Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.
Job Category:
Academic Staff
Employment Type:
Regular
Job Profile:
Scientist I
Job Summary:
The Waisman Center is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge about human development, developmental disabilities, and neurodegenerative diseases throughout the lifespan. One of 15 centers of its kind in the United States, the Waisman Center encompasses laboratories for biomedical and behavioral research, several scientific research cores, and a clinical biomanufacturing facility for the production of pharmaceuticals for early-stage human clinical trials. In addition to its research efforts, the Center provides an array of services to people with developmental disabilities, offers numerous educational and outreach programs to young children and their families, and trains scientists and clinicians who will serve our nation in the future.
The Brain Imaging Core at the Waisman Center provides state‑of‑the‑art neuroimaging resources and expertise to support basic, translational, and clinical research focused on brain development, neurodevelopmental disabilities, and neurodegenerative disease. The Core offers advanced imaging acquisition, processing, and analysis services, fosters multidisciplinary collaboration among investigators, and supports study design, data interpretation, and dissemination of findings. Through its integrated infrastructure and specialized technical staff, the Brain Imaging Core enables high‑quality, reproducible imaging research that advances the Waisman Center’s mission to improve understanding of human brain function across the lifespan.
The Radiochemist will support biomedical research and translational initiatives by designing, synthesizing, and characterizing radiolabeled compounds for use in preclinical and clinical studies. This position will be responsible for developing and optimizing radiochemical methods, maintaining compliance with radiation safety and regulatory requirements, and collaborating closely with investigators and core facilities to support imaging, tracer development, and research. The Radiochemist will contribute to data analysis, documentation, and dissemination of findings, while helping advance grant‑funded projects and the overall research mission of the Waisman Center.
Key Job Responsibilities:
- Writes or assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding
- Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities
- Serves as a main point of contact and liaison with internal and external stakeholders providing information and representing the interests of a specialized research area
- Assists with the identification of research problems and the development of research methodologies and procedures
- Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information
- Collects and analyzes research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision and limited responsibility
Department:
Waisman Center
Compensation:
$75,000 minimum; Salary is negotiable and will be based on education, experience and skills. Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts and retirement benefits.
Required Qualifications:
Demonstrated experience in the synthesis, purification, and characterization of radiolabeled compounds. (e.g., PET or SPECT tracers).
Working knowledge of radiation safety principles and regulatory compliance, including proper handling, storage, documentation, and disposal of radioactive materials.
Experience with analytical and quality control techniques relevant to radiochemistry (e.g., HPLC, radio‑HPLC, TLC, gamma counting).
Ability to design, document, and interpret experiments; maintain accurate laboratory records; and analyze research data.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary research teams.
Ability to work independently under general supervision while managing multiple priorities in a research or core facility environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with PET radiochemistry, including short‑lived radionuclides (e.g., C‑11, F‑18) and automated synthesis modules.
Familiarity with GMP or GLP environments, including documentation practices supporting IND‑enabling or clinical research.
Experience supporting preclinical or human imaging studies in an academic or clinical research setting.
Knowledge of imaging probe development, tracer validation, and translational research workflows.
Experience contributing to grant writing, progress reports, or scholarly publications.
Education:
A Masters or PhD in radiochemistry, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, nuclear chemistry, or a closely related field is required.
Additional Information:
How to Apply:
Please click the Apply Now box to start the application process. Please upload the following documents:
A current resume or CV highlighting your experience, training, and/or credentials relevant to the position.
A cover letter describing your interest in the position, summarizing your relevant experience, and explaining how your background aligns with the requirements of the role.
Please note, there will only be one attachment field. You must upload all of your documents in the attachment field. Applications submitted without both documents may still be considered, but both a cover letter and resume are required to guarantee consideration.
Professional references will be requested of all final candidates.
Contact Information:
For questions regarding this position or posting, please contact Jessica Soper, HR Generalist, at jdsoper@wisc.edu or 608-262-9613.
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.
To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.
Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.