Junior Radiochemist

Primary City/State:
Phoenix, Arizona

Department Name:
Radiochemistry Research

Work Shift:
Day

Job Category:
Clinical Care

Good health care is key to a good life. At Banner Health, we understand that, and that's why we work hard every day to make a difference in people's lives. Do you like the idea of making a positive change in people's lives - and your own? If so, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

The Radiochemistry Lab at Banner Alzheimer's Institute (BAI) is a unit that performs daily production of various imaging agents for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans. These scans are used to study the cause and progression of Alzheimer's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that affects tens of millions of people worldwide. BAI is a Banner Health Center of Excellence whose mission is to end Alzheimer's disease without losing another generation. The Radiochemistry team takes pride in timely and reliable supply of imaging agent doses to its customers (BAI PET Imaging department and fellow PET imaging facilities in Phoenix, in Arizona, and in neighboring states) while being fully compliant with FDA and USP regulations.

The Radiochemistry Lab is currently seeking a Junior Radiochemist who will be responsible for performing quality control (QC) of the daily batches of imaging agents manufactured by the Lab and who will participate in developing of QC procedures for new products. The quality control process involves more than a dozen of rigorous tests using sophisticated techniques such as High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas Chromatography (GC), gamma-spectrometry, etc. An integral part of this role is also maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of the analytical instruments.

The typical schedule for this role is Monday-Friday 6 AM - 2:30 PM with limited schedule flexibility. The primary location for this role will be at Banner Alzheimer's Institute (901 E Willetta St, Phoenix, AZ 85006) and will be on-site.

Banner Alzheimer's Institute (BAI) was established in 2006 as Banner Health's first Center of Excellence. Banner Sun Research Health Institute (BSHRI) was founded in 1986. Our team is uniquely, passionately, and strategically committed to ending Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders without losing another generation and to providing an unparalleled model of care for families facing this devastating disease. Banner Research is committed to improving people's lives through comprehensive patient care and advances that capitalize on the best biomedical research. We intend to make a transformational difference in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders research and care.

POSITION SUMMARY
This position, under the direction of radiochemistry senior staff, this position is responsible for the manufacture of radiotracers for human and animal research and for performing their quality control using established procedures in compliance with protocols, current Good Manufacturing Practices, applicable FDA regulations, and the United States Pharmacopeia standards. Maintains accurate written records of radiopharmaceutical production and quality control according to procedures and regulatory requirements. Participants in operation of the cyclotron and associated equipment in compliance with protocols and ALARA radiation safety practices. Performs a wide variety of laboratory, inventory, and equipment maintenance, preparation procedures, and distribution activities associated with the manufacturing of radiotracers.

CORE FUNCTIONS
1. Under the supervision of radiochemistry senior staff, operates cyclotron and radiochemistry equipment to perform routine production and quality control of radiotracers in accordance with established SOP's and regulatory guidelines, such as USP 823 and/or 21 CFR 212. Performs troubleshooting of the production and quality control equipment. Investigates root causes of deviations and out-of-specification (OOS) events and assists in developing and implementing of corrective actions/preventive actions (CAPA).

2. Routinely handles radioisotopes and radiotracers in a safe & compliant manner. Under the supervision of the Radiochemistry manager(s), performs packaging and shipment of radiotracers to remote sites in accordance with DOT regulations. Performs radiation surveys using standard radiation monitoring equipment.

3. Responsible for maintaining inventory of laboratory supplies including ordering, receipt, and approval using the radiochemistry Laboratory Information System. Responsible for storage and disposal of chemical waste and maintaining the necessary regulatory documentation.

4. Responsible for maintenance and calibration of a variety of chemistry and scientific instrumentation used in the production of PET radiopharmaceuticals such as analytical TLC, HPLC, GC, and bacterial endotoxin testing systems. Collects and documents quality control data on existing equipment at scheduled intervals.

5. Cleans and maintains sterile preparation rooms, anteroom, and Laminar flow hoods in accordance with standard operating procures (SOP's) and USP 797 guidelines. Performs routine environmental testing as required. Performs periodic checks of sterility and environmental monitoring media at scheduled intervals.

6. Disinfects and sterilizes glassware in preparation for radiotracer compounding. Performs cleaning procedures of radiosynthesis modules prior to their use in radiotracer production.

7. Participates in regularly scheduled lab meetings in order to receive and provide information. Assists in the drafting and review of standard operating procedures, forms, material specification sheets or other laboratory documents.

8. Resolves a variety of problems using established alternatives. Department level responsibility. Must be able to interact with all staff and external contacts, e.g., product and service vendors. Must be available to work early mornings and evenings if necessary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
BS degree in chemistry, nuclear science or related discipline.

Must be knowledgeable in implementing systems to ensure manufacturing processes meet regulatory guidelines with at least two years of experience in a facility that produces PET and/or SPECT radioisotopes. Must have strong analytical skills, work with minimal supervision and the ability to prioritize projects; must be organized and able to handle multiple tasks. Excellent human relations and communication skills are required.

Must have a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite especially Word, Excel, Access, OneNote, and PowerPoint. Must have sufficient knowledge and understanding of chemical/pharmacy terminology in order to read, identify, and extract pertinent data from laboratory records and information.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in Science, Chemistry, or related field. At least 2 years of prior experience in using radiation monitoring equipment, handling radioactive materials, including DOT training in the packaging and shipment of radioactive materials and performing radiosyntheses and quality control of radiopharmaceutical products per current FDA guidelines.

Additional related education and/or experience preferred.

EEO Statement:

EEO/Female/Minority/Disability/Veterans

Our organization supports a drug-free work environment.

Privacy Policy:

Privacy Policy