Cyclotron Operator - Radiopharmaceutical Production

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The UT Health San Antonio Research Imaging Institute (RII) operates a state‑of‑the‑art radiopharmaceutical production facility that supports both clinical and translational research. Equipped with two on‑site cyclotrons, cGMP manufacturing suites, and advanced quality control laboratories, the site produces FDA‑ and IND‑compliant PET radiotracers for human use. The facility plays a central role in Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic and infectious disease research programs, while also supplying radiopharmaceuticals for investigator‑initiated and industry‑sponsored clinical trials.

With its integration of radiochemistry, molecular imaging, and regulatory expertise, the RII provides a unique bench‑to‑bedside environment for the development, production, and clinical translation of novel radiopharmaceuticals.

• Cyclotron Operation & Production
  • Operate the cyclotron and targetry systems to produce PET radioisotopes (e.g., ¹⁸F, ¹¹C, ¹³N, ¹⁵O).
  • Perform daily startup, shutdown, and beam‑tuning procedures.
  • Ensure reliable delivery of isotopes for radiochemistry synthesis modules.
• Equipment Maintenance & Troubleshooting
  • Conduct routine and preventive maintenance in accordance with vendor specifications.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve cyclotron, target, and ancillary system issues (vacuum, RF, cooling, gas handling, PLCs).
  • Coordinate service with vendors and maintain spare‑parts inventory.
• Regulatory Compliance & Documentation
  • Maintain accurate logs of cyclotron runs, beam parameters, and production yields.
  • Document maintenance, deviations, and corrective actions in compliance with FDA cGMP and NRC requirements; follow ALARA specifications for radiation safety.
  • Adhere to radiation safety standards and work under the direction of the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO).
• Quality & Safety
  • Monitor isotope purity and yields in collaboration with QC staff.
  • Follow established SOPs for safety, contamination control, and radiation protection.
  • Participate in internal and external training and regulatory audits.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with radio chemists and nuclear pharmacists to ensure efficient isotope supply for radiopharmaceutical synthesis and release.
  • Provide technical support for new isotope development and method validation.
  • Contribute to continuous process improvements and implementation of new technologies.

At the Research Imaging Institute, the Cyclotron Operator plays a critical role in enabling cutting‑edge PET imaging research and patient care. This position offers the opportunity to work with state‑of‑the‑art technology, contribute to the production of life‑saving radiopharmaceuticals, and support innovative clinical and translational studies in Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic and infectious diseases.

• Knowledge and experience with cyclotron operation and maintenance.
• Experience working in a regulatory compliance environment.
• Ability to safely work in high‑voltage and radiation areas.
• Knowledge of radiation safety practices and regulatory compliance in a high‑radiation level facility, and proper use of specialized equipment.
• Ability to work independently with strong attention to accuracy and detail.
• Hands‑on experience with particle accelerators, vacuum systems, plumbing, RF systems, or related equipment.
• Ability to work flexible shifts, including early mornings or weekends, to meet production needs.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or related technical field is required.

• One (1) year of related experience is required. An associate’s degree and additional experience may be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.

• Prior cyclotron operation experience (medical or research).
• Familiarity with PET radiochemistry, cGMP production, or radiopharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Experience with PLCs, SCADA, and automated control systems.
• NRC or state‑specific training/authorization for handling radioactive materials.

• One (1) year of related experience, or an associate’s degree in electronics, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, or related field and three (3) years of related experience is required.

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