Radiochemistry Technologist

Are you looking for a role that challenges you to apply your radiochemistry skills in meaningful, hands‑on ways? Can you see yourself developing and testing innovative radiopharmaceuticals through radiolabeling, formulation, analytical work, and preclinical studies that directly support cutting‑edge therapeutic advancements? Do you thrive in an environment where you collaborate closely with experienced scientists to deliver high‑impact commercial R&D that strengthens Canada’s progress in safe, targeted radiotherapeutics? If you answered yes, this Radiochemistry Technologist role at Chalk River Laboratories may be the perfect fit—apply today!

What will you be doing!

• Acquiring in‑depth knowledge of laboratory procedures, instrumental methods, and current advancements in the field.
• Preparing and executing experimental protocols for radionuclide production, separation, purification, radiolabeling, stability studies, analytical method development, in vitro testing, in vivo studies, and small‑animal imaging.
• Performing conjugation chemistry (e.g., DOTA, Macropa), radiolabeling various vectors with radionuclides (Ac‑225, Lu‑177, Ga‑68), and conducting stability testing in biological matrices.
• Carrying out detailed radiochemical analyses (Radio‑TLC, Radio‑HPLC, ICP‑MS, gamma counting) and preparing clear data analysis reports.
  Setting up, calibrating, operating, and maintaining specialized equipment, including dose calibrators, gamma/alpha spectrometers, HPLC, TLC readers, ICP‑MS, and automated synthesis modules.
• Calibrating, operating, and maintaining standard laboratory equipment, including balances, centrifuges, water purification systems, pipettes, pH meters, and UV‑visible spectrometers.
• Using equipment‑control software and developing customized spreadsheets for calculations and reporting.
• Developing, modifying, updating, and following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Preparing chemical solutions, maintaining chemical inventory, and overseeing proper management of chemical and radioactive waste.
• Analyzing experimental results and contributing to internal and external summary reports.
• Maintaining accurate and organized laboratory notes.
• Following CNL’s S&T QA Programs and preparing QA documentation, including reporting non‑conformances.
• Applying equipment and procedures creatively and documenting innovative approaches.
• Sourcing equipment from new vendors and navigating procurement processes.
• Collaborating effectively with team members and coordinating shared activities.
• Ensuring compliance with laboratory and facility regulations and requirements.
• Other duties as assigned by your manager.
  

What we are looking for:

• Education
  • Graduation from a recognized institute of advanced technology, or equivalent formal education in a field relevant to the position, such as radiochemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, forensics, biochemistry, chemical engineering technology and three (3) to five (5) years of pertinent technological experience, OR;
  • Secondary School Graduation Diploma or equivalent, and five (5) to ten (10) years of pertinent and progressive experience or the equivalent in experience, additional education and/or training.
• Experience
  • 3-5 years of relevant hands-on work experience in a radiochemistry laboratory is preferred.
  • Experience working with radioactive compounds (e.g., quantification, identification, separation, purification, radiolabeling) is a significant asset.
  • Experience performing R&D or production work in engineered enclosures (fume hoods, glove boxes, hot cells) is an asset.
  • Experience in keeping laboratory notebooks, electronic data, and physical records under a research or production Quality Management System.
  • Experience in preparing experimental procedures and technical reports.
  • Experience with conjugation and radiolabeling chemistry of a range of isotopes is desirable.
  • Experience with chemical separation techniques for metal ions, including co-precipitation, column chromatography, and solvent extraction, is desirable.
  • Experience with radiation detectors, gamma- and alpha-spectrometers, liquid scintillation counters, and similar radiation-counting equipment is desirable.
  • Experience with in vitro cell culture, techniques and assays, and assets.
  • Experience with in vivo testing of radiopharmaceuticals is an asset.
  • Work experience with radiation safety principles is desired (CNL-specific training will be provided).
  • Experience navigating and working under the principles of Integrated Work Control (IWC) or other work hazard control programs.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Ability to precisely manipulate radioactive solutions (pipetting, dilution, etc.) while maintaining a contamination-controlled work environment.
  • Excellent work performance, with good knowledge of , and commitment to quality assurance.
  • Ability to translate informal and formal guidance into meaningful experimental results.
  • Good communication skills.
  • Good computer skills, including analytical data collection software and Microsoft Office applications.
  • Excellent record-keeping and well-organized.
  • Work well as part of a team.
  • Demonstrated questioning attitude, seek guidance, and support others in new scopes of work.
  • Skills in coding and data management are considered an asset.
  • Advanced understanding of the principles of radiochemistry and radioanalytical techniques.
  • Familiarity with Radio-TLC and Radio-HPLC, as well as similar chromatographic techniques and/or MS (e.g., ICP-MS), is desirable.
• 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:

• Working schedule: Five (5) days per week, seven and a half (7.5) hours per day for a thirty-seven and a half (37.5) hour work week.
• This position is part of the USW 1568 unionand is governed by the terms and conditions outlined in their Collective Agreement. As a member of this bargaining unit, you’ll benefit from clear expectations around hours of work, wages, vacation, and other conditions that support a fair and consistent working environment.
• Occasional requirements for weekend work and overtime, depending on programs of work.
• Main working environment is the radiological chemistry laboratories, where you will work with radioactive compounds following ALARA principles, and the use of personal protective equipment is required.
• Work may also be performed in CNL’s controlled area and licensed nuclear facilities (radiation training is provided; must be able to use a respirator; frequent monitoring is required; security checkpoints are part of the daily routine; a daily foot commute from the parking lot to the work area is required).
• The environment demands high vigilance to alarms, lights, and signals as a safety requirement.
• Ability to respond calmly and responsibly to emergency situations.
  

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: Onsite

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 [email protected]. 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.