Research Analytical Chemist II — Research Assistant II

Working/Functional Title

Research Analytical Chemist II

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, fundamental 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 program 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 radio chemical 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 records 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 radio analytical 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…