Radium Asset Manager

Context

Nuclear medicine has evolved considerably over recent years with the emergence of radiotheranostics, a modality which combines targeted diagnosis and therapy using radioisotopes. It offers an important and promising alternative in the treatment of many cancers. Radiotