The Radiochemist prepares and tests Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) - compliant radiopharmaceuticals, coordinates the production of the required quantity of radioisotopes from the cyclotron, production of radiopharmaceuticals using automated synthesis modules, completion of required quality control (QC) tests, and documentation of all results following approved procedures and protocols. The Radiochemist troubleshoots and resolves technical equipment problems as necessary in order to maintain daily radiopharmaceutical output and clinical patient throughput. The Radiochemist assists with the review of standard operating procedures (SOPs) in order to maintain GMP-compliance for the facility as a producer/distributor of PET radiopharmaceuticals. Responsibilities also include providing orientation to new radiochemistry staff. The Radiochemist works collaboratively on research activities with external groups, contributing to the preparation of scientific papers, grants applications, and regulatory submissions as required. The Radiochemist reports directly to the Production Manager but may receive supervisory instructions from the Quality Assurance Manager when performing QC duties.

What you’ll do

• Under limited supervision, prepare radiopharmaceuticals for human use following established procedures and GMPs. Coordinate the production of the required quantity of radioisotopes from the cyclotron depending on scheduled patient workload and external deliveries.
• Under limited supervision, perform QC measurements using various analytical chemistry techniques and equipment for verifying the quality of raw materials and final products. Perform QC testing on radiopharmaceutical final products, document results, and report results to the QA Manager and QA team.
• Prepare the various reagents used in the syntheses and QC of radiopharmaceuticals.
• Send radiopharmaceutical samples to contact laboratory facilities for post-production testing.
• Maintain raw material and consumable inventories as needed for daily radiopharmaceutical production. This includes the inspection and release of incoming materials according to approved specifications.

What you bring

Qualifications:

• A combination of education, training, and experience, equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Pharmaceutical Sciences and a minimum of two (2) years recent related experience in a pharmaceutical or GMP laboratory.
• Current certification for the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (Class 7 Radioactive Materials) and work experience in a PET radiopharmaceutical laboratory would be an asset.
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within healthcare settings. This involves recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change.
• Knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within BC Cancer contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, BC Human Rights Code, Anti-racism Data Act and how they intersect across the health care system.

Core Competencies:

• Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure and has demonstrated leadership in breaking down barriers and ensuring an environment of belonging. Embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility into all aspects of work. This means creating an environment where Indigenous patients feel respected, valued, and understood. Foster trust through respectful communication, active listening, and honoring equity-deserving people's perspectives on health and wellness. Commit to ongoing education and training on Indigenous health issues, cultural safety, and DEI principles. Participate in workshops, cultural immersion experiences, and continuous professional development to stay informed and responsive to equity-deserving groups. Provide patient-centred care that respects Indigenous ways of knowing and healing, respects BIPOC experiences and world views ensuring that care plans are culturally relevant and holistic.
• Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (The Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).

You have:

• Ability in safe handling of radioactive materials
• Synthetic chemistry or radiochemistry skills
• Working knowledge of analytical chemistry techniques
• Technical writing ability and strong attention to detail
• Handle GMP manufacturing environments
• Demonstrated deep understanding of their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Able to articulate and share this journey to motivate and inspire others.
• Knowledge of the social, economic, political realities of settler-colonialism and impacts on Indigenous peoples in social and health contexts as well as knowledge and understanding of, and commitment to upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments in the foundational documents: Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, and the Distinctions Based Approach.

What we bring

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.

• Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth and development.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
• Perks include access to fitness classes and discounts to 350 BC-wide recreational programs, travel, technology, car and bike sharing, and more.

Job Type: Regular, Full-Time

Wage: $37.89 to $47.31 per hour.

Location: 600 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, V5Z 4E6

Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Hours of Work: Monday – Friday; 0400-1200/0800-1600 as required

Requisition Number: 185388E