Radiopharmaceutical Chemist

Company: University of Chicago
Location: Chicago
Posted on: April 4, 2026

Job Description:

Department BSD RAD - Cyclotron About the Department The Cyclotron and Radiopharmaceutical Facility at the University of Chicago produces radioisotopes and manufactures radiopharmaceuticals for clinical research and preclinical use. The Facility holds its own FDA-approved Investigational New Drug (IND) application for one human use and is listed on at least three other INDs for manufacturing PET radiopharamceuticals for clinical trials in humans. Additionally, we have numerous research projects involving new radioisotopes and radiopharmaceutical development across the University, The UChicago Comprehensive Cancer Center (UCCCC), and other institutions in the Chicago area. For the position that we are considering, the applicant needs to have skills in 1) chemistry and process chemistry, 2) radiochemistry and radiopharmaceutical research, 3) analytical methods and techniques for characterization and quality control of radiopharmaceuticals, 4) willingness to work with large quantities of radioactivity, and 5) and clear ability to work in a complex, sometimes high-stress, and multiple-worker environment, for example, a pharmaceutical production facility would all be appropriate. Job Summary The job manages scientific research projects or scientific research facilities. Uses considerable on-the-job experience to ensure compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies. Works independently to write articles, reports and manuscripts, and presents research findings at meetings and/or conferences. For the position that we are considering, the applicant needs to have skills in 1) synthetic chemistry, pharmaceutical or radiopharmaceutical research and production, 2) analytical techniques for molecular characterization and quality control, 3) experience in working in high levels of radiation and with large amounts of radioactivity is very desirable, but not required, and 4) and clear ability to work in a complex, sometimes high-stress, and multiple-worker environment, for example, a pharmaceutical production facility would all be appropriate, and 5) ability to write research reports, develop and follow Standard Operating Procedures. Primary functions of this role include but are not limited to develop and validate processes for producing radiopharmaceuticals following appropriate regulatory guidelines, including synthesis, purification, formulation, and quality control, contribute to developing novel radiotracers and radiopharmaceuticals for molecular imaging and therapy, including radiotheranostics, participates in maintaining the radiopharmaceutical facility for regulatory compliance, and also contributes to direct quality control analysis of final radiopharmaceutical products. Additionally, our ideal candidate must also be able to work with large quantities of radioactivity and in radiation environments with appropriate radiation safety precautions. Responsibilities Production of established and new radiopharmaceuticals for preclinical and human use. Includes preparation of solvents, reagents, and ancillaries required for the synthesis and QC. Support various research projects involving imaging and/or therapeutic radionuclides, and radiolabeling of small molecules, peptides, and biologicals. Includes radiochemical processing of various radiometals and subsequent radiolabeling of desired molecules. Performs work with (not all are required) aseptic procedures, microbiological procedures, handling of highly radioactive pharmaceutical products, DOT procedure. Writes, proofreads, and develops Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC); Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) if necessary. Oversees maintenance and production schedules with the accelerator and its subsystems, running the machine on an intermittent basis. Uses subject matter and best practices knowledge to perform lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Works independently to assist with project design. Solves complex problems relating to the administration of projects, including planning new procedures, adapting existing procedures to the needs of the project, and making significant contributions to methodology. Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: Preferred Qualifications Education: Master’s degree in a related field. M.S. in Chemistry, Radiochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Biology, or related field exhibiting appropriate skill-set. Ph.D., PharmD, other higher academic certification, is strongly preferred. Vocational, apprenticeships or other experience in related fields (pharmacy, physics, chemistry etc.) will be considered in lieu of a higher terminal academic degree. Experience: A total combined 2-5 years’ experience in chemistry, radiochemistry, or related fields/areas. Can include post-doctoral research. 2-5 years’ experience in a research laboratory or highly organized and structured regulatory environment (not necessarily one single environment/job). Proven knowledge of general QC procedures, interfacing with collaborators or end-user/customers, documentation, etc. Expertise in training others and/or being trained and certified. Experience in synthetic chemistry, pharmaceutical or radiopharmaceutical research and production. Experience in molecular characterization using TLC, HPLC, NMR, Mass, etc. Experience working with different radioisotopes for diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceutical development. Preferred Competencies Ability to write and develop Standard Operating Procedures and research reports. Must be able to follow procedures exactly. Must be able to work flexible (e.g., early morning) hours. General chemistry/biochemistry knowledge and analytical testing methodology. Must be capable of working alone and working collaboratively in a small group with demonstrated problem-solving capabilities under pressure situation. Must be willing to work with radioactive isotopes, while maintaining University Safety standards. Must be willing to work with chemicals and equipment in a complex environment. Must have excellent organization, cleanliness, and work habits. Knowledge and experience with radiosynthesis automation using radiosynthesizers is desirable. Demonstrated experience in radiochemical processing of radiometals and radiolabeling different molecules, such as small molecules, peptides and antibodies, is desirable. Proven record of working in highly radioactive or highly regulated environments. Documented training in complex equipment, environments, or medical cyclotrons. Demonstrated radiation and radioactivity training, is desirable. Demonstrated publications record, is desirable. Heavy lifting. Working Conditions Laboratory Environment. Exposure to chemical agents. Working with radioactivity. Requires protective devices. Requires extensive safety training. Ability to sit, stand, and bend/crouch/stoop for short or extended time periods. Ability to see, including color, depth perception, or clarity. Ability to carry/lifts loads of 50 lbs. or more. Application Documents Resume (required) Cover Letter (preferred) When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Job Family Research Role Impact Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Drug Test Required Yes Health Screen Required Yes Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Salary ? FLSA Status Exempt ? Pay Range $70,000.00 - $90,000.00 The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting. Benefits Eligible Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook . Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

Keywords: University of Chicago, Elmhurst , Radiopharmaceutical Chemist, Science, Research & Development , Chicago, Illinois