Radiochemistry Technologist
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories View all jobs
- Chalk River, ON
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Acquiring in‑depth knowledge of laboratory procedures, instrumental methods, and current advancements in the field.
- Preparing and executing experimental protocols for radionuclide production, separation, purification, radiolabeling, stability studies, analytical method development, in vitro testing, in vivo studies, and small‑animal imaging.
- Performing conjugation chemistry (e.g., DOTA, Macropa), radiolabeling various vectors with radionuclides (Ac‑225, Lu‑177, Ga‑68), and conducting stability testing in biological matrices.
- Carrying out detailed radiochemical analyses (Radio‑TLC, Radio‑HPLC, ICP‑MS, gamma counting) and preparing clear data analysis reports.
- Using equipment‑control software and developing customized spreadsheets for calculations and reporting.
- Developing, modifying, updating, and following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Preparing chemical solutions, maintaining chemical inventory, and overseeing proper management of chemical and radioactive waste.
- Analyzing experimental results and contributing to internal and external summary reports.
- Maintaining accurate and organized laboratory notes.
- Following CNL’s S&T QA Programs and preparing QA documentation, including reporting non‑conformances.
- Applying equipment and procedures creatively and documenting innovative approaches.
- Sourcing equipment from new vendors and navigating procurement processes.
- Collaborating effectively with team members and coordinating shared activities.
- Ensuring compliance with laboratory and facility regulations and requirements.
- Other duties as assigned by your manager.
- Education
- Graduation from a recognized institute of advanced technology, or equivalent formal education in a field relevant to the position, such as radiochemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, forensics, biochemistry, chemical engineering technology and three (3) to five (5) years of pertinent technological experience, OR;
- Secondary School Graduation Diploma or equivalent, and five (5) to ten (10) years of pertinent and progressive experience or the equivalent in experience, additional education and/or training.
- Experience
- 3-5 years of relevant hands-on work experience in a radiochemistry laboratory is preferred.
- Experience working with radioactive compounds (e.g., quantification, identification, separation, purification, radiolabeling) is a significant asset.
- Experience performing R&D or production work in engineered enclosures (fume hoods, glove boxes, hot cells) is an asset.
- Experience in keeping laboratory notebooks, electronic data, and physical records under a research or production Quality Management System.
- Experience in preparing experimental procedures and technical reports.
- Experience with conjugation and radiolabeling chemistry of a range of isotopes is desirable.
- Experience with chemical separation techniques for metal ions, including co-precipitation, column chromatography, and solvent extraction, is desirable.
- Experience with radiation detectors, gamma- and alpha-spectrometers, liquid scintillation counters, and similar radiation-counting equipment is desirable.
- Experience with in vitro cell culture, techniques and assays, and assets.
- Experience with in vivo testing of radiopharmaceuticals is an asset.
- Work experience with radiation safety principles is desired (CNL-specific training will be provided).
- Experience navigating and working under the principles of Integrated Work Control (IWC) or other work hazard control programs.
- Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Ability to precisely manipulate radioactive solutions (pipetting, dilution, etc.) while maintaining a contamination-controlled work environment.
- Excellent work performance, with good knowledge of, and commitment to quality assurance.
- Ability to translate informal and formal guidance into meaningful experimental results.
- Good communication skills.
- Good computer skills, including analytical data collection software and Microsoft Office applications.
- Excellent record-keeping and well-organized.
- Work well as part of a team.
- Demonstrated questioning attitude, seek guidance, and support others in new scopes of work.
- Skills in coding and data management are considered an asset.
- Advanced understanding of the principles of radiochemistry and radioanalytical techniques.
- Familiarity with Radio-TLC and Radio-HPLC, as well as similar chromatographic techniques and/or MS (e.g., ICP-MS), is desirable.
- Security Clearance Eligibility Required
- Reliability Status with Site Access Security Clearance (SASC), which has a minimum requirement of 3-5 years of verifiable history in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and/or the United Kingdom. CNL implements security screening in accordance with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's “Standard on Security Screening” and the “Policy on Government Security.”
- Working schedule: Five (5) days per week, seven and a half (7.5) hours per day for a thirty-seven and a half (37.5) hour work week.
- This position is part of the USW 1568 union and is governed by the terms and conditions outlined in their Collective Agreement. As a member of this bargaining unit, you’ll benefit from clear expectations around hours of work, wages, vacation, and other conditions that support a fair and consistent working environment.
- Occasional requirements for weekend work and overtime, depending on programs of work.
- Main working environment is the radiological chemistry laboratories, where you will work with radioactive compounds following ALARA principles, and the use of personal protective equipment is required.
- Work may also be performed in CNL’s controlled area and licensed nuclear facilities (radiation training is provided; must be able to use a respirator; frequent monitoring is required; security checkpoints are part of the daily routine; a daily foot commute from the parking lot to the work area is required).
- The environment demands high vigilance to alarms, lights, and signals as a safety requirement.
- Ability to respond calmly and responsibly to emergency situations.
- Paid time off: vacation, sick, personal, and floater days
- Benefits effective Day One – no waiting period
- Tuition support to help you keep learning and growing
- A defined-benefit pension plan for your future security
- Delivering clean energy for today and tomorrow
- Restoring and protecting the environment
- Contributing to the health of Canadians
- Respect
- Teamwork
- Accountability
- Safety
- Integrity
- Excellence