Posting # 28216 - [ Non-Union ]

Radiochemistry Technician - 2 position(s)
Lawson Health Research Institute
Temporary Full Time

Posting date: June 30, 2009
Submission deadline: July 19, 2009
Cristina Amaral, Consultant

Contract position with the expectation for renewal, subject to the availability of work.

Lawson Health Research Institute is one of Canada's largest and most respected hospital-based research institutes. As the research institute of St. Joseph's Health Care, London and London Health Sciences Centre, and working in partnership with The University of Western Ontario, Lawson is committed to furthering scientific knowledge to advance health care around the world.

Lawson is seeking two Radiochemistry Technicians for its new Cyclotron & Radiochemistry Facility.

The successful candidate will report to the facility Director and become a key part of a large research/clinical group consisting of physicians, physicists, chemists, pharmacists, grad students and other professionals working in an academic hospital environment. Duties will include production and quality control of positron emitting radiopharmaceuticals including set-up, operation, maintenance of production equipment (cyclotrons and chemistry modules), and documentation of all quality control processes.

Responsibilities:
- Produce, dispense and package radiopharmaceuticals (operation of cyclotron and radiochemistry modules)
- Delivery of radiopharmaceuticals to Radiopharmacy
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory commitments, including GMP, radiation safety, corporate policies and procedures
- Ensure quality control of radiopharmaceuticals using analytical equipment and chemical tests per standard operating procedures
- Participate and ensure execution of aseptic techniques, including sterility and pyrogen testing
- Apply CNSC rules, regulations and procedures to ensure professional and safe working practices are followed
- Maintain inventory systems and all applicable documents and records
- Provide support in operation and maintenance of cyclotron, chemistry modules, QC equipment and associated software
- Implement approved SOP changes to production and quality control processes
- Observe operating parameters and troubleshoot issues occurring outside normal, established standards
- Maintain a clean, orderly, clutter-free and safe work environment, including a well organized production and workflow area  

Essential Qualifications

• Completion of a BSc Chemistry degree or 3-year Certification in Chemical Technology through the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT), or equivalent
• Skilled in the operation of HPLC, GC, TLC, pH meter, pyrogen testing, sterility testing, dose calibrator
• Ability to operate complex equipment
• Experience working in a radiochemistry and/or "Clean Room" environment
• Demonstrated computer skills in MicroSoft Office Suite (Excel and Word) and e-mail
• Communicates effectively with a proven ability to interpret information and provide and/or follow complex instructions
• Ability to work independently and as an effective team member
• Strong customer relations skills
• Detail oriented
• Candidate must be willing to work in a safe, but radioactive environment
• Must be willing to gain a sound understanding of radiological and safety procedures
• It should be understood that the hours of work will reflect the need for positron emitting radiopharmaceuticals and are subject to change. Primary working hours will be during the day; however, may be required to work rotating shifts beginning early in the morning