TRIUMF

Research Officer - Preclinical

TRIUMF – Vancouver, BC Full time

Discover TRIUMF, Canada's particle accelerator centre. We are a publicly funded, not-for-profit research lab that is a hub for discovery and innovation.

Our mission is to serve as Canada’s particle accelerator centre.  We advance isotope science and technology, both fundamental and applied.  We collaborate across communities and disciplines, from nuclear and particle physics to the life and material sciences.  We discover and innovate, inspire and educate, creating knowledge and opportunity for all.

TRIUMF's diverse community of nearly 600 multidisciplinary researchers, engineers, technicians, tradespeople, staff, and students create a unique incubator for Canadian excellence, as well as a portal to premier global collaborations.  Fueling innovation and improving lives, we are committed to accelerating discovery and shaping a better world.

BASIC FUNCTION:

The position is designed to exploit the chemistry, medical isotope production, radiochemistry and in vitro cell biology capabilities at TRIUMF Life Sciences Division. Our priorities of the division include the commitment for NFRF Transformation grant which we are developing production and chelation chemistry for unconventional radiometals such as Ac-225, Bi-213, Pb-212, Tb-152/155/161 and La-132/133/135. The goal is for the incumbent to enable our research capacity in this field by conducting research projects in our priority areas, training students and visitors in our facilities and managing our research labs.  The incumbent will manage our high level radiobiology lab that hosts a range of radioisotopes including gamma, beta, alpha, Auger emitters, oversee the biosafety license, train the lab users, and conduct research projects that advance the division’s science mandate while promoting TRIUMF via international collaborations, publications, conferences, committees, and forums.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Conduct or support research priorities set by TRIUMF Life Sciences Division. Top priority is to deliver for TRIUMF's commitment for NFRF Transformation grant, including radioisotope production and chelator development for radiometal based therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals.
  • Deliver on the grant mandates, including meeting the milestones for radiopharmaceutical preclinical evaluation, publication and presenting the results.
  • Manage the radiobiology laboratory at Life Sciences Division of TRIUMF. Fulfill the regulatory mandates for ‘high level radioactive lab’. Take the responsibility of the biosafety officer. Fulfill the regulatory mandates to keep the biosafety license.
  • Write and review hazardous analysis safety reports.
  • Ensure the function of the equipment in the radiobiology and radiochemistry lab.
  • Assist HQPs in the Life Sciences Division on their research projects.
  • Training new and existing radiobiology lab experimenters.
  • Plan and coordinate animal studies for different projects.
  • Interact with both internal and external community to foster further collaboration.
  • Represent various projects at conference symposium as well as publish the study data in the peer reviewed literature.
  • Present findings to the internal and external teams and industry collaborators.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

No supervisory responsibilities. Provides guidance, training, and mentorship to more junior employees. Oversees the work of technical staff in the biohazard laboratory space.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

  • Expert knowledge and strong practical skills in therapeutic radiopharmaceutical development, particularly Ac-225, is required
  • Demonstrated skills and knowledge in method development for radionuclide separations, radiopharmaceutical preparation and formulation for preclinical evaluation is required.
  • Demonstrated skills in the preparation of radiometals and chelates, particularly Ac-225, is required to support the current research priority.
  • Track record of excellent skills in scientific publication and presentation in international stage is required.
  • Track record of managing compliance with Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) and Province Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is required.
  • Track record in managing radioactive laboratories is required.
  • Demonstrated skills in maintaining lab equipment is required, particularly radioHPLC, gamma and alpha spectrometer, and gamma counter.
  • Demonstrated skills on training and mentoring lab users is required.
  • Knowledge and skills on the transportation of radioactive materials.
  • Attentive to detail, self-motivated, and able to act effectively in the pursuit of goals or objectives.

NUCLEAR ENERGY WORKER (NEW):

The position requires the incumbent to be trained and designated as a TRIUMF NEW. TRIUMF will provide this training to the successful candidate.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:

  • A Ph.D. in radiopharmaceutical development, radiochemistry, biochemistry or a related scientific field.
  • Typically has 8 years of professional experience, or equivalent
  • Hands-on experience in radiochemistry, radiobiology, or radiopharmaceuticals.
  • At least 3 years of post-graduate experience in therapeutic radiopharmaceutical development with alpha-emitters, strong chemistry and biology lab skills, and experience in preclinical studies is required.
  • Experience in managing compliance with radioactive lab regulations and biosafety regulations is required.
  • Track record of excellence in scientific communications both verbal and written is required.
  • Experience in managing research labs and training lab users is required.
  • Track record of managing large collaborative research projects is strongly desired

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will be given serious consideration, and in the case of equal qualifications, preference will be given to a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident. 

COMPENSATION:

Annual salary of $111,775.00 CAD plus our comprehensive benefits plan.


 

Position type:

Temporary (Fixed Term)

Hours per week:

35

Total Rewards

At TRIUMF, we value our employees and are committed to providing a competitive total rewards package. We offer comprehensive benefits that promote the well-being and security of our staff and provide an excellent opportunity to grow your career in a high-profile national research facility, where you can make a difference.

Benefits Information:

  • TRIUMF paid dental, extended health, vision care, emergency travel assistance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Life Insurance, and supplementary Wellness Benefits.
  • Excellent Employee Pension Plan
  • Disability benefits, and optional additional Life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
  • Generous time away
  • Maternity and paternity leaves and top-ups

Application closing date:

Apply now and be part of our extraordinary journey.

Learn more about the amazing research and work we do at TRIUMF.

https://www.discoverourlab.triumf.ca

http://www.rarestdrug.com

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are integral to excellence and enhance our ability to create knowledge and opportunity for all. Together, we are committed to building an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the voices of our employees, students, partners, and the people and communities we serve.

As an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalised on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Contact information:
Email: recruiting@triumf.ca
Phone: 604.222.1047
Fax: 604.222.3791

4004 Wesbrook Mall - Vancouver, BC - V6T 2A3

TRIUMF is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) People, who for millennia have passed on their culture, history, and traditions from one generation to the next on this site.