Postdoctoral Fellow: Radiochemistry and Nuclear Imaging

About this position

• Postdoctoral Fellow: Radiochemistry and Nuclear Imaging
• The Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at the
• University of Maryland, Baltimore, School of Medicine is seeking a
• highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to develop radiolabeled
• agents for molecular imaging and targeted radionuclide therapy, and to
• carry out quantitative in vivo PET and SPECT imaging, biodistribution,
• and dosimetry studies supporting the preclinical and translational
• development of these agents.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and evaluate chelators, ligands, and radiolabeled conjugates for diagnostic and therapeutic radionuclides.
• Develop and optimize radiolabeling methods and assess radiochemical yield, purity, and complex stability under physiological conditions.
• Design and conduct small animal PET/SPECT/CT imaging studies, including image reconstruction, quantification, and kinetic analysis.
• Perform ex vivo biodistribution studies and dosimetry modeling to support dose selection and normal tissue safety assessment.
• Collaborate with protein engineering, synthetic biology, and immunology colleagues on the design and evaluation of targeted agents.
• Contribute to translational and IND-enabling activities, including method validation, quality control, and regulatory documentation.
• Present findings at internal meetings and scientific conferences and prepare manuscripts for high-impact journals.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to a collaborative lab environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in Radiochemistry, Medicinal or Inorganic Chemistry, Nuclear Medicine, Medical Physics, or a related field.
• Strong hands-on radiolabeling experience with diagnostic and/or therapeutic radionuclides, and formal radiation safety training.
• Proficiency in synthetic organic or coordination chemistry and in analytical methods including HPLC, radio-TLC, LC-MS, and NMR.
• Experience with chelate chemistry and bioconjugation strategies for radiometal-based agents.
• Experience with small animal PET/SPECT imaging, biodistribution studies, and dosimetry analysis is desirable.
• Experience with alpha-emitting radionuclides or with GMP and IND-enabling work is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and within a collaborative team; strong communication and writing skills.

• Application: Interested candidates should send their CV, a cover
• letter outlining their research experience, interest in this position
• and contact information for three references to Dr. Nalinikanth
• Kotagiri at NKotagiri@som.umaryland.edu

Desired start date: Immediately