Analytical Radiochemist, Quality Control

TerraPower Isotopes® (TPI™) is advancing nuclear science to deliver significant human health benefits, focusing on revolutionary radiotherapies for cancer treatment through the supply of radioisotopes. With unique access to thorium for long-term production of actinium-225 in the growing alpha therapy market, TPI aims to expand into other nuclear-related medical treatments. As part of TerraPower—a company founded in 2006 by Bill Gates and visionaries dedicated to raising global living standards—TPI is integral to a mission-driven team developing innovators and future leaders in the nuclear field.

About the role

The Analytical Radiochemist will support analytical characterization, quality control testing, and release of radioisotopes and radiopharmaceutical precursors produced at the Everett facility. This role ensures analytical reliability and regulatory compliance, contributing to method development, validation, transfer, and execution in a GMP manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to generate high-quality analytical data, enabling safe production, regulatory compliance, and timely product release.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical testing for in-process monitoring, stability studies, and final product batch release.
• Develop, optimize, and execute analytical methods for radioisotopes and radiopharmaceutical precursors.
• Participate in method validation, qualification, transfer, and verification following ICH Q2 and USP guidance.
• Operate analytical techniques including gamma spectroscopy, alpha spectroscopy, ICP-MS/ICP-QQQ-MS, ICP-OES, radio TLC scanning, and liquid scintillation counting.
• Perform radioactivity calculations, including decay corrections and isotopic equilibrium assessments.
• Calibrate and troubleshoot instrumentation such as HPGe detectors, ICP-MS/OES, alpha spectroscopy systems, and LSC systems.
• Generate and review analytical data according to ALCOA+ data integrity principles.
• Utilize a LIMS compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 to manage analytical data and laboratory records.
• Support investigations including OOS, OOT, and laboratory deviations; contribute to root cause analysis and CAPA implementation.
• Author and maintain SOPs, analytical methods, validation documents, investigation reports, and other laboratory documentation.
• Develop and implement analytical procedures, documentation, and laboratory forms relevant to isotope production and quality control.
• Prepare analytical standards, reagents, and reference materials.
• Conduct laboratory work within radiological controlled areas and glovebox environments.
• Collaborate with QA, Manufacturing, Radiochemistry, and Engineering teams to improve analytical reliability and laboratory efficiency.
• Support training and mentoring of laboratory staff.
• Manage laboratory chemical inventories, including ordering, storage, labeling, and compliant disposal.
• Maintain organized and safe laboratory environments, including analytical laboratories and radiological controlled areas.
• Support or lead integration of analytical instrument reporting capabilities with the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry, Radiochemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience performing analytical or radioanalytical measurements.
• Experience with wet chemistry and analytical sample preparation.
• Experience operating, calibrating, or troubleshooting analytical instrumentation.
• Experience developing and implementing analytical procedures, documentation, and laboratory records relevant to analytical testing or isotope production.
• Demonstrated ability to independently plan, design, execute, and analyze complex experiments while meeting project or production timelines.
• Ability to work in a regulated laboratory environment supporting pharmaceutical or radiopharmaceutical production.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with analytical method development, validation, qualification, or transfer.
• Experience in laboratories operating under cGMP (21 CFR 210/211) or GLP.
• Familiarity with radiochemical analysis and isotope characterization.
• Experience working in radiological laboratories or glovebox environments.
• Experience using laboratory information management systems (LIMS) compliant with 21 CFR Part 11.
• Experience using laboratory quality support software or electronic systems for data management and records retention.
• Ability to interpret regulatory requirements, codes, and standards and incorporate them into laboratory procedures and documentation.

Skills

• Scientific Rigor and Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to testing, calculations, and documentation.
• Problem Solving and Analytical Thinking: Ability to investigate analytical issues and determine root causes.
• Technical Communication: Strong technical writing and communication skills.
• Operational Discipline: Ability to work in fast-paced production environments while maintaining data quality; flexibility to work periodic off-shift hours.
• Team Collaboration: Demonstrates respect for colleagues, integrity in scientific work, and open communication to support a positive and collaborative work environment.

Job Functions

Physical actions and working conditions associated with the position:

• Motor Abilities: Sitting for extended periods, bending/stooping, grasping/gripping, fine motor control (hands).
• Physical Exertion: 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: 0-10%.

Pay

$102,804 - $154,206 annually. Offers are typically placed in the lower to middle portion of the range to maintain internal equity and allow room for growth. Salary is based on market data and commensurate with qualifications and experience. This range is specific to Washington State.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation: Salary with eligibility to participate in discretionary short-term incentive payments.
• Medical and Wellness Benefits: Medical, vision, dental, life, and disability insurance; gender affirmation benefits; parental leave.
• Retirement: 401k plan.
• Paid Time Off: 21 days of annually accrued PTO; 10 paid holidays.
• Relocation Assistance.
• Professional and Educational Support Opportunities.