Translational Radiochemist

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Translational Radiochemist

The Wales Research and Diagnostic PET Imaging Centre (PETIC) boasts a state-of-the-art cyclotron-based production PET facility, which is situated in the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.

Our Equipment includes an IBA18/9 cyclotron with a range of targets, Gravatom hot cells hosting Fastlab and Trasis radiochemistry systems, automated dispensing systems and a fully equipped quality control laboratory with High performance Liquid Chromatography, Thin Layer Chromatography, Multi-channel Analysis, Endotoxin and pH meters. 

We produce radiopharmaceuticals to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards in purpose designed aseptic facilities and perform PET CT scans on our new GE Omni PET CT Scanner.

We have a rare and exciting opportunity for a PET Translational Radiochemist to join our team of experts. We are looking for an enthusiastic, highly motivated, and flexible individual with a genuine desire to help establish a research centre of excellence in PET that will attract major research funding to support clinical and pre-clinical imaging.
As the Translational Radiochemist, you will be a key member of PETIC’s Research team and will have the unique opportunity to actively contribute to the research set-up of a new unit that will focus on developing novel PET tracers for preclinical and clinical research.

If you are interested in this position and would like to know more, then please contact Dr Matthew Tredwell via email [email protected] or Dr Rebekka Hueting via email [email protected]

This post is full time (35 hours per week) and will be open ended.

Salary: £39,347 – £44,263 per annum (Grade 6).  Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances.

Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 45 days annual leave (incl bank holidays), local pension scheme, a cycle to work scheme and other travel initiatives, annual increments within the pay scale, and more. It is an exciting and vibrant place to work, with many different challenges and is a proud Living Wage supporter.

Date advert posted: Friday, 9 February 2024

Closing date: Friday, 1 March 2024

Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds.  We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age.  In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:  Responsible research assessment – Research – Cardiff University

Job Description

To support Cardiff University within the Wales Research and Diagnostic PET Imaging Centre, carrying out supporting work, providing advice, guidance and support, and leading projects within this area.

Reporting to Research Radiochemist, you will take an active role in developing and translating novel radiolabelling methods to develop robust, automated, and validated procedures suitable for large scale production. Working in close collaboration with the GMP production team and researchers, you will develop and optimise methods suitable for tracer production and quality control for use in humans. Focussing initially on radiofluorination, you will have the opportunity to contribute to fundamental radiochemistry research, as well as the translation of radiotracers using a variety of other PET radionuclides.

You will participate in the routine GMP production of tracers to be able to effectively translate the products into routine production.

The PETIC operates as a multi-skilled team to ensure continued development of all staff and you will actively participate in providing synthetic radiochemistry expertise, guidance and training to researchers working the facility.
This post provides a unique opportunity for you to contribute to the research set-up of a new unit that will focuses on delivering PET tracers for preclinical and clinical research and develop novel tracer production for first in human studies.

Duties and Responsibilities 

Key Duties

• To conduct research within 18F-radiochemistry and contribute to the overall research performance of PETIC through measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment supervision of postgraduate research students.
• Development, application, and validation of analytical methods for the characterisation of final products
• Participate in the rota for routine production of GMP-grade PET tracers, when trained and deemed competent.
• Take responsibility for resolving issues independently within PETIC where they fall within set role objectives. Work with the Research Radiochemist, Unit Lead and Departmental Managers to ensure the day-to-day operation and validation of the radiosynthesis unit, analytical radiochemistry equipment and research laboratories.
• To work closely with the GMP management team to ensure that process and QC method development for novel tracers is performed in compliance with GMP, ICH and MHRA regulatory requirements.
• You will be required to attend conferences/seminars at both Local and National level.
• Investigate and analyse specific issues within R&D and GMP radiochemistry, creating recommendation reports, supported by advances within PETIC.
• Ensure that the provision of radiochemistry expertise is delivered to the institution, proactively changing the delivery according to customer requirements.
• Develop and deliver training within PETIC R&D and GMP in the use of synthetic and analytical radiochemistry equipment and procedures, ensuring that adequate instructions for the equipment are written and maintained.
• Undertake a variety of administrative duties to support the department.
• Instruct and guide other employees across the University within PETIC R&D and GMP.
• Where required, acting as host and supervisor for external researchers and collaborators working in the R&D laboratories.

General Duties

• Ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties.
• Abide by University policies on Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity
• Perform other duties occasionally which are not included above, but which will be consistent with the role

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in (Radio)chemistry or related field, or relevant industrial experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Proven ability to publish in national/international journals.

Substantial experience of working within specialist discipline, with an established expertise and proven portfolio of research or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields: Organic chemistry and/or Radiochemistry

Ability to adhere to, and ensure implementation of, strict guidelines for Good Manufacturing Practice, radiation safety and guidelines pertaining to shared general areas in a facility containing GMP production laboratories.

Customer Service, Communication and Team Working

Ability to communicate conceptually detailed and complex information effectively and professionally with a wide range of people.

Evidence of ability to explore customers’ needs and adapt the service accordingly to ensure a quality service is delivered.

Proven ability to develop networks in order to contribute to long term developments.

Planning, Analysis and Problem solving

Evidence of ability to solve expansive problems using initiative and creativity; identify and propose both practical and innovative solutions.

Evidence of demonstrable knowledge of key advances within specialist discipline

Evidence of ability to undertake and deliver specific projects and supervise short term project teams.

Desirable Criteria

11. Experience of working in a Higher Education environment

Fluency in Welsh, written and oral

Job Category

Academic – Research