TITLE:           Analytical Radiochemist, TerraPower Isotopes

LOCATION:  Everett, WA, USA

The TerraPower Isotopes® (TPI™) division has been established to pursue medical isotopes development- advancing nuclear science for significant human health benefits. We seek to support revolutionary radiotherapies for treatments of various cancers through the supply of radioisotopes.  TerraPower currently has unique access to a supply of thorium for the long-term production of actinium-225 in the growing alpha therapy market and intends to expand into other nuclear related medical treatments. 

The TerraPower Isotopes program is an integral part of the Washington State based TerraPower team, a company working to raise living standards globally. In 2006, the company originated with Bill Gates and a group of like-minded visionaries who evaluated the fundamental challenges to raising living standards around the world.  TerraPower’s mission is to be a world leader in new nuclear technologies, while developing innovators and future leaders in the nuclear field.   

TerraPower is seeking to hire highly motivated and forward-thinking professionals who are interested in focusing on advanced radiopharmaceutical applications and influencing change within nuclear medicine.  TerraPower is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.  In addition, as a federal contractor, TerraPower has instituted an Affirmative Action Plan (AAP) to proactively recruit, hire, and promote women, minorities, disabled persons and veterans.

Analytical Radiochemist

TerraPower seeks to support revolutionary radiotherapies for treatments of cancers, such as prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma by supplying radioisotopes that currently cannot be accessed in amounts required to develop medical treatments.  TerraPower currently has unique access to a supply of thorium for the long-term production of actinium-225 in the growing alpha therapy market and intends to expand into other nuclear related medical treatments.  The Analytical Radiochemist reports into the Materials & Chemistry discipline within TerraPower’s Engineering Department in support of this mission. 

The Analytical Radiochemist will support the development and performance of analytical methods, procedures and protocols that will be used for the characterization of actinium-225 and other radiopharmaceutical products. This position interfaces with a dynamic interdisciplinary environment in which effective communication, teamwork and collaboration is required, while maintaining composure to act safely, ensure quality of data, and enable timely decision-making. The position will require good judgement in ensuring regulatory compliance while delivering on commercial production needs. 

Responsibilities

The Analytical Radiochemist’s primary responsibilities include:

• Work with in the analytical radiochemistry team to develop and maintain analytical methods and procedures and periodically evaluate testing methods according to ICH - Q2 guidelines for analytical methods.

• Conduct quality control testing to enable release of each TPI Ac-225 batch using approved methods including alpha-spectroscopy, gamma-spectroscopy, ICP-QQQ-MS, ICP-OES, TLC plate scanner and other relevant techniques.

• Collaborate with TPI radiochemistry team to follow robust analytical methods and analytical measurement procedures for the characterization of radioisotope process samples.

• Accurately perform radioactivity, equilibrium, and kinetics calculations.

• Perform laboratory wet chemistry using a variety of techniques and instruments.

• Maintain laboratory procedures (e.g., calibration, analytical methods, notebook results preparation, usage documentation).

• Collaborate with team to oversee or coordinate installation, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of instruments and equipment (HPGe detectors, ICP-MS/OES, alpha detectors, liquid scintillation counter) for R&D, manufacturing, and other uses that support TPI radioisotope production.

• Measure and test laboratory materials and products according to industry-specific standard procedures.

• Develop and prepare analytical standards suitable for QC analytical procedures.

• Prepare, test, and characterize samples from R&D, production, and other processes to verify samples and equipment meet applicable standards or requirements.

• Support preparation and review of documentation pertaining to product batch release, stability studies, method validation and reference standard characterization for radioisotope production processes.

• Liaise and collaborate with TPI Quality Assurance (QA), TPI Operations groups and broader Chemistry & Engineering team to support issue-resolution, audits, inspection, sample QA, out-of-specification investigations, corrective action program reports resolution, etc.

• Support the management of the chemical inventory, including ordering, evaluation for proper storage, labeling and disposal of chemicals.

• Assist with the housekeeping of the analytical laboratories and/or radiological controlled areas.

