Hiring Department

University of Missouri, Research Reactor (MURR)

Job Description

MURR/MITC seeks a motivated, organized, and technically capable Building Leader to serve as the operational anchor of the MITC radiopharmaceutical research laboratories. This individual will coordinate day-to-day experimental activities across a multi-investigator, multidisciplinary research environment; ensure the safe and compliant operation of shared radiochemistry and radiopharmaceutical facilities; and serve as the primary liaison between faculty researchers and MURR operational units including Radiation Safety, Facilities, and Access Control.

The Building Leader plays a critical integrating role: bridging the needs of faculty-led research programs with the regulatory, safety, and facilities infrastructure of MURR and the University. Importantly, this individual will serve as an active leader and visible champion of nuclear safety culture within MITC, modeling the values of safety-conscious work environment (SCWE) principles, encouraging open reporting of safety concerns, and reinforcing the expectation that safety considerations are never subordinated to programmatic or research priorities. This position is well-suited to a detail-oriented STEM professional with hands-on laboratory experience who is equally committed to scientific excellence and an uncompromising safety culture.
Primary Responsibilities
Laboratory Operations and Safety
• Serve as a visible leader and active champion of nuclear safety culture within MITC laboratory spaces, modeling Safety-Conscious Work Environment (SCWE) principles
• Oversee safe day-to-day operation of shared MITC radiochemistry and radiopharmaceutical research laboratories
• Serve as primary point of contact for MURR Safety, Health Physics, and Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) matters pertaining to MITC laboratory spaces
• Support compliance with applicable radioactive material licenses and institutional safety programs
• Implement and monitor corrective actions, CAP items, and safety stand-down follow-up activities
• Coordinate with MURR and MU campus facilities on laboratory maintenance, equipment repair, infrastructure needs, and space management; prepare and track work orders
Research Coordination
• Coordinate experimental scheduling and shared equipment access across multiple faculty-led research programs
• Serve as a resource for faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and students navigating MURR access control procedures, safety training requirements, and operational protocols
• Facilitate access and training records of laboratory personnel in coordination with MURR Access Control
• Maintain laboratory inventory chemical stocks, and consumable supplies; coordinate procurement and waste disposal
Equipment and Training
• Train students, postdoctoral researchers, and visiting scientists in the proper use of shared laboratory instrumentation and radiochemical techniques
• Work with faculty to develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for shared equipment, safety-critical operations, and routine laboratory workflows
• Coordinate preventive maintenance, calibration, and service for laboratory instrumentation in coordination with vendors and MURR facilities
Core and Animal Facility Coordination
• Coordination of animal research activities, including communication with campus animal facilities, IACUC compliance, and radioisotope use in animal protocols
• Support faculty in preparing and maintaining animal use protocols and radioactive material amendments related to preclinical imaging and therapy studies

Shift

Monday - Friday, 8AM - 5PM. This position involves routine work with open radioactive sources in controlled-access laboratory environments. Occasional coordination outside standard business hours may be needed to support time-sensitive experimental needs.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience and at least 4 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications
• Graduate degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Radiochemistry, Nuclear Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field
• Hands-on experience with radiochemical synthesis, radiolabeling, or radiopharmaceutical production
• Familiarity with radioactive material licensing and radiation safety regulations (NRC/Agreement State)
• Experience with IACUC protocols, institutional animal care compliance, or in vivo radiotracer studies
• Prior experience in a multi-PI or shared research facility environment
• Proficiency with laboratory information management systems, work order platforms, or inventory management tools

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $80,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year

Grade: GGS 011

University Title: Research Lab Manager

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

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Other Information

About MURR and MITC

The University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) is the highest-flux university research reactor in the United States, operating at 10 MW with neutron fluxes up to 4.5 × 10¹4 n/cm²/sec. MURR supports a broad portfolio of research spanning nuclear analytical chemistry, radiopharmaceutical science, nuclear forensics, isotope production, and neutron scattering.

The Molecular Imaging and Theranostics Center (MITC) is a translational research facility embedded within MURR that develops and applies novel radiopharmaceuticals and molecular imaging agents for oncologic and other disease applications. MITC operates shared radiochemistry laboratories, radiopharmacy-grade production infrastructure, and preclinical imaging cores and animal research facilities on the MU campus.

Community Information

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!

Benefit Eligibility

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/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement