Can you picture yourself working at the forefront of radiochemistry, developing life-changing medical innovations? Join us at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ (CNL) Chalk River location as a Process Radiochemist in our Radiobiology & Health Branch. You’ll lead exciting projects in radioisotope production and radiopharmaceutical research, contributing to advancements that make a difference in people’s lives every day. If you’re ready to see your science come to life, we want to hear from you. Apply today!
What will you be doing!
- Actively engaging and supporting existing technical programs of work in the areas of isotopes production.
- Supervising technologists and students, implementing the strategy, executing work plan(s), and providing technical and scientific expertise in support of CNL business development and other business areas.
- Analyzing technical results and outcomes produced in the laboratory and operational facility environments, and summarizing and presenting for internal and external stakeholders.
- Leading projects and generating research project proposals with appropriate resourcing and budgeting, and ensuring the research scope is accomplished within these confines.
- Leading R&D activities for commercial applications, in the areas of isotopes production, radiochemistry, and pre-clinical evaluation of new therapeutics.
- Providing scientific advice within the company and to external clients.
- Seeking and establishing collaborative research opportunities.
- Generating results and publications in peer-reviewed scientific literature.
- Delivering presentations at technical meetings, workshops, and conferences, and representing the company on major scientific and technological issues nationally and internationally.
- Authoring and reviewing administrative, progress, scientific, and technical reports, including high-quality reports for customers, as well as journal and project publications, to inform and support the federal priorities.
- Actively participating in short- and long-term planning of the branch and the health program, influencing the branch and CNL's strategic technical direction in the field of radioisotopes and medical applications.
- Ensuring that all activities are carried out with due diligence relative to established Quality Assurance/Quality Control requirements, applicable environmental and safety regulations, and requirements (industrial and radiological), and company policies and procedures (including relevant labour contracts).
- Other duties as assigned by your manager.
What we are looking for:
- Education
- A PhD or advanced degree in Chemistry, Radiochemistry, or Chemical Engineering from a university of recognized standing.
- Experience
- A minimum of 2-3 years of relevant working experience in the areas of Chemistry, Radiochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Organometallic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Nuclear Chemistry or is required.
- Demonstrated R&D experience with academic collaborators and with commercial customers in delivering services for industry.
- Experience in shielded facilities/hot cells and automation of processes is essential.
- Experience in the production or purification of medical radionuclides is essential.
- Experience with production and/or handling of alpha-emitting radioisotopes (Ac, Ra, Th, U, Pb isotopes) is considered a major asset.
- Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong theoretical knowledge and practical skills/experience in radioisotope production, separation chemistry, process development, and quality control methods are required.
- Theoretical knowledge and practical skills/experience in the synthesis of radiolabelled materials and radiopharmaceuticals are assets.
- Demonstrated ability to publish the results of their scientific research as a lead author in peer-reviewed scientific literature is an asset.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate within multidisciplinary environments and audiences, including shareholders (non-expert), industry partners, and collaborators, is required.
- Excellent oral and written English communication skills are essential to the performance of the duties of the post. The incumbent must be able to effectively interact with staff at various levels (technical, management and customer) to meet operational objectives.
- A demonstrated commitment to laboratory safety, including a good working knowledge of the hazards associated with radioactive materials, chemicals, and biological materials.
- Security Clearance Eligibility Required
- Reliability Status with Site Access Security Clearance (SASC), which has a minimum requirement of 3-5 years of verifiable history in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and/or the United Kingdom. CNL implements security screening in accordance with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's “Standard on Security Screening” and the “Policy on Government Security.”
Working Conditions:
- Occasionally, performing research activities, with typical hazards associated with radiochemistry research, such as hazardous chemicals and reagents, radiation sources (external and internal), under strict regulations of chemical, biological and radiation safety standards.
- Office, laboratory, and licensed facility work setting, with standard hours, sometimes involving prolonged periods of standing and sitting.
- Occasional travel for meetings and conferences (nationally and internationally).
Why CNL?
Does the idea of working with a dynamic team across Canada to advance nuclear science and technology for a clean and secure world excite you? At CNL, we’re reinventing ourselves to be industry leaders—pioneering solutions to the problems that matter most.
From building the next generation of clean nuclear and hydrogen energy technologies, to developing targeted cancer treatments, to continuing our global leadership in environmental remediation—we are driven by impact, innovation, and purpose.
What We Offer: A Total Rewards Package
We believe in taking care of our people. Here’s what you can expect as part of our team:
- Paid time off: vacation, sick, personal, and floater days
- Benefits effective Day One – no waiting period
- Tuition support to help you keep learning and growing
- A defined-benefit pension plan or a defined-contribution pension plan, depending on your employee group, to support your long‑term financial security
Do Our Priorities Resonate with You?
- Delivering clean energy for today and tomorrow
- Restoring and protecting the environment
- Contributing to the health of Canadians
If so, you’ll feel right at home at CNL!
Location: Fully Onsite
This role is a fully onsite role that requires the employee to primarily work at CNL’s Chalk River Laboratory site, with only occasional opportunities to work remotely, if desired by the employee. Located in the heart of the Ottawa Valley, our Chalk River site offers a beautiful natural setting with forests, lakes, and wildlife, right at your doorstep. Surrounded by welcoming communities such as Deep River, Petawawa, and Pembroke, you’ll have access to unparalleled outdoor adventures and a fantastic work-life balance.
Please note: This is a fully on-site position based at our Chalk River Laboratory in Ontario.
Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
At CNL, we are committed to fostering an environment that promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion. We celebrate and welcome employees, stakeholders, and partners of all backgrounds and identities. Click here to read all about it!
We are proud to uphold a workplace culture grounded in our Core Values:
- Respect
- Teamwork
- Accountability
- Safety
- Integrity
- Excellence
These values drive our employment practices and ensure meaningful career development opportunities and accommodations for all employees.
CNL is an equal opportunity employer. If you require accommodation during any phase of the hiring process, please let us know via jobs@cnl.ca. All requests will be handled with confidentiality.
CNL operates on sites located on the traditional lands, waterways and ceded and unceded territories of Indigenous peoples. CNL recognizes and affirms all First Nations, Métis communities and Inuit in this land we now know as Canada. We acknowledge, respect and seek to better understand Indigenous history, rights and title on the lands where we work and develop projects. We honour and respect the importance of the relationship between Indigenous peoples and their lands, waters and territories.
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