Postdoctoral Research Associate – Radiochemistry (Isotope Production)
The Brookhaven National Laboratory Isotope Research and Production Department prepares certain commercially unavailable radioisotopes for distribution to the nuclear medicine community and industry and performs research to develop new radioisotopes for nuclear medicine investigators. The program also performs irradiations for non-isotope applications, sells by-products, and explores opportunities for new products and radioisotope applications.
Position Description:
The BNL Isotope Research & Production Department (IP) has an opening for a 2-year term Postdoctoral Research Associate to participate in multidisciplinary research projects with focus on the production, processing, and purification of medical and research radioisotopes. The successful candidate is expected to have excellent knowledge of radiochemical separations and the ability to collaborate with other members of the group. Collaborations with colleagues in other departments and/or at other institutions are encouraged. This role offers a robust suite of professional development opportunities both within and outside of the laboratory, with the potential to assist in preparing funding proposals. As one of the premier institutions in the world with access to a 200 MeV proton accelerator, host of hot cell suites and a 19 MeV cyclotron, the successful candidate can pursue unique isotope production pathways. BNL IP is committed to ensuring a safe work environment where researchers freely discuss ideas and feel empowered to take intellectual risks.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Participate in proposing experiments to aid the IP program mission
Planning experiments that satisfy safety requirements and operational constraints
Develop and test methods for the separation and purification of radionuclides of interest
Document experimental results and prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals
Prepare presentations to summarize research findings for internal and external audiences
Follow conduct of operations
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ph.D. in Radiochemistry, Nuclear Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, or a closely related field conferred within the past 5 years or to be completed prior to the starting date.
Experience with radioactive materials and radiochemical techniques or a record of academic training in the field.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and documentation skills.
Ability to work with scientific literature to summarize project-relevant information
Ability to work independently
Ability to follow written procedures and manuals
Demonstrated ability to successfully collaborate with other researchers
Applicants must provide a list of publications where the first and co-first-author are clearly identified
(Applications submitted without a publication list may be considered incomplete and may not be considered for further review)
Effective communication, including writing, speaking, and interpersonal communication
Ability to work after hours on planned occasions
Excellent command of MS Office applications
Preferred Knowledge Skills or Abilities:
Experience with separation techniques such as ion-chromatography, precipitation, solvent extraction, etc.
Experience with radioisotope production and purification
Experience with radiolabeling complexes
Familiarity with hot cell or glovebox operations.
Experience in AI/ML and automation in chemical processes
Experience in gamma spectroscopy and techniques of inorganic analytical chemistry
Experience in training students or junior personnel
Additional Information:
This is a 2-year term Assignment.
BNL policy requires that Postdoctoral Research Associate appointments be made to individuals who have received their doctorate within the past five (5) years. Eligible candidates may not exceed a combined total of five years of relevant post-PHD experience excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness, or other life-changing events.
Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $71900 - $85000 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.
Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to employee success and we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Review more information at BNL | Benefits Program
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About Us
Brookhaven National Laboratory (www.bnl.gov) delivers discovery science and transformative technology to power and secure the nation’s future. Brookhaven Lab is a multidisciplinary laboratory with seven Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, 37 R&D 100 Awards, and more than 70 years of pioneering research. The Lab is primarily supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science. Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) operates and manages the Laboratory for DOE. BSA is a partnership between Battelle and The Research Foundation for the State University of New York on behalf of Stony Brook University. BSA salutes our veterans and active military members with careers that leverage the skills and unique experience they gained while serving our country, learn more at BNL | Opportunities for Veterans at Brookhaven National Laboratory.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
Guided by our core values of integrity, responsibility, innovation, respect, and teamwork, Brookhaven Science Associates is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer-Vets/Disabled. We are committed to fostering a respectful and collaborative environment that fuels scientific discovery. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by law. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. *VEVRAA Federal Contractor
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Skills Required
- Ph.D. in Radiochemistry, Nuclear Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, or closely related field conferred within the past 5 years
- Experience with radioactive materials and radiochemical techniques or academic training in the field
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and documentation skills
- Ability to work with scientific literature to summarize project-relevant information
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to follow written procedures and manuals
- Demonstrated ability to successfully collaborate with other researchers
- Provide a list of publications with first and co-first-author clearly identified
- Effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to work after hours on planned occasions
- Excellent command of MS Office applications
- Experience with separation techniques such as ion chromatography, precipitation, solvent extraction
- Experience with radioisotope production and purification
- Experience with radiolabeling complexes
- Familiarity with hot cell or glovebox operations
- Experience in AI/ML and automation in chemical processes
- Experience in gamma spectroscopy and inorganic analytical chemistry techniques
- Experience training students or junior personnel
What We Do
Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory conducting fundamental and applied research in nuclear and particle physics, photon sciences, energy security, quantum and information science, and artificial intelligence. BNL operates large user facilities and partners with academia and industry to translate scientific discoveries into technologies and programs supporting energy, national security, and public-benefit applications.
