MURR Research Specialist

MRR Research & Education

The University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) is seeking a highly motivated Research Specialist to join our team. This position offers a unique blend of hands-on research and managerial responsibilities, providing an excellent opportunity for professional growth. You will contribute to cutting-edge research in medical radionuclide production and radiometal chelation systems, helping advance the development of novel radiopharmaceuticals for early cancer detection and treatment.

Key Duties
In this role, you will report to Dr. Heather Hennkens and collaborate with the Hennkens group, engaging in both laboratory research and managerial duties. Your primary responsibilities will include:

Project & Lab Management
* Contact vendors and suppliers, request quotes, and place/receive orders for laboratory equipment, instrumentation, materials, and supplies
* Maintain safe, organized, functional, and efficient lab spaces
* Maintain lab equipment and instrumentation and, when necessary, schedule and facilitate service visits
* Assist in study planning and the preparation of budgets
* Schedule reactor time for sample irradiations
* Schedule and facilitate transfers of radioactive materials to, from, and between MURR, other MU locations (including MITC, Chemistry), and external collaborator institutions
* Coordinate activities across multiple departments to achieve various objectives
* Maintain complete and accurate records for regulatory and compliance purposes
* Write procedural documents as lab processes become standardized

Lab & Research Work
* Support the development of novel radionuclide production methods, radiometal chelation systems, and theranostic radiopharmaceuticals by training, assisting, and mentoring student researchers in the labs
* Supervise lab workers and contribute to team development
* Manage inventory of radioactive materials
* Prepare targets for irradiation, including target material weighing into quartz vials, vial flame sealing, and vial leak testing
* Process irradiated targets, including vial washing, vial scoring and cracking, and target material transferring and dissolution
* Conduct chemical separations to purify radionuclide products and recover/recycle unreacted target materials
* Perform various quality assessments of radioactive and non-radioactive samples
* Operate various laboratory instrumentation (e.g., TLC, HPLC) to evaluate radioactive and non-radioactive samples

Ideal Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will be a strong communicator and a team player who has excellent organizational and time management skills. We are looking for someone who consistently demonstrates:
* Leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
* Critical thinking and adaptability in a research environment
* A growth mindset and willingness to engage in multidisciplinary research
* Dedication to upholding University values and maintaining high professional integrity

Monday through Friday, 8AM to 5PM with some variance as needed for lab operations.

Bachelor's degree in related/relevant area and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

* Chemistry wet laboratory experience
* Experience working in a radiation laboratory, particularly in the handling of radioactive materials with activities in excess of exempt quantities

Salary Range: $70,000 to $90,000 annually

Grade: GGS-M11

University Title: MURR Research Specialist

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

A life-saving operation in the middle of America - the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) - needs you to help guide its future. MURR is expanding its critical cancer-fighting and medical isotope production.

MURR's reactor is the highest-power university research reactor in the United States, operating at 10 megawatts, 6.5 days a week and 52 weeks a year. The MURR facility enables research across many disciplines - From investigating ancient cultures and how plants respond to their environment, to analyzing industrial materials and developing radiopharmaceuticals that have lifesaving clinical applications. The MURR facility is a reliable resource for researchers, scientists, engineers and students across the country.

Be a part of the future of fighting cancer and saving lives.

Be a part of MURR.

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.