Expert Science & Technology - Radiochemistry

Job Description Summary

Location: Ivrea, Italy #onsite

Role Purpose:
The Expert Radiochemistry executes hands-on isotope development activities in alignment with the Radiochemistry Team Leader and the IDU R&D strategy, serving as a key technical contributor in radiochemistry. The role focuses on developing, executing, and/or optimizing radiochemical separation/purification technologies, target-related preparation processes, and fit-for-purpose (radio)analytical methods to generate and interpret reliable data for project decisions. In close collaboration with theragnostic and drug product teams, the role supports evaluation of radionuclide precursor characteristics/specifications.

Responsibilities include safe laboratory execution under ALARA principles, troubleshooting of processes and analytical methods, operation and upkeep of laboratory/analytical equipment, and ensuring laboratory operational readiness (consumables, PPE, instrument availability). The Expert authors / revises technical documentation (protocols, reports, SOPs) and supports quality-system activities such as change controls, deviations, and investigations as needed, in compliance with applicable quality, safety and data integrity expectations (including cGMP where relevant). The role contributes to continuous improvement and knowledge sharing and may coach interns/junior colleagues on methods and good documentation practices

The Expert Radiochemistry reports to the Radiochemistry Team Leader.

 

Job Description

Major accountabilities:

• In alignment with the Team Leader and IDU strategy, support the design and planning of scientific experiments and the analysis / interpretation of experimental data; prepare high-quality summaries, reports and other documentation to support internal decision-making and, where applicable, regulatory/registration needs.  

• Contribute to the development, optimization, and implementation of efficient, robust and safe radionuclide-related processes and (radio)analytical methodologies, in compliance with relevant quality and regulatory standards (including cGMP where relevant), within agreed timelines and budgets; communicate key advancements and challenges. 

• Plan and execute hands-on laboratory work safely and efficiently; operate, maintain and troubleshoot a broad range of laboratory and analytical equipment, ensuring proper calibration, qualification, documentation and adherence to internal standards. 

• Ensure laboratory operational readiness by maintaining appropriate stocks of consumables and PPE, coordinating availability, calibration / qualification status, and maintenance of instruments / equipment to enable smooth, compliant laboratory operations 

• Ensure adherence to organizational workflows, procedures, documentation practices and data integrity expectations across laboratory activities.   

• Author / revise / maintain technical documentation (protocols, reports, SOPs) and support quality-system activities (change controls, deviations, investigations, CAPA input, and risk assessments) as needed. 

• Provide technical guidance, fostering knowledge exchange within the team and across interfaces; support external partners (CRO/CMO) through review of protocols, data packages, and deliverables as assigned. 

• Present scientific/technical results internally and contribute to publications, presentations and patents as appropriate, ensuring timely and accurate reporting aligned with internal governance and regulatory requirements where applicable. 

• Coach / train assigned interns and junior colleagues as assigned; contribute to effective resource utilization and clear priority execution within project teams. 

Minimum Requirements:

• Master Degree in Chemistry or related scientific discipline, with good background in radiochemistry and / or (radio)analytical chemistry 

• 2-3 years of relevant experience in radiochemistry / radiopharmaceutical or isotope development, including hands-on work with radioactive materials, radionuclide identification / characterization; strong knowledge of ALARA principles 

• Practical experience working in shielded fume hoods, hotcells and/or gloveboxes; experience using tele-manipulators is strongly preferred 

• Demonstrated experience with, or strong willingness to rapidly master, key analytical tools such as HPGe, ICP-MS, alpha spectrometry, ICP-OES, iTLC and HPLC. 

• Working knowledge of several of the following: isotope production technologies (e.g., cyclotron, neutron irradiation, generators, etc.), liquid phase chemistry and chromatographic separations, complexation / chelation chemistry, colloid formation, trace-metal control, radiolytic degradation, radiometric techniques beyond spectroscopy (e.g., dose calibrators, liquid scintillation counting, imaging techniques), electrochemistry, molecular plating, precipitation / chemical bath depositions, decontamination chemistry, metrology, dosimetry.  

• Experience working in a regulated environment with strong documentation practices and data integrity; exposure to cGMP and analytical method development and validation / verification (as applicable)  

• Experience working in multidisciplinary development teams (international environment is a plus).   

• Good interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral), with a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.    

• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and to manage multiple tasks and communication channels in parallel. 

Languages :

• Italian and English.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams' representative of the patients and communities we serve.
 

 

Skills Desired