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Assistant Radiochemist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Radiochemist information

What is an assistant radiochemist?

Assistant Radiochemists are professionals who support the work of radiochemists in laboratories, typically within medical, research, or industrial settings. They assist in the preparation, handling, and analysis of radioactive materials, ensuring proper safety protocols are followed. Their tasks may include preparing radiopharmaceuticals, maintaining laboratory equipment, and recording experimental data. Assistant Radiochemists play a crucial role in the safe and efficient operation of radiochemistry labs, contributing to important advancements in medical imaging, cancer treatment, and scientific research.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant radiochemist?

To thrive as an Assistant Radiochemist, you need a solid background in chemistry or radiochemistry, typically supported by a relevant degree and laboratory experience. Familiarity with radioactive material handling protocols, analytical instrumentation (such as HPLC, gamma spectrometry), and safety certifications is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure accurate results, maintain safety standards, and support collaborative scientific research.

What are some common challenges faced by an assistant radiochemist, and how can they be managed?

Assistant Radiochemists often encounter challenges related to strict safety protocols and accurate handling of radioactive materials. Adhering to regulatory compliance and maintaining detailed documentation is essential, which can be demanding for those new to the field. Teamwork and clear communication with senior radiochemists and safety officers play a key role in ensuring procedures are followed correctly. Proactively seeking mentorship and continuous training helps in managing these challenges and building confidence in laboratory operations.

What is the difference between Assistant Radiochemist vs Radiochemist?

AspectAssistant RadiochemistRadiochemist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in chemistry, radiochemistry, or related field; some certifications preferredBachelor's or master's degree; advanced certifications like NRC or equivalent often required
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, nuclear medicine departmentsResearch labs, production facilities, regulatory agencies
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist in radiochemical experiments, sample preparation, safety proceduresDesign experiments, analyze data, oversee radiochemical processes

The Assistant Radiochemist typically supports senior staff with laboratory tasks and safety protocols, while the Radiochemist leads research projects and manages radiochemical processes. Both roles require a strong background in chemistry and radiochemistry, but the Radiochemist usually has more experience and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Radiochemist jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Radiochemist jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Radiochemist jobs in Virginia?

For Assistant Radiochemist jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Radiochemist jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Radiochemist jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Assistant Radiochemist jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Assistant Radiochemist job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Radiochemist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Research Radiochemist/Theranostics

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develop an independent and well-funded research program focused on molecular imaging, PET-based diagnostic agents, radiotheranostics, and related technologies.

  • Generate scientific data, present at conferences, and publish in high-impact journals related to radiochemistry and molecular imaging.

  • Collaborate with researchers and clinician scientists within the department and institution, and contribute to training the next generation of research scientists.


University Of Virginia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

213th of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description
The Department of Radiology & Medical Imaging at the University of Virginia (UVA) within the School of Medicine (SOM) seeks applications for a tenure-track research faculty position at an Assistant or Associate Professor level. We are seeking applicants whose research focuses on the design, development, translation, production, and/or utilization of precision molecular imaging, PET-based diagnostic agents, radiotheranostics, immuno-PET approaches, targeted imaging probes, and related technologies. The faculty member will have a unique opportunity to work with a diverse, multi-disciplinary clinical and research community and investigate questions and applications related to oncologic, neurologic, cardiovascular and infectious diseases as well as other domains.
The candidate would also have access to the Radiochemistry Core, a well-equipped cGMP (certified Good Manufacturing Practice operating under USP <823>) Radiopharmaceutical laboratory capable of synthesizing novel PET drugs for both preclinical and human trials, and radiotheranostic agents for preclinical use. The Radiochemistry Core and cGMP lab have significantly expanded molecular imaging, radiotheranostic and immuno-oncology research capabilities and allowed multiple research laboratories at UVA to secure federal funding. Additionally, the Radiochemistry Core, a cyclotron and a vivarium are co-located adjacent to extensive research-dedicated imaging technology to support preclinical and human subjects' studies.
Expectations associated with this faculty position include:
  • Developing an independent and well-funded research program;
  • Generating innovative and meaningful scientific data to present at academic conferences and publish in high impact journals;
  • Building relationships and working collaboratively with other researchers and clinician scientists within the Department and Institution as well as other organizations;
  • Establishing a national and international reputation;
  • Helping to educate and train the next generation of research scientists in precision molecular imaging/PET-based diagnostic and theranostic approaches; and
  • Inspiring a culture of respect and inclusivity.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits plan, relocation assistance, productivity incentives, a professional allotment and a sign-on bonus. For more information about the department, please visit the following website: Join Our Faculty - UVA Radiology and Medical Imaging (virginia.edu). For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit https://hr.virginia.edu/benefits.
The UVA Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging has nine divisions, 60 full-time clinical faculty, 16 research faculty, 47 residents and 23 fellows/instructors. It offers faculty members a positive, supportive and genuinely non-competitive professional community with state-of-the-art facilities and technologies as well as a dedicated marketing team. Our faculty are very well-respected, dynamic educators and highly productive - many are leaders and innovators in their fields. The Department and its faculty and staff are very committed to growing the diversity of all of its team members, imbuing a culture of respect and inclusivity, and supporting efforts to improve work-life balance.
Charlottesville, Virginia, is consistently ranked by media outlets as one of the best places in the United States to live, work and raise a family. This vibrant and enlightened small city is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Charlottesville-area has excellent public and private schools and diverse housing options as well as exceptional food, beverage, music and art scenes. UVA is a top-5 nationally ranked public university founded by Thomas Jefferson and is renowned as one of the most beautiful college campuses in America. The Atlantic Ocean, Washington D.C. and Shenandoah National Park are each a short drive away. Charlottesville is also served by its own regional airport and Amtrak service.
For more information about Charlottesville and the department, please visit these websites: This is Charlottesville and Join Our Faculty - UVA Radiology and Medical Imaging (virginia.edu)
Qualifications
  • Doctoral degree, preferrably PhD in radiochemistry, chemistry, molecular imaging, cancer biology, immunology, nuclear medicine, biomedical sciences, or a related field is required. Candidates should have a strong record of research in molecular imaging, PET imaging, radiotheranostics, radiopharmaceutical sciences, or related disciplines.
  • Candidate should be able to work independently and train junior lab personnel.
  • Expertise in organic chemistry, radiochemistry, molecular probe development, antibody engineering, imaging agent development, or related translational technologies is preferred.
  • Experience with radiopharmaceutical development, molecular imaging agents, PET tracer development, radiotheranostics, or collaborative radiochemistry research is required. Direct experience with radiopharmaceutical synthesis, QC/QA procedures, and 18F, 11C, and/or radiometal radiolabeling is preferred.
  • Familiarity with a wide range of laboratory techniques related to molecular imaging and/or radiotheranostics is required.
  • The selected candidate should have excellent written and spoken English skills.

Application Instructions
Submit application and include CV, cover letter, and contact information for three references (apply.interfolio.com/188602).
For questions about the position, please contact Dr. James R. Stone, Associate Professor and Vice-Chair of Research, at jrs7r@virginia.edu. For questions about the application, please contact Nicole Vaughan, Faculty Affairs Coordinator at nsv3w@uvahealth.org.
This position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. A completed pre-employment health screen is required for this position prior to employment.

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About University of Virginia

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The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819