R&D Associate Staff - Radiopharmaceutical Therapy Development and Advancement

Requisition Id 12889 

 

Position Overview: Join Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in collaboration with the University of Tennessee (UT) Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (ORII) Convergent Research Initiative as we pioneer the future of radiopharmaceutical therapies. We're seeking passionate early career scientists to contribute to groundbreaking research at the intersection of radiochemistry, chemistry, nuclear medicine, and biomedical engineering. This initiative aims to revolutionize the development and translation of radiopharmaceutical therapies for clinical applications through interdisciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge innovation.

Research: The research will focus on the advancement of radionuclide production and radiopharmaceutical development for diagnostic and therapeutic applications, and we are looking to fill positions in:

• Enhancement of reactor-based radionuclide production with emphasis on fundamental production R&D (e.g., measuring cross sections) and targetry (e.g., target selection, target optimization, and target processing).
• Development of separations chemistry and advanced automation for radionuclide processing.
• Design of chelators for radionuclide coordination and functionalization for inclusion of targeting vectors.
• Exploration of approaches incorporating nanotechnologies for radionuclide encapsulation and targeted delivery.
• Advancement of radiobiology and dosimetry, with a focus on therapeutic efficacy.

 

Key Responsibilities:

Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborate with researchers from diverse disciplines within ORNL, UT, and external partners to leverage expertise in chemistry, nuclear medicine, radiobiology, medical physics, and clinical oncology for the advancement of radiopharmaceutical therapy development.

Innovative Research: Conduct innovative research within the field of radionuclide production and/or radiopharmaceutical development (e.g., targetry, radionuclide production, target processing, radiopharmaceutical design and synthesis, and radiobiology) to improve therapeutic efficacy and minimize off-target effects.

Translation and Clinical Integration: Work closely with university and clinical partners to aid in the translation of promising radiopharmaceutical therapies from preclinical studies to clinical trials, ensuring regulatory compliance, safety, and efficacy assessments.

Grant Writing and Fundraising: Seek external funding opportunities and assist in securing research grants, contracts, and philanthropic support to sustain and expand research activities in radiopharmaceutical therapy development.

Publication and Dissemination: Publish research findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals, present at scientific conferences, and engage in outreach activities to disseminate research outcomes and enhance the visibility of ORNL, UT, and ORII in the field of radiopharmaceutical therapy.

Mentorship and Training: Assist in mentoring graduate students and interns, offering guidance, support, and professional development opportunities to cultivate a diverse and skilled research team.

 

Basic Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical engineering, radiation oncology, or a related field.
• Expertise in one or more of the following fields: radiochemistry, radiobiology, molecular imaging, therapeutic radionuclide production, and/or targeted drug delivery and analysis.
• Strong record of research accomplishments evidenced by publications and impactful contributions to the field.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of conveying complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
• Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in research, mentorship, and professional activities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary research teams and foster collaborations.
• Potential for leadership in research projects, driving innovation in radiopharmaceutical therapy development.

Application Procedure: Interested candidates should submit a curriculum vitae, a cover letter including a statement of research interests, and contact information for three references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.

 

Letters of Recommendation:

Three references are required.

 

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You can upload these directly to your application or have them sent to recruiting@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

 

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