Principal Radiochemist - NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes

Are you looking to be part of a game-changing organization that has the potential to help cure cancer? NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes is seeking individuals with a pro-active, collaborative, can-do mindset to join our rapidly growing team.

NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes is a growing, commercial-stage company focused on advancing patient care by providing therapeutic radioisotopes and novel radiopharmaceuticals to detect and treat cancer, and customized radiopharmaceutical development services.

Innovative technology, opportunities for career advancement, and competitive compensation are just the beginning. NorthStar offers health and life insurance, 401K match, paid holidays, and paid time off, and all NorthStar employees are eligible on day one for our annual bonus and equity incentive plans.

The Principal Radiochemist is responsible for independently planning, resourcing, executing, and reporting on campaigns of work utilizing radioactivity in order to further NorthStar’s goals and mission. This work will include analysis of radioactive samples generated in NorthStar’s production, research and development, and partner laboratories, maintenance and calibration of radiation measurement equipment, quality control testing of products, collaborating with NorthStar Quality, Regulatory, and Operations staff. The Principal Radiochemist will also share their knowledge and experience with the rest of the Science team to help grow and develop NorthStar staff.

Physical demands may include, but not be limited to, specific vision abilities including near vision/acuity and visual color discrimination.

The work environment may include exposure to a heated/air-conditioned indoor office / manufacturing / cleanroom setting with adequate ventilation and lighting and outdoor environments with varying temperatures.  The noise level may vary from quiet to loud. Employees must be willing and able to wear various types of PPE, including, but not limited to, respirators, gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing, as required by the job to ensure safety in potentially hazardous conditions.  Specific cleanroom requirements include employees needing to inform leadership about any health condition that may have an adverse effect on products, as well as compliance with gowning protocols.  This means all jewelry, including physically attached items, must not interfere with the effectiveness of personal protective equipment.  In addition, all cosmetics, fragranced products (perfumes, aftershave, etc.), and nail products are prohibited, including clear nail polish, artificial nails, and nail extenders. 

The company is a radiopharmaceutical manufacturer and radiation may be present in manufacturing and laboratory areas. Employees may be required to be monitored using company provided dosimetry and bioassay testing.

• Independently operate, maintain, and calibrate all radiation measurement equipment necessary, including but not limited to: gamma spectroscopy systems, alpha spectroscopy systems, liquid scintillation counting systems (with alpha and beta counting modes), radio-HPLC, mass spectroscopy systems, gas proportional counting systems, dose calibrators, survey meters, etc.
• Independently operate, maintain, and calibrate non-radioactive analytical instrumentation such as mass spectroscopy instruments, atomic emission spectroscopy instruments, ion chromatography and liquid chromatography systems, etc.
• Independently plan, perform, and communicate the results of experiments, radiochemical separations, and radiolabeling work as needed to support method validation and product development.
• Mentor, educate, and train other team members on topics pertaining to advanced radioactive measurements, radiochemical separations, and radiolabeling techniques.
• Review, evaluate, prepare, and follow Standard Operating Procedures.

Doctoral degree in Chemistry or related physical science and minimum ten (10) years of experience required; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Previous experience must be in a radiochemistry position with full understanding of alpha, beta and gamma counting equipment calibration, operation, and maintenance. Open, wet chemical experience with alpha, beta, and gamma-emitting radioisotopes used in nuclear medicine required.

Knowledge and experience using extraction chromatographic resins (e.g. Eichrom Technologies) is desired.

Authorized User of radioactive materials certification is preferred.

NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes is headquartered in Beloit, Wis. This location is our primary manufacturing site and accommodates all of our corporate functions. Beloit has small city charm, with a lively and renovated downtown, yet is also close to cities such as Madison, Milwaukee, Chicago, and Rockford.

Beloit is a part of the larger South Central Wisconsin/Northern Illinois region, which offers residents and visitors alike a unique blend of urban opportunities and rural, natural beauty. The area, therefore, offers collections of natural, educational, artistic, and historical attractions alongside a wide variety of sporting and social opportunities. There are several cities and many towns within a reasonable commute of Beloit, which offer a wide choice of residential styles and a large number of school district choices for those considering relocation.

NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law