Postdoctoral Research Associate - Radiopharmaceutical Chelator Development

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Radiopharmaceutical Chelator Development

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate with a strong background in organic synthesis and coordination chemistry to develop novel chelation platforms for s-, p- and f-block radioactive ions of interest in nuclear medicine. This position resides in the Chemical Separations Group in the Chemical Sciences Division, Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), under the mentorship of Dr.

Nikki Thiele. As part of the Chemical Separations Group, you will have the opportunity to work with a multidisciplinary team comprising specialists in organic and inorganic synthesis, coordination chemistry, thermodynamics, laser spectroscopy, materials characterization, chemical separations, computational chemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Our cold labs house state-of-the-art instruments including a triple-quad ICP mass spectrometer, single-crystal X-ray diffractometer, potentiometric titrators, and ultrafast laser systems.

Our radiochemistry facility includes six hoods and two glove boxes equipped for radiological work, as well as a suite of radio analytical instrumentation for detection of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-emitting isotopes and quantification of radioactive complexes. As a member of our research team, you will take a leading role in the design, synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of novel chelation platforms for medically relevant radionuclides.

You will be expected to independently drive research projects forward, troubleshoot challenging synthetic and coordination chemistry problems, and generate high-quality, publishable research. Your work will focus on developing selective chelation strategies and applying these systems to targeted radionuclide therapy and cancer imaging. Research accomplishments will be disseminated through high-impact peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international scientific meetings.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Design, synthesize, and evaluate novel chelators for radioactive s-, p-, and f-block metal ions.
• Independently execute and troubleshoot complex, multi-step organic syntheses on the multi-gram scale, including reaction optimization, scale-up, purification, and preparation of well-characterized target compounds.
• Apply a range of analytical and characterization techniques to evaluate chelator structure, affinity, selectivity, and metal complexation, including radio-TLC, radio-HPLC, potentiometric titrimetry, UV-vis spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction.
• Take ownership of research projects, including experimental planning, prioritization of tasks, interpretation of results, troubleshooting, and development of next-step strategies.
• Collaborate effectively with scientists across disciplines while independently advancing assigned research objectives.
• Present research results at group meetings, scientific conferences, and other professional forums.
• Prepare manuscripts and publish research results in high-impact, peer-reviewed scientific journals in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate and thorough experimental records and ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

A PhD in chemistry, nuclear chemistry, or a related discipline, completed within the last five years

Preferred Qualifications:

Candidates should have a demonstrated record of independently completing complex synthetic procedures and producing well-characterized target compounds, rather than primarily supporting synthesis efforts led by others. Strong record of taking projects from initial design through synthesis, purification, characterization, and delivery of target compounds. Extensive hands-on experience with multi-step organic synthesis, particularly synthesis of chelators or other complex…