Sr Radiochemist - Nuclear Medicine Research

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The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a world-renowned academic medical center dedicated to eliminating cancer through exceptional patient care, innovative research, education, and prevention programs. The Senior Radiochemist role supports the Nuclear Medicine Research Department , which focuses on the development, characterization, validation, and translation of novel radiopharmaceuticals and radiotracers for research and clinical application.

UT MD Anderson is seeking a Senior Radiochemis t to contribute to advanced radiochemistry research, radiopharmaceutical development, analytical method validation, and quality control activities. The Senior Radiochemist will collaborate with multidisciplinary scientific teams, support product development initiatives, and maintain compliance with radiation safety requirements. The Senior Radiochemist plays a key role in advancing translational research and supporting future clinical trials.

The ideal candidate will have a Master's Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field, experience working with PET radiopharmaceutical manufacturing and quality control processes, and authorization under a Radioactive Materials (RAM) License as recognized by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Candidates should demonstrate strong expertise in radiochemistry, analytical method development, troubleshooting, and scientific collaboration.

Why Us?

This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to groundbreaking cancer research through the development of innovative radiopharmaceuticals and imaging agents that support future clinical trials and patient care advancements. At UT MD Anderson, team members work alongside leading scientists and clinicians while benefiting from professional growth opportunities, collaborative research environments, and a strong commitment to employee well-being.

• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.

• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.

• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.

• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

Responsibilities

Quality Control, Compliance & Documentation

• Perform quality control procedures in accordance with established SOPs using radio-HPLC, GC, TLC, and related analytical techniques

• Validate and implement analytical methods independently or collaboratively as required

• Draft SOPs, technical transfer documents, and quality-related documentation supporting future clinical trials

• Troubleshoot analytical methods and resolve technical issues • Interpret analytical data and maintain analytical results with appropriate backup records

• Report equipment malfunctions and perform minor repairs when possible

• Maintain service, calibration, and laboratory records • Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of laboratory activities

• Serve as a subject matter expert supporting root cause investigations

Research & Product Development

• Provide input for strategic planning of new product lines • Develop and optimize radiolabeling procedures and analytical methods as assigned by the Principal Investigator

• Contribute to the planning and development of new radiopharmaceuticals and analytical procedures

• Evaluate the technical feasibility of new products with scientific staff

• Collaborate with engineers and technical experts on target design, scale-up activities, hot cell implementation, and operational handoff

• Provide scientific recommendations and critical input on new concepts and methodologies

• Develop and validate synthesis processes for novel PET, SPECT, and radiotherapeutic tracers

• Characterize radiolabeled products, troubleshoot processes, and interpret experimental results • Optimize formulations and radiolabeling processes

Analytical Method Development & Scientific Support

• Utilize analytical techniques including HPLC-MS, HPLC, iTLC, and HPGe systems

• Develop analytical methods for characterization of radiolabeled products

• Troubleshoot radiochemistry issues using both manual and automated approaches

• Develop experimental strategies with laboratory personnel for in-vitro and in-vivo radiotracer studies

Radiation Safety & Laboratory Operations

• Manage and perform work in compliance with site safety and radiation protection guidelines

• Support radiation safety, contamination control, and radioactive waste management programs

• Ensure functionality and calibration of radiation safety equipment

• Assist team members with radioactive safety control management activities within their workspaces

Scientific Communication & Collaboration

• Assist in preparing scientific sections of grant applications

• Author and edit reports and presentations summarizing collected data

• Establish and maintain research collaborations with biotechnology and pharmaceutical organizations in conjunction with the Principal Investigator

• Assist with budget development for external research partners

• Develop, execute, and monitor new product plans with assigned teams

• Participate in conference calls, document significant issues, and support implementation of solutions

• Maintain effective scientific communication internally and externally

• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at scientific meetings

EDUCATION

• Required: Bachelor's Degree Chemistry, Biochemistry or related field.
• Preferred: Master's Degree Chemistry, Biochemistry or related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Required: 5 years Experience in manufacturing and or quality control of PET radiopharmaceuticals.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Preferred: Authorized user listed in Radioactive Materials (RAM) License as per Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Upon Hire

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits , including medical, dental, paid time off , retirement , tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.

Additional Information

• Requisition ID: 183124
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Days
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 89,000
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 111,000
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 133,000
• FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
• Fund Type: Soft
• Work Location: Onsite
• Pivotal Position: Yes
• Referral Bonus Available?: No
• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes

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