Radiochemist

Role Overview

We’re seeking an experienced radiochemist to develop and optimize radiolabeling methods for our targeted radiopharmaceutical programs while helping establish our new radiochemistry laboratory. This individual will work independently, lead the radiochemistry for assigned programs, and be accountable for the quality of the data the team relies on.

This role is designed for a PhD-level scientist, or equivalent experience, who thrives in early-stage environments, balancing hands-on laboratory work with program-level planning. As the team grows, the role will take on training and mentoring of technicians and junior staff.

Working Conditions and Radiation Safety

This is a fully on-site laboratory role working routinely with radioactive materials. The incumbent will be required to:

• Wear assigned personal dosimetry and take part in the radiation monitoring program.
• Wear lab PPE, including respiratory protection where required.
• Lift and move shielded containers up to 50 lb and stand at a bench or hot cell for extended periods.
• Flexible work hours requiring occasional early-morning or weekend hours tied to isotope delivery and decay schedules.
• Complete Sego’s radiation safety, hazardous materials, and chemical hygiene training before working with radioactive material.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize radiolabeling methods for targeted radiopharmaceuticals.
• Develop, validate, and run radioanalytical QC, including radio-HPLC, radio-TLC, and gamma spectroscopy.
• Measure product stability and support formulation development.
• Prepare and dispense doses for in vitro and in vivo studies, working with biology teams.
• Help establish new laboratory capabilities and write and maintain SOPs.
• Work safely under ALARA and Sego’s radioactive materials license.
• Keep complete, contemporaneous records to data-integrity standards, and present results at team meetings.
• Support GMP manufacturing efforts as needed.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Own the radiolabeling strategy for assigned programs: design experiments and interpret data.
• Write methods and development reports that support transfer to manufacturing.
• Manage technical work with external partners and contribute to technical and regulatory documentation.
• Train and mentor technicians and junior staff as the team grows.

Qualifications

Required

• PhD in chemistry, radiochemistry, or a related field, with 2+ years of postdoctoral or industry radiopharmaceutical experience. Equivalent experience is considered: MS with 5+ years, or BS with 8+ years, of hands-on radiopharmaceutical development.
• Has independently developed radiolabeling methods for radiopharmaceuticals.
• Can design studies, lead a program’s radiochemistry, and present results to cross-functional and external audiences.
• Safe handling of unsealed radioactive sources, with documented radiation safety training.
• Hands-on radio-HPLC and radio-TLC, and working knowledge of gamma counting and dose calibrators.
• Understanding of chelation chemistry and bioconjugate stability.
• Eligibility to work in the United States.

Preferred

• Experience with therapeutic radionuclides (alpha and beta emitters).
• Experience with automated synthesis modules and hot cell operations.
• Exposure to GLP or GMP documentation, method qualification, or tech transfer to manufacturing.
• Bioconjugation experience.