• Assist, lead or maintain the integration of analytical-instrument-reporting capabilities with the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

• Perform all work in compliance with site safety and radiation protection guidelines.

• Assist in the training, developing, and mentoring of employees.

• Perform other general duties associated with the position as required.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• A Bachelors level degree in chemistry with demonstrated post-graduate hands-on experience performing wet chemistry and radioanalytical measurement using techniques including gamma spectroscopy, ICP-MS, and ICP-OES, and/or alpha-spectroscopy.

• Experience working within a quality program compliant to FDA/cGMP requirements Title 21 CFR 210/211 and ICH Guidance; preferably, experience in an operational radiopharmaceutical production facility.  

• Experience in developing and implementing new analytical procedures, documents, and forms relevant to radioisotope production. 

• Experience conducting wet chemistry in radiological controlled gloveboxes.

• Experience working and communicating productively in a multidisciplinary team.

• Scientific rigor, attention to detail.

• Demonstrated capability to independently plan, design, execute and analyze complex experiments, and follow through with commitment to meet deadlines.

• Demonstrated strong data analysis, troubleshooting and decision-making skills.

• Flexibility to work periodic off-shift hours in support of routine production and product quality control.

• Ability to understand requirements (regulations, codes and standards, etc.), incorporate them into TerraPower documents, and provide associated guidance to TerraPower personnel. 

• Shall have experience or possess ability to learn, understand and use various laboratory quality support software for records retention.

• Strong organizational and communication skills including technical writing, teamwork, and interpersonal skills with a desire to foster teamwork.

• The successful candidate will possess a high degree of respect for their teammates, demonstrate trust and integrity, and communicate openly to promote a positive work environment for all.

Job Functions

Job Functions are physical actions and/or working conditions associated with the position.  These functions may also constitute essential functions for the job which the employee must be able to fulfill, with or without accommodation.  Information provided below is to help describe the job so that the applicant has a reasonable understanding of the job duties/expectations.  An applicant's ability to perform and/or tolerate these actions and conditions will be discussed and workplace accommodations may be made on a case-by-case basis following an individualized assessment of the applicant and other considerations, including but not limited to any governing safety standards.

• Motor Abilities: Sitting and standing for extended periods, bending/stooping, grasping/gripping, fine motor control (hands)

• Physical exertion and/or requirements: Minimal, with ability to safely lift up to 15 pounds

• Repetitive work: Prolonged

• Special Senses: Visual and audio focused work

• Work Conditions: Stairs, typing/keyboard, standard and/or sitting working environment of >8 hrs./day

• Travel required  0-15%

TerraPower’s technology is controlled for export by various agencies of the U.S. Government.  TerraPower must evaluate applicants who are foreign nationals (other than asylees, refugees, or lawful permanent residents) in accordance with U.S. Government export control requirements.  To facilitate TerraPower’s export control reviews, you will be asked as part of the application process to identify whether you are a U.S. Citizen or national, asylee, refugee, or lawful permanent resident of the United States.  Government export authorization approval times vary.  Based on the business needs for a particular position, TerraPower may not consider a foreign national from a country if it is impracticable to obtain timely Government export approval.  

Job Details

Salary Range Level 9:  $95,415 - $143,122

*Typically, our employee salaries are within .90 – 1.0 of the mid-point of the posted salary band.  Any salary offered within the posted salary band is based on market data and commensurate with the selected individual’s qualifications and experience.  This range is specific to Washington State.

Job Type:  Full-time

Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation

o Salary, eligible to participate in discretionary short-term incentive payments

• Comprehensive Medical and Wellness Benefits

o Medical

o Vision

o Dental

o Life

o Life and Disability

o Gender Affirmation Benefits

o Parental Leave

• 401k Plan

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)

o 21 days of annually accrued PTO

• Generous Holiday Schedule

o 10 paid holidays

• Relocation Assistance

• Professional and Educational Support Opportunities

• Flexible Work Schedule

TerraPower Career and Benefits information:  https://www.terrapower.com/contact-us/careers/