The Department of Radiology at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University Medical Center invites applications for a radiochemist in the PET Radiochemistry Laboratories in the Kreitchman PET Center.

Reporting to the PET Center Director, the position will be responsible for optimization, production and quality control of research radiotracers and for quality assurance and control programs in the Radiochemistry Laboratory at the Kreitchman PET Center. The candidate will ensure that production procedures, laboratory procedures, and facilities and equipment systems employed during the manufacture and processing of PET drug products are in conformity with the PET Center's SOPs, as well as Food and Drug Administration (FDA), United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) and all other applicable regulatory standards. 

Duties 

1. Produce research PET radiotracers according to the PET Center's production methods and SOPs- 20%
2. Perform Quality Control of PET radiopharmaceuticals produced by the Kreitchman PET Center to ensure that they are fully compliant with release criteria, written procedures and SOPs. 20%
3. Report all QC/QA findings to PET Center Director and work with the Director on development of corrective action plans where applicable. 20%
4. Perform cold chemistry research. 20%
5. Planning experiments – 20%
6. Perform other duties as assigned.

Functional Knowledge

Has level of expertise about optimization, production and quality control of research radiotracers and the ability to operate specialized equipment (HPLC, radio tracer synthesis boxes, etc.)

Problem Solving

The ability to solve radiochemistry issues and complex problems in order to overcome scientific roadblocks. Exercises judgment based on the analysis of multiple sources of information -

Decision Making/Autonomy (Must equal 10)

Level of supervision required, on a scale of 1 (least) to 10 (most) – 2

• Works under minimal supervision on complex assignments that require a high degree of initiative and independent judgment

Degree of independent judgment expected, on a scale of 1 (least) to 10 (most) – 8

• Works independently while working in a collaborative research environment

Leadership

• Acts as a resource and provides guidance for new team members; manages schedule with PI's direction to ensure deadlines are met.

Technical Expertise

• This is a very specialized position that requires technical expertise in chemistry, radiation, and QC/QA. Requires comprehensive understanding of research techniques, tools, software and instruments used in projects.

Communication Skills

• Ability to translate information to general terms and help others understand impact of the information; assists PI in preparation of publications, including funding proposals, manuscripts and other research-oriented documentation

1. Bachelor's degree in chemistry, radiochemistry or related field and at least six years of relevant industry or academic experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
2. Working knowledge of QC methods, such as analytical HPLC instrumentation
3. Capacity to integrate Federal and other relevant regulatory requirements into PET tracer production and quality control responsibilities.
4. Experience manufacturing many types of chemistry products.

Hiring Salary Range: $75,000-$75,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

About Columbia University

Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.

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