Job Description

Job Description
The University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) is a leading research facility dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge through nuclear research. As a prominent institution in the field, MURR is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Manager of Developmental Engineering to join our Innovative Development & Translation (ID&T) division. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in developing cutting-edge radioisotope production methods and supporting various research initiatives.

The Innovative Development & Translation (ID&T) division at MURR focuses on advancing radioisotope production methodologies with a key emphasis on their translatability into current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards. The division pursues three main goals: firstly, the development of novel radioisotope production techniques and supporting facilities that can be aligned with cGMP requirements as needed; secondly, addressing and resolving challenges within existing isotope production lines at MURR; and thirdly, providing essential support to various research groups within MURR as needed. Through these objectives, the ID&T division aims to contribute to cutting-edge advancements in radioisotope production, ensuring both innovation and adherence to regulatory standards within the research reactor environment.

The Manager of Developmental Engineering within ID&T will play a pivotal role in advancing MURR’s capabilities in radioisotope research and production. This individual will lead a team of talented engineers, fostering innovation and collaboration, to support the development and improvement of our isotope production and research facilities. This role offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of cutting-edge research and innovation in the field of radioisotope production.


Key Duties & Responsibilities:

Manage and prioritize the projects of the Developmental Engineering group within MURR's Innovative Development & Translation division.
Provide leadership and supervision to a team of nuclear, mechanical/materials, and process engineers within the Developmental Engineering group of MURR's Innovative Development & Translation division.
Collaborate with MURR's Facilities Engineering and Work Control groups to ensure alignment with the overall facility needs.
Collaborate with MURR’s Facilities Engineering and other cross-functional teams to design and optimize production facilities for new radioisotope production methodologies.
Collaborate with MURR's Health & Safety Manager to ensure new facilities, hot cells, equipment, and apparatus perform in accordance with MURR's nuclear safety culture.
Oversee the design and fabrication of unique and specialized equipment and apparatus capable of meeting the demands of radiochemical production (e.g., resistance to strong acids/bases, tolerant of high radiation fields, etc.).
Oversee the enhancement of existing production processes through innovative engineering solutions.
Oversee and approve the design, development and fabrication of equipment, apparatus, or instrumentation required to resolve emergent issues within existing radioisotope production lines at MURR.
Collaborate with the leaders of other groups (i.e., Developmental Radiochemistry, Change Control & Translation) within the Innovative Development & Translation division to ensure that new isotope production methodologies are being developed in a manner which is seamlessly translated and integrated into cGMP production processes.
Provide guidance on the implementation of specific types of radioactivity monitoring equipment (e.g., ionization chambers, spectrometers, radioactivity detectors) to be utilized in isotope production and separation processes.
Assist other research groups at MURR, as needed and when called upon, to find solutions to research problems related to facilities, instrumentation, equipment, etc.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to understand the specific needs of various research projects at MURR and customize isotope production accordingly.
Ensure compliance with all safety protocols and regulations related to radioisotope handling and production.
Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in nuclear engineering and radiopharmaceutical production.
Manage resources and budget effectively for the Developmental Engineering group.
Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, professional development, and collaboration at MURR.

Shift
Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.


Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 5 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary
Licensure or certification may be required

Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering, Materials Science Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
Familiarity with regulatory requirements and safety standards applicable to nuclear research reactors.
Strong project management skills for effective planning and execution of projects related to radioisotope production or research and development activities in a nuclear environment.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills including the ability to analyze complex technical issues, troubleshoot problems, and make informed decisions.
Proficiency in relevant software tools for nuclear reaction simulations, heat transfer simulations, and data analysis (e.g., MCNP, MCNPX, COMSOL Multiphysics, SCALE, ANSYS, ANSYS FLUENT, etc.)
Strong understanding of nuclear reactions and radiation safety.
Experience working with research reactors is highly desirable.
Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
Excellent and effective communication skills, both written and verbal, for collaboration with other MURR staff and stakeholders.
Demonstrated commitment to safety and proficiency in radiation safety protocols, health physics, and safety procedures within a nuclear environment.
Commitment to staying updated on industry developments and pursuing professional development.