R&D Radiochemistry Manager

The TerraPower Isotopes® (TPI™) division has been established to pursue medical isotopes development--advancing nuclear science for significant human health benefits. We seek to support revolutionary radiotherapies for treatments of various cancers through the supply of radioisotopes. TerraPower currently has unique access to a supply of thorium for the long-term production of actinium-225 in the growing alpha therapy market and intends to expand into other nuclear related medical treatments.

The TerraPower Isotopes program is an integral part of the Washington State based TerraPower team, a company working to raise living standards globally. In 2006, the company originated with Bill Gates and a group of like-minded visionaries who evaluated the fundamental challenges to raising living standards around the world. TerraPower’s mission is to be a world leader in new nuclear technologies, while developing innovators and future leaders in the nuclear field.

TPI is seeking to hire highly motivated and forward-thinking professionals who are interested in focusing on advanced radiopharmaceutical applications and influencing change within nuclear medicine. TerraPower is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. 

Manager, R&D Radiochemistry

TPI seeks to support revolutionary radiotherapies for treatments of cancers, such as prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma by supplying radioisotopes that currently cannot be accessed in amounts required to develop medical treatments. The Manager of Radiochemical Process Development, R&D Radiochemistry reports to the Director, R&D Radiochemistry, and is responsible for managing the TPI R&D Radiochemistry Process Development team members in their efforts to develop, scale‑up, and support operation of chemical processes for the long-term production of actinium‑225.

This position interfaces with a dynamic interdisciplinary environment in which effective communication, teamwork and collaboration is required, while maintaining composure to act safely, ensure quality of data, and enable timely decision-making. The position will exercise significant judgement in ensuring TPI maintains regulatory compliance while delivering on commercial production and engineering design needs. The candidate must be capable of working closely with and supervising a diverse group of high performers with variety of technical backgrounds. The successful candidate will relocate to the Everett, WA area. 

Responsibilities                                                 

The Manager, R&D Radiochemistry primary responsibilities include: 

• Maintaining a positive work atmosphere, inclusive company culture and effective collaboration across TPI project teams and broader TerraPower organization.
• Lead and develop a high-performing Radiochemistry Process Development organization, with accountability for workforce planning, budgeting, performance management, and employee engagement.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as the primary technical and organizational leader for Radiochemistry Process Development, influencing cross-functional teams across Engineering, Operations, Production, Quality, Regulatory, Safety, and Program Management to deliver integrated project outcomes.
• Delivering against TPI R&D Radiochemistry team objectives and determining how to use resources to meet schedules and project goals, including the development of relevant components of project scope and schedule.
• Reporting and communicating progress to higher levels of organization on project and team performance in the form of meeting updates and presentations.
• Train, develop, and mentor TPI R&D Radiochemistry team members, including through servant leadership, providing weekly or biweekly 1:1 interaction with team members, and providing effective feedback to support employees’ growth in the team and broader TerraPower organization.
• Manage coordination of R&D Radiochemistry team in technical risk identification and developing project scope necessary to advance radiochemical process development, including design and execution of R&D radiochemistry experimental campaigns.
• Lead radiochemistry laboratory and system development, including the design of flexible experimental chemistry capabilities to support TPI R&D activities.
• Review TPI R&D Radiochemistry deliverables including research reports, procedures, production records and publications.
• Provide radiochemistry support for the design, scale-up, start-up; and ongoing production of radioisotopes with emphasis to hands-on support alongside team members in TPI radiochemistry laboratories.
• Interface effectively with TerraPower quality assurance disciplines as needed to ensure Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) are followed, quality of experiments, analytical methods, and designs are maintained and continuously improved.
• Oversee development of and maintain laboratory procedures.
• Oversee compliance with site safety and radiation protection guidelines, and ensure effective teamwork and communication with health physicists, Authorized Users and RSO.
• Emphasize safety in new and existing design and safe practices in all experimental activities.
• Lead in ensuring that the organization, housekeeping and effectiveness of TerraPower radiochemistry use-areas and production facilities is maintained at a high standard at all times.
• Perform other general duties associated with the position as a member of the radiochemistry team, to ensure ongoing effectiveness and continuous improvement of TerraPower R&D efforts.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• Graduate degree in radiochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering or similar.
• PhD with a minimum of 5 years of post‑graduate laboratory experience, or MS with at least 7 years of post‑graduate laboratory experience, including expertise in radiochemistry, radiochemical separations, and chemical synthesis.
• Minimum of 2 years of progressive people leadership experience managing scientific or technical teams, including hiring, coaching, performance management, employee development, and resource planning.
• Ability to influence without direct authority across technical and business functions.
• Extensive background in radiochemistry and radiochemical separations relevant to radiopharmaceuticals, isotopes and the purification and production of actinium-225 and other relevant alpha-emitting isotopes, including analytical methods for characterization of f-block elements by means of radioanalytics, spectroscopy, and wet-chemistry techniques.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating and delivering on complex technical tasks requiring input from multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to understand requirements (regulations, codes and standards, etc.), incorporate them into TerraPower documents, and provide associated guidance to TerraPower personnel.
• Flexibility to work periodic off-hours in support of routine production.
• The successful candidate will possess a high degree of trust and integrity, communicate openly and display respect and a desire to foster teamwork.
• Strong organizational and communication skills including technical writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

Other Desired Attributes 

• Proficient in separation chemistry of f-block elements, and other radioisotopes/stable elements.
• Proficient in thermodynamic and kinetics calculations relevant to understanding the reaction and separation of f-block elements.
• Proficient in synthesis techniques relevant to chemical manipulation and purification of f-block compounds.
• Thorough understanding of radioisotope production processes and radiopharmaceuticals.
• Ability to structure and plan basic and applied research in the radiochemistry and other areas relevant to TerraPower.
• Experience leading the design and execution of complex experimental studies.
• Experience working and communicating productively in a multidisciplinary team including R&D, production, quality assurance, and engineering design functions.
• Experience working and handling a high level of alpha emitting radioactive materials within hot cells, glove boxes, fume hoods and on laboratory benchtops.
• Experience demonstrating the highest standards with respect to safety and radiation protection in all work activities and familiarity with radiation protection and NRC standards.

Job Functions:

Job Functions are physical actions and/or working conditions associated with the position. These functions may also constitute essential functions for the job which the employee must be able to fulfill, with or without accommodation.  Information provided below is to help describe the job so that the applicant has a reasonable understanding of the job duties/expectations.  An applicant's ability to perform and/or tolerate these actions and conditions will be discussed and workplace accommodations may be made on a case-by-case basis following an individualized assessment of the applicant and other considerations, including but not limited to any governing safety standards.

• Motor Abilities: Sitting for extended periods, bending/stooping, grasping/gripping, fine motor control (hands)
• Physical exertion and/or requirements: Minimal, with ability to safely lift up to 25 pounds.
• Repetitive work: Prolonged
• Special Senses: Visual and audio focused work
• Work Conditions: Stairs, typing/keyboard, standard and/or sitting working environment of >8 hours/day
• Travel required 0-10%

TerraPower Isotopes' technology is controlled for export by various agencies of the U.S. Government.  TerraPower Isotopes must evaluate applicants who are foreign nationals (other than asylees, refugees, or lawful permanent residents) in accordance with U.S. Government export control requirements.  To facilitate TerraPower's export control reviews, you will be asked as part of the application process to identify whether you are a U.S. Citizen or national, asylee, refugee, or lawful permanent resident of the United States.  Government export authorization approval times vary.  Based on the business needs for a particular position, TerraPower Isotopes may not consider a foreign national from a country if it is impracticable to obtain timely Government export approval.

Job details 

Salary Range: $153,862 - $205,150

*We typically place offers in the lower to middle portion of the range to maintain internal equity and allow room for growth. Any salary offered within the posted salary band is based on market data and commensurate with the selected individual’s qualifications experience. This range is specific to Washington State.

Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation
• Salary, eligible to participate in discretionary short-term incentive payments
• Comprehensive Medical and Wellness Benefits
  •   Medical
  •   Vision
  • Dental
  • Life and Disability
  • Gender Affirmation Benefits
• Parental Leave
• 401k Plan
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • 21 days of annually accrued PTO
• Generous Holiday Schedule
  • 10 paid holidays
• Relocation Assistance
• Professional and Educational Support Opportunities

TerraPower Career and Benefits information: https://www.terrapower.com/careers/