copies) ensuring that the latest revisions are available electronically to Radiochemistry Facility users.
• Participate in expanding the availability of radiochemicals, radiotracers, radiopharmaceuticals, and investigational medicinal products available to clinical and preclinical researchers
• Assist in the development of radiolabelling strategies using both manual and automated techniques,
• Assist in the development of quality control (QC) techniques (radio-HPLC, TLC, gamma spectrometry etc.)
• Contribute to authoring, revising, and implementing documentation (e.g., SOPs, batch manufacturing records, validation protocols, reports etc.) as part of the PQS for manufacturing radiopharmaceuticals, and investigational medicinal products to support clinical research programs,
• Contribute to authoring, revising, and implementing documentation for the day-to-day operation of the Radiochemistry Facility and to support preclinical research programs.
• Participate in the manufacturing (production and QC) of radiochemicals, radiotracers, radiopharmaceuticals, and investigational medicinal products for use at UQ and externally.
• Operate the “Cyclone 18 Twin” cyclotron for the production of radioisotopes.
• Achieve and maintain certification as a Dangerous Goods Shipper for the preparation of documents and packaging/handling of Class 7 goods in “Type A” packaging for shipment via airfreight.
• Participate in radiochemistry safety meetings.
• Any other duties as reasonably directed by your supervisor

About You

• Postgraduate qualifications in Radiopharmaceutical Science or a related field or progress towards, with extensive experience in radiochemistry, lab management and/or equivalent combination of relevant extensive training and professional experience
• Ability to take initiative and work co-operatively and collaboratively with close attention to detail and prioritisation of tasks.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate with diverse groups, both within the University and the broader community and a commitment to client service.
• Demonstrated relationship building skills, with the ability to develop and maintain effective relationships, across a range of internal and external stake holders, and negotiate, analyse and resolve issues as they arise.
• Laboratory research/development experience in radiopharmaceutical science, physics or biomedical sciences.
• Willingness to work safely with radioactive material.

Desirable

• Current Queensland Health Radiation Use Licence.
• Current Dangerous Goods Air Acceptance Certification (Class 7 Radioactive Materials).
• Experience working within a TGA licenced facility under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) framework.
• Practical experience working in a clinically based "hot-lab".
• Practical experience working with automated radiochemistry synthesizers. Practical experience in the operation of medical cyclotrons.