Job Posting: SBR Scientist 1 - Nuclear Pharmacist

Summary

The National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Center for Cancer Research (CCR) seeks a Nuclear Pharmacist to support the development, production, and clinical translation of novel positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracers and radionuclide therapeutics within the Molecular Imaging Branch. This position plays a key role in advancing investigational radiopharmaceuticals from laboratory discovery through clinical-grade production for use in first-in-human and early-phase clinical trials at the NIH Clinical Center.

The successful candidate will work in a highly collaborative translational research environment alongside radiochemists, imaging scientists, physicians, and clinical investigators to develop and implement compliant radiopharmaceutical production systems that support innovative cancer imaging and therapeutic studies.

CCR, the intramural research program of the NCI in Bethesda, MD, provides a premier environment for translational and clinical cancer research. CCR investigators have access to the NIH Clinical Center, the nation’s largest hospital devoted exclusively to clinical research – as well as extensive opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and exceptional clinical and research support services. CCR investigators lead more than 300 clinical trials and open over 50 new studies annually, advancing cutting-edge laboratory and patient-centered research. For an overview of CCR, please visit http://ccr.cancer.gov/.

This position offers the opportunity to pursue innovative, high-impact research in a collaborative environment working in a newly established cGMP facility designed for radiopharmaceutical production. Investigators benefit from strong institutional resources for publications, scientific presentation, and conference travel. The role also offers limited telework flexibility and a predictable and supportive work schedule that promotes work-life balance within a dynamic and mission-driven research program.

The selected individual must hold a Pharm.D. The ideal candidate will have completed a nuclear pharmacy residency, and/or a fellowship in radiopharmacy, and/or hold Board Certification as a Nuclear Pharmacist (BCNP). They must be eligible for the Authorized Nuclear Pharmacist (ANP) listing and hold a license to practice pharmacy in one of the 50 states. Hands on experience with the production of radiopharmaceutical agents in cGMP laboratories is highly desirable. Expertise in USP regulations and the ability to release radiopharmaceutical agents for human use are also desirable.

Duties

The incumbent will perform a variety of duties, including:

• Develop, optimize, and implement radiopharmaceutical production processes for PET tracers and therapeutic radionuclides — including processes involving biohazardous components — and conduct strategic process validation activities adapted to the unique challenges of short-lived radioactive investigational agents.
• Develop, optimize and implement non-radioactive production processes for filling of sterile pathways involved in hyperpolarized Carbon-13 MRI studies. Will also be responsible for release of the final product for injection into patients.
• Perform and oversee production and quality control assessments of clinical-grade radiopharmaceutical products prior to patient administration, including review and approval of batch production records.
• Establish, maintain, and continuously improve the quality assurance system supporting compliant production of investigational radiopharmaceuticals and PET tracers, including tracking quality indicators, conducting internal audits, and executing change control procedures to ensure ongoing regulatory compliance.
• Develop and administer standardized training and qualification programs for aseptic production operators and technical staff involved in radiopharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Oversee validation, calibration, and qualification of critical equipment, and coordinate procurement and management of radionuclides, precursor materials, and specialized reagents in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements and institutional policies.
• Assess risks associated with radiopharmaceutical production, identify mitigation strategies, and lead investigations of production deviations using root-cause analysis and corrective and preventive action (CAPA) processes.
• Define raw material, intermediate, and final product specifications, including pedigree requirements, analytical methods, and validation strategies appropriate to the stage of product development.
• Ensure that radiopharmaceutical production staff, facilities, equipment, materials, and vendors meet all applicable regulatory and institutional requirements, including radiation safety regulations governing the handling, storage, and disposal of radioactive materials.
• Contribute to regulatory documentation supporting Investigational New Drug (IND) applications, with particular focus on Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) sections.
• Collaborate closely with scientific and clinical teams to translate novel radiopharmaceutical agents from preclinical development into clinical trials.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to pharmacists, technologists, and trainees involved in radiopharmaceutical production and quality systems.

Who Can Apply

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

To be eligible for this position, candidates must be a U.S. citizen, or U.S. National. Foreign nationals or legal permanent residents are not eligible for consideration. Candidates must indicate their U.S. citizenship status on their CV or within their email application submission.

In order to qualify for this position, candidates must possess either a doctoral-level degree in biomedicine or a biological related field, or a master's level or higher degree in:

• engineering
• bioinformatics
• or an emerging or related scientific field.

In addition, candidates must have at least one year of experience related to the position, including achievements in one or more of the following areas to demonstrate the individual has received recognition as an expert in the field:

• Has significant experience dealing with complex, precedent-setting evaluation, scientific policies or development issues (e.g., those associated with novel biomedical products, novel approaches to biomedical product manufacturing, or use of novel evaluation methods)
• Demonstrated cutting-edge expertise in a scientific or technical discipline critical to design, development, manufacturing, clinical performance assessment, or technical aspects of effective oversight of biomedical products
• Played a leadership role in planning and conducting public meetings to seek public input and communicate regulatory scientific policies
• Received invitations to speak at or chair major national or international meetings and symposia or
• Meets other criteria demonstrating sufficient rigor or accomplishment in a relevant or closely related activity or field that is necessary to the accomplishment of NIH's mission.

If you are a current Federal Title 5 employee, you must have one year of equivalent experience at the GS-14 level or above.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job applicants.

Standards of Conduct/Financial Disclosure

If selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE Form 450 to determine if a conflict or an appearance of a conflict exists between your financial interest and your prospective position with the agency.

Foreign Education

This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts (or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades). Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Learn more about Foreign Education.

Reasonable Accommodation

You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.

How to Apply

Interested applicants must submit:

• A letter of interest that includes a career synopsis
• A current curriculum vitae with bibliography

Applications must be submitted to https://specializedscientificjobs.nih.gov. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Initial review of applications will be conducted on or about July 20, 2026.