Research Specialist II
University of Missouri - Columbia (MU)
Columbia, MO
Full-time
Research
Posted on April 15, 2024
Hiring Department
MU Research Reactor
A life-saving operation in the middle of America — theUniversity 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
Job Description
The University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) is seeking a Research Specialist II to help support Dr. Heather Hennkens's radiopharmaceutical chemistry research program. This program seeks to advance research within the field of nuclear medicine by generating new knowledge and innovations in the areas of radiochemistry, radioisotope production, and radiopharmaceutical sciences. This pivotal role (and the successful candidate) will be responsible for performing research in the development and evaluation of methods for the production and separation of radioisotopes as well as for the radiochemical incorporation of these (or other) radioisotopes into various vectors for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Key Duties Performed by This Position Will Include
· Conduct material irradiation experiments using thermal neutrons at the MU Research Reactor
· Perform radioisotope separation experimentsutilizingradiochemical separation techniques such as chromatography and extraction methods
· Operate HPLC, radioTLC, and other instrumentation to evaluate radiocomplexes
· Obtain and analyze data from the above and other techniques such as gamma spectroscopy
· Write procedures and policies for handling radioactive samples
· Train and assist student researchers to work in a radiation laboratory
· Work with health physics, production, shipping, and development groups to plan and execute experiments
The successful candidate will be a persuasive communicator with exceptional organizational and time management skills. They must demonstrate the following durable skills: character, collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, metacognition, mindfulness, growth mindset, and fortitude. Additionally, they must demonstrate customer service, confidentiality, integrity, and a commitment to university values in their activities.
Must be available for regular and consistent on-site work.
Shift
Monday - Friday, 8:00-5:00pm
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience and at least 1 year of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working in a radiation laboratory
Chemistry laboratory experience.
Anticipated Hiring Range
Salary Range: $19.23-24.04/hr
Grade: GGS-008
University Title: Research Specialist II
Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.
Community Information
Columbia, Mo., is known as an ideal college town, combining small-town comforts, community spirit and low cost of living with big-city culture, activities and resources. Home to nationally renowned public schools and other colleges and educational centers, Columbia is packed with restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen annual cultural festivals.
Benefit Eligibility
This position is eligible for University benefits. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, and educational fee discounts. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website athttp://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits
Values Commitment
We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.
In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research and engagement.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or the recruiting rights of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces or the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America. For more information, call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-7976.
To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.
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