Postdoctoral Appointee - Radiochemist

The Argonne Radioisotope Research and Production Program (R2P2) is conducting R&D and production demonstration experiments for accelerator-produced radioisotopes with applications in nuclear medicine. We are seeking outstanding candidates for postdoctoral positions to join this program. The successful candidate will be joining a team of chemists, physicists, and engineers conducting research and development related to radioisotopes for medical applications.

Conducts research aligned with Argonne’s strategic missions, specifically to work within the R2P2, which is supported by the DOE Isotope Program. With mentoring, the post-doc will conceive and conduct research dominantly in the field of radiochemistry applied to radioisotope production, separation and/or purification. The duties also involve preparation of safety documentation and procedures, and the promotion of research results through journal publications, conference presentations, and technical reports. The successful candidate will contribute to discovery and technological advances in the medical radioisotope field while strengthening career path opportunities by expanding technological skills, developing independent research capabilities, and building professional skills such as communication, networking and leadership.

This job description documents the general nature of work but is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all activities, duties and responsibilities required of job incumbent. Consequently, job incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned. Additional activities may include, for example, assisting the R2P2 team with isotope production and processing for distribution to customers of the DOE Isotope Program.

An overview of Argonne’s Post-Doctoral Programs for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) professionals is available at:

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Position Requirements

Successful candidates will have education and experience in some of the following:

• Knowledge of and experience in the field of radiochemistry including radionuclide separations, handling radioactive sources, and analysis by spectroscopic and radioanalytical methods

• Experience in target design and irradiation with electron or ion beams from accelerators to produce radioactive isotopes

• Experience with computer simulations of nuclear reactions for production of radioactive isotopes

• Experience with use of nuclear data bases such as those at the National Nuclear Data Center or those at the IAEA Nuclear Data Services

• Laboratory experience in safe handling of radioactive materials in hoods, gloveboxes, and shielded hot cells

• Experience in the use of analytical tools such as a gamma ray spectroscopy, liquid scintillation counter, TLC scanners, UV-Vis spectrophotometer, GC, and HPLC

• Ability to carry out independent and collaborative research in a multidisciplinary team to meet deliverables and deadlines

• Demonstrated creative and proactive approach towards scientific problem solving

• Effective oral and written communication skills as demonstrated through presentation of scientific results in seminars, conferences, and in journal publications

• This level of knowledge and skill is typically achieved through a PhD degree with 0-3 years of experience or equivalent in separation science and radiochemistry

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