Research Analyst - Brain Health Imaging Centre

The Brain Health Imaging Centre (BHIC) at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is a leading research centre focused on advanced brain imaging methods for mental health and neuroscience research. The R&D and Preclinical Radiochemistry Lab at BHIC develops and applies innovative PET radiotracers for translational neuroimaging, spanning radiochemistry, preclinical imaging, and related laboratory studies.

We are seeking a full-time, contact (12 months) Research Analyst who supports working in coordination with BHIC radiochemists, radiochemistry personnel, and laboratory trainees. The successful candidate will play a central technical role in radiotracer preparation, training and broader preclinical research support. The primary focus of the position is carbon-11 and fluorine-18 radiochemistry and radiosynthesis of PET tracers and probes. At the same time, the role is expected to contribute to the lab’s related preclinical research activities, including experimental coordination, support for imaging studies, and assistance with other ongoing projects as needed. Depending on project needs and experience, the successful candidate may also contribute to manuscript, abstract, poster, and presentation preparation arising from lab projects.

Responsibilities

• Perform radiosynthesis, radiochemical production, and analytical evaluation of carbon-11 and fluorine-18 PET radiotracers, including cyclotron operation, tracer preparation for research studies, reaction setup, purification, formulation, quality control, radiotracer characterization and documentation of production records.

• Support development, optimization, troubleshooting, and scale-up of radiolabeling methods for new or existing radiotracers.

• Operate, maintain, and help coordinate radiochemistry equipment and infrastructure, including automated synthesis modules, HPLC systems, analytical instruments, dose calibrators, and related laboratory equipment.

• Help train graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and other trainees in radiochemistry and radiosynthesis procedures and analytical evaluation, instrument use, radiation safety practices, record keeping, and good laboratory procedures.

• Contribute, as appropriate, to the organization of experimental data and to preparation of methods summaries, figures, abstracts, posters, presentations, and manuscripts arising from projects.

• Coordinate radiochemistry-related experiments with students, collaborators, BHIC staff, and other ongoing projects to ensure efficient scheduling, communication, and execution of laboratory work.

• Assist with preparation and organization of precursors, reference standards, reagents, consumables, and experimental materials required for routine radiosynthesis and method development.

• Maintain accurate experimental records, SOPs, inventories, radiation-use documentation, and other laboratory records in accordance with institutional requirements and good laboratory practice.

• Contribute to general laboratory operations related to radiochemistry and associated preclinical research activities, including reagent ordering, workflow organization, equipment upkeep, and support for a safe, compliant, and collaborative research environment.

• Provide meaningful support, where needed, for related preclinical research activities such as tracer studies, animal experiment coordination, sample handling, imaging-study preparation, or coordination of imaging experiments.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s in chemistry, radiochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, chemical biology, or a related field is required; more advanced training and directly relevant experience are strong assets.

• At least 1 year of directly relevant hands-on experience in radiochemistry, radiosynthesis, PET radiotracer preparation, or closely related synthetic/analytical laboratory work is strongly preferred; an equivalent combination of advanced training and experience may also be considered.

• Experience with HPLC, purification methods, analytical characterization, and safe handling of radioactive materials is highly desirable.

• Demonstrated ability to follow and optimize technical protocols, troubleshoot experiments, and maintain careful experimental documentation is essential.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to coordinate multiple experiments and communicate effectively with trainees and collaborators are important for this role.

• Ability to work independently in a multidisciplinary academic and research environment is essential.

• Eligibility to work in laboratory environments involving radioactive materials is required; designation as a Nuclear Energy Worker may be mandatory depending on final role classification.

Salary Range:  $$27.95 - $37.28 per hour

CAMH is a fully affiliated teaching hospital and research institute of the University of Toronto. As a CAMH employee, you will contribute to our mission by supporting teaching, research, and clinical care across the hospital.

CAMH is dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment is to foster a workplace, teaching, and learning environment that is inclusive, respectful, and free from discrimination or harassment.

CAMH strongly encourages applications from candidates who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples; Black and other racialized communities; LGBTQ2S+ communities; women; and people with disabilities, including those with lived experience of mental health and substance use challenges.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Thank you to all who apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. If you require accommodations during the application or recruitment process, please let us know.

 

Through its core values of Courage, Respect and Excellence, CAMH is implementing its Strategic Plan: Connected CAMH, to transform lives, ignite innovation and discovery, revolutionize education and drive social change. CAMH is more than a hospital, it is a cause. CAMH is on a mission to change the way society thinks about and responds to mental illness. They aim to eliminate prejudice and discrimination and shape a world where mental illness is central to our healthcare system – a world where Mental Health is Health.

To learn more about CAMH, please visit their website at: www.camh.ca.

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