Medicinal Chemistry jobs

The University of Ottawa Heart Institute does not use artificial intelligence (AI) in its recruitment process. All hiring decisions are made through human review and evaluation.

Job Summary

The University Ottawa Heart Institute is seeking a Chemistry Technologist to join our Cardiac Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Radiochemistry Laboratory. This role supports the production of radiopharmaceuticals used in patient care and cardiovascular research while ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

Working in a multidisciplinary environment, the Chemistry Technologist contributes to radiopharmaceutical production, quality control testing, equipment operation, radiation safety activities, and research initiatives that advance molecular imaging and cardiovascular medicine.

Key responsibilities

Radiopharmaceutical Production

• Prepare materials and reagents required for radiopharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Support the production of radiopharmaceuticals and radionuclides for clinical and research applications.
• Operate cyclotron and radiochemistry systems in accordance with approved procedures.
• Monitor production processes and troubleshoot routine operational issues.

Quality and Regulatory Compliance

• Perform quality control testing using analytical laboratory instrumentation.
• Complete GMP production documentation and batch records accurately and on time.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Documentation Practices (GDP), institutional policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in quality investigations, corrective actions, validation activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Radiation Safety and Laboratory Operations

• Handle radioactive materials safely and in accordance with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) requirements and institutional policies.
• Conduct radiation and contamination monitoring activities.
• Support regulatory inspections, audits, inventories, and safety programs.
• Maintain laboratory workspaces in a clean, organized, and inspection-ready condition.

Equipment and Technical Support

• Perform routine equipment checks and basic troubleshooting.
• Support preventive maintenance, calibration, qualification, and validation activities.
• Assist with commissioning and implementation of new equipment and technologies.

Research Support

• Participate in research and development projects involving new radiopharmaceuticals, analytical methods, and production processes.
• Contribute to process optimization and technology transfer initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Radiochemistry, or a related scientific discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum two years of experience working in a chemistry, pharmaceutical, analytical, or related laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated ability to follow detailed procedures and maintain accurate documentation.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be considered an asset:

• PET radiochemistry or radiopharmaceutical production
• Cyclotron operations
• GMP or pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Radiation safety and radioactive material handling
• Quality control analytical testing
• Method validation and technology transfer
• Laboratory equipment qualification and maintenance

Working conditions

• Work is performed in a laboratory environment with radioactive materials, chemicals, and specialized analytical equipment.
• Personal protective equipment and radiation monitoring devices are required.
• The position requires strict adherence to safety, regulatory, and quality standards.
• Occasional flexibility in scheduling may be required to support production and research activities.

About us

We are Canada's largest and foremost cardiovascular health centre dedicated to understanding, treating, and preventing heart disease. We deliver high-tech care with a personal touch, shape the way cardiovascular medicine is practiced, and revolutionize cardiac treatment and understanding. We build knowledge through research and translate discoveries into advanced care. We serve the local, national, and international communities as we pioneer a new era in heart health.

To apply

Please submit the following documents in PDF format to jobpostings@ottawaheart.ca.

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Salary Expectations (either included in your cover letter or provided in the body of your email)

Please include the competition number in the email subject line and clearly state the position you are applying for. Applications missing the competition number may be delayed in processing.

File names:

Applications from Indigenous persons, members of racialized minorities, persons with disabilities, women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with equitable, diverse and inclusive communities are strongly encouraged.

According to government policy, all qualified candidates are invited to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadians and permanent residents. When submitting your application, please indicate if you are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Ottawa Heart Institute is committed to ensuring barrier-free selection processes and work environments. Accommodations will be provided in all parts of the hiring process relating to any specialty requirements. Please notify us of any accommodations that you require – any information you provide will be handled respectfully and in complete confidence.

The successful candidate will be required, prior to the start of employment, to complete mandatory organizational training available online, and provide the following: an official piece of photo identification and a satisfactory Criminal Record Check and proof of COVID-19 vaccine.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those invited for an interview will be contacted.