QC/Production Associate (PET Facility)

Position Overview:

The Quality Control/Production Associate is an entry level position that plays a key role in producing life-changing PET drug products and research materials, ensuring their quality through hands-on work with advanced laboratory equipment and analytical instruments.

About 3D Imaging:

3D Imaging is a small contract research company specializing in the production and use of radiopharmaceuticals, primarily for PET scanning. We also operate a medical cyclotron facility producing radiopharmaceuticals for clinical trials and research use. Our clients include pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, governmental agencies such as NIH, NCTR, and FDA, and investigators at UAMS. Common methodologies include synthetic organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and radiochemistry. 

Reports to: 

FDG Manager, Laboratory Director

Key Responsibilities:

This position is a Safety-Sensitive Position. The essential functions, physical demands and mental competencies of this job require the employee to maintain the ability to work in a constant state of alertness in a safe manner.

• Perform FDG synthesis according to 3D Imaging SOPs
• Ensure all materials and reagents are received and verified according to SOPs and cGMP standards
• Perform routine operation of the remote/automated FDG synthesis system, including setup, reagent loading, process monitoring, and documentation, to ensure consistent production of clinical-grade [¹⁸F]-FDG.
• Operate, monitor, and document cyclotron and/or synthesis activities under supervision, as applicable.
• Conduct in-process checks and assist with quality control sampling and testing (e.g., dose calibrator measurements, pH, visual inspection).
• Complete batch records and manufacturing documentation accurately.
• Perform cleaning, environmental monitoring support, and routine maintenance of hot cells, equipment, tools, laminar flow hoods, and production areas.
• Adhere strictly to radiation safety, aseptic technique, and regulatory compliance standards.
• Package, label, and prepare finished doses for distribution.
• Report deviations, equipment issues, or out-of-specification results promptly to supervision.
• Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities of this job at any time; therefore, this job description is subject to change at any time.

Qualifications and Requirements

• High School Diploma required; associate degree in chemistry, engineering, or sciences preferred.
• Familiarity with analytical techniques.
• Strong organizational skills with data and paperwork.
• Excellent problem-solving and written/verbal communication skills. 
• Willingness to work with radioactive materials and the ability to follow strict safety guidelines.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications, including data entry, analysis, and documentation using Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.
• Ability to be detail-oriented, accountable, patient, organized, and able to work independently or in a dynamic team environment required.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Willingness to work on a rotating shift schedule
• Excellent judgment and discretion: ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously, meet deadlines, and handle work-related stress professionally is required.
• Self-motivated, ambitious professional with the initiative and resilience to master complex, technically demanding tasks. Including operation of complex machinery through structured, hands-on training and progressive responsibility.
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced, highly technical environment.

 Preferred but not required

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, radiochemistry, chemical engineering, or related field.
• Experience with coding or scripting (e.g., Python, MATLAB, R, or similar) for process optimization.
• Basic mechanical aptitude, including comfort using common hand and power tools for simple assembly or repair tasks.
• Introductory knowledge of electrical components or wiring, with an understanding of fundamental safety practices
• Knowledge of calibration, operation, maintenance, and repair tasks of basic laboratory equipment such as GC, HPLC, TLC etc.
• Experience handling radioactive materials (RAM).
• Experience preparing radiolabeled materials and radiopharmaceuticals, including those for human use.
• Ability to read, interpret, and communicate technical information from manuals.
• Basic cyclotron operation and maintenance and support systems.
• Familiarity with cGMP, FDA, or other regulatory standards.

On-the-job Training

This is a role well suited to an ambitious professional, looking for the next step in their career. As a QC/Production associate, you will learn:

• Proper and safe handling of radioactive materials and equipment used
• Basic cyclotron operation
• Cyclotron target installation and radionuclide processing 
• cGMP laboratory skills
• Repair and calibration of existing remote processing systems.

Physical Demands:

This position moves intermittently throughout the workday. The employee must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and lesser amounts frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or move objects. This role requires frequent standing/walking, bending/stooping, lifting/handling, pushing/pulling with occasional carrying.

 Schedule:

Full-time, Monday through Friday, 8-hour shifts. Position includes participation in a rotating schedule (4 weeks day shift, 2 weeks night shift), with occasional on-call and weekend responsibilities as part of a shared team rotation.