Postdoctoral Research Associate - Radiochemistry

The BNL Isotope Group, which is part of the Medical Isotope Research and Production Program (MIRP), has an opening for a 2 year term Postdoctoral Research Associate to participate in a multidisciplinary research project(s). The successful candidate will have a background in radioanalytical chemistry. The candidate should be experienced in handling radioactivity or possess a strong desire to learn the skill. The candidate will be expected to develop protocols for the synthesis and characterization of metal complexes by various analytical techniques such as HPLC, LC, and TLC. Candidates will also be expected to develop radiolabelling protocols for various radionuclides and to perform radiochemical separations.

This position will involve the handling of radioisotopes that are beta, alpha, gamma, and/or PET emitters and may involve handling of hazardous chemicals so attention to details is a must. This position may also involve the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques to aid in developing protocols and separations. This position has a high level of interaction with an international and multicultural scientific community.

The main program focus is to produce and distribute radioisotopes for nuclear medicine research and clinical practice and to develop radioisotopes for new applications in medicine and science. The groups major facilities include the Brookhaven Linac Isotope Producer (BLIP), and the fully equipped hot laboratory with hot cells, radiochemistry research laboratories, and analytical equipment. The BLIP utilizes high intensity proton beams up to 200 MeV.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and test methods for the separation and purification of radionuclides of interest

• Design characterization techniques for radionuclide complexes

• Perform radiolabelling and stability studies

• Prepare data for presentations and publications

• Contribute to reports writing

• Present results to the scientific community

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• PhD in radiochemistry, nuclear chemistry, inorganic chemistry or a closely related field

• Candidates of Chemistry or Physics majors should have experience and training in nuclear/radiological science

• Solid knowledge of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and other radio analytical techniques gamma spectroscopy and radiation detecting techniques

• Solid working knowledge of gamma spectroscopy and radiation detecting techniques

• Hands on experience in separations related to isotope separations: ion-exchange, solvent extraction

• Solid knowledge of wet chemistry techniques demonstrated through a combination of research experience and education is critical

• Experience in handling of radioactivity

• Ability to plan and carry out experiments to produce data for peer reviewed publications

• Excellent technical and scientific writing skills

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Skilled in ICP-OES and ICP-MS

• Skilled in alpha spectroscopy

• Experience in working in a hot cell or glove box

• Practical experience with Machine Learning (ML) techniques and frameworks (e.g. PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX)

• Strong programming and computer science skills, preferably Linux and Python experience

Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $70200 - $90825 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

Environmental, Health & Safety Requirements:

• Ability to work protracted hours and an irregular schedule

• Ability to work with chemicals and radioactive material

• Ability to follow procedures and regulatory guidelines

• Ability to work in a chemical laboratory

OTHER INFORMATION:

• BNL policy requires that after obtaining a PhD, eligible candidates for research associate appointments may not exceed a combined total of 5 years of relevant work experience as a post-doc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness or other life-changing events

• Initial one (2) year term appointment subject to renewal contingent on performance and funding

• Candidates must have completed all degree requirements by the commencement of the employment.

• This is an onsite position located at BNL