Working/Functional Title
Research Analytical Chemist II
Position Summary
Michigan State University (MSU) operates the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) as a user facility for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science (DOE-SC), supporting the mission of the DOE-SC Office of Nuclear Physics. FRIB provides researchers with one of the most advanced tools of modern science to study rare isotopes, or short-lived nuclei not normally found on Earth. Hosting what is designed to be the most powerful heavy-ion accelerator, FRIB enables scientists to make discoveries about the properties of rare isotopes, nuclear astrophysics, fund amental interactions, and applications for society, including in medicine, homeland security, and industry. User facility operation is supported by the DOE-SC Office of Nuclear Physics as one of 28 DOE-SC user facilities. MSU’s nuclear physics graduate program is a top-ranked p rogram nationally, according to U.S. News & World Report.
This position affords an exciting opportunity to become part of the world-class FRIB Laboratory that enables unique discovery opportunities in nuclear science.
Purpose:
The Research Analytical Chemist II will support the Isotope Harvesting Program (IHP) at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) by advancing isotope harvesting, QA/QC, and radiochemical separation processes. This role ensures the reliable production of high-purity radionuclides by operating and maintaining analytical instrumentation, implementing SOPs, and supporting method development and process improvement within a multidisciplinary team.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
- Operate, calibrate, and maintain analytical instruments in the QA/QC laboratory, including radio-TLC, ICP-MS/OES, alpha/gamma spectrometers, liquid scintillation counters, acid purification systems, and general chemistry equipment. In addition, provide training to graduate students and staff and perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting on these instruments to ensure optimal performance and accurate analytical results.
- Operate hot cells, fluidic systems, and purification systems within the quality and safety framework.
- Write, review, update, and implement QA/QC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) under the guidance of the operations lead. Execute QA SOPs for routine radionuclide production to ensure product quality and regulatory compliance.
- Prepare samples for analysis with proper labeling, documentation, and adherence to safety protocols. Maintain accurate re cords of experiments, procedures, and results in accordance with following regulatory requirements and good laboratory practices.
- Perform a wide range of QA/QC tests, interpret test results, identify trends, and provide summaries or reports to the Operations Manager and R&D team, focusing on accuracy and precision. Additionally, make recommendations to improve and update production protocols with guidance from the R&D team Operations Manager, and collaborate with scientists and researchers to develop and validate analytical methods and procedures.
- Ensure product shipping complies with regulatory requirements and good laboratory practices.
- Compiles and summarizes results and participates in preparing reports, manuscripts, and articles for publication.
- Oversees QA/QC needs and orders required materials, supplies, and equipment.
- Research literature to maintain a current knowledge of laboratory research methods and terminology.
- Perform other duties as required or assigned that are reasonably within the scope of this job classification.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Thorough understanding of radiation, chemical, and laboratory safety practices, including hazardous waste management and regulatory compliance.
- Strong knowledge of analytical and radioanalytical chemistry principles, including method development, validation, and QA/QC procedures relevant to radionuclide production.
- Demonstrated expertise in operating, calibrating, maintaining, and troubleshooting analytical instrumentation.
- Ability to analyze, interpret, and report analytical data using tools such as Excel, statistical software, or chromatography data systems.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and work independently in alignment with departmental objectives, practices, and procedures.
- Ability to perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting on IHP systems and equipment to ensure optimal performance and result accuracy.
- Strong willingness to learn and apply skills learned on the job in utilizing telemanipulators, specialized hot cell functioning, and essential QA/QC procedures related to radionuclide production.
- Excellent communication skills to communicate effectively and credibly, both verbally and in writing, with all audiences.
- Ability to work in compliance with radiation safety protocols, chemical safety requirements, and regulated laboratory environments.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suites.
- Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Ability to effectively collaborate with team members.
- Strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to adapt to changing priorities and project requirements.
- Continuous learning mindset to stay updated with the latest advancements in analytical chemistry techniques and technologies.
Minimum Requirements
- Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Analytical Chemistry, Radiochemistry, Nuclear Chemistry, or a closely related field (e.g., inorganic chemistry, separation chemistry, hydrometallurgy, or other relevant applied chemistry disciplines).
- Minimum three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in a radiochemistry or nuclear chemistry laboratory environment.
- Minimum three (3) years of demonstrated expertise in operating, calibrating, maintaining, and troubleshooting analytical instrumentation, including radio-TLC, ICP-MS/OES, alpha/gamma spectrometers, liquid scintillation counters, acid purification systems, and general chemistry laboratory equipment, as well as analyzing, interpreting, and reporting results from these systems.
- Minimum three (3) years of hands-on experience in radioactive material handling in a controlled laboratory environment.
- Minimum three (3) years of experience with radiochemical separation techniques, including ion exchange, extraction chromatography, solvent extraction, and electrochemical methods.
- Demonstrated experience working in a radiochemistry or nuclear materials laboratory for at least three (3) years.
- Ability to work with export-controlled technologies and comply with applicable regulatory and institutional requirements.
- Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Desired Qualifications
- Advanced degree in Analytical Chemistry, Radiochemistry, Nuclear Chemistry, or a closely related field (e.g., inorganic chemistry, separation chemistry, hydrometallurgy, or other relevant applied chemistry disciplines).
- Experience in radionuclide production, or medical radionuclide applications.
- Certification or formal training in Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC) systems.
- Experience writing, reviewing, and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), technical documentation, and regulatory compliance materials.
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