Research Specialist III_Small Animal Imaging Laboratory Core at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center – Tampa, Florida

The Moffitt Cancer Center Small Animal Imaging Laboratory (SAIL) is seeking an experienced Research Specialist III to join our dynamic, collaborative team. SAIL is a state-of-the-art shared resource supporting innovative cancer research at one of the nation's leading NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers. SAIL provides advanced imaging and radiochemistry services to a diverse community of investigators focused on cancer imaging, radiotherapy, biology, immunology, and translational research.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated, and dependable professional who thrives in a service-oriented environment and is passionate about enabling high-impact scientific discoveries. This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to advancing cancer research in a fast-paced, innovative environment.

Work Location & Schedule

This position will initially be based at the Moffitt Magnolia Campus. As operations transition, the role will ultimately relocate to Moffitt at Speros in Land O’Lakes, Florida.

Work hours are flexible to meet laboratory and project needs. While the standard schedule is 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., occasional work outside of these hours may be required to support time‑sensitive or experimental activities.

The Research Specialist III plays a key role in supporting research and development within the Small Animal Imaging Laboratory Core. This position is responsible for advanced radiochemistry techniques, radiopharmaceutical production, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong independent judgment, problem‑solving ability, and the flexibility to adapt scientific methods and workflows to meet evolving project needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform radiosynthesis production for research- and clinical‑grade radiopharmaceuticals, including all associated QA/QC testing.
• Develop, write, and maintain laboratory SOPs tailored to unique and evolving research protocols.
• Generate CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls) documentation for radiopharmaceutical development and process validation.
• Maintain GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) documentation and uphold standards necessary for FDA compliance.
• Prepare experimental reports, project summaries, and analytical documentation, ensuring accurate data capture and interpretation.
• Verify instrument performance and ensure all equipment meets required operational standards.
• Conduct scheduled maintenance on instrumentation including radio‑HPLC, radio‑TLC systems, and radiation monitoring equipment.
• Collaborate with researchers and project teams, providing radiochemistry expertise and supporting core facility initiatives.

Credentials and Qualifications:

Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree STEM (Biochemistry, Physics, Chemistry, BioPharmaceutical), including standard chemistry and/or physics laboratory work experience and post-graduate coursework. The role requires at least (3) years of related experience in radiochemistry, bio-pharmaceutical, or chemistry (including post-graduate work) and at least 2 years of related research-based technology.

Preferred Education: Master's Degree Chemistry or Biomedical Engineering or a closely related life science field is required.

Preferred Skills/Specialized Training Three (3) years of experience in a Radiochemistry lab, including maintenance of the lab and associated Radiochemistry equipment.

Moffitt Team Members are eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Time Off, Retirement, Parental Leave and more. Tampa is a thriving metropolitan city, which has become a hub for ground-breaking research, welcoming individuals from around the globe. This diverse city is engulfed with rich culture, year-round activities, amazing cuisine and so much more. We strive for work/life balance.

If you are a skilled radiochemistry professional ready to make a meaningful impact on cancer research, we encourage you to apply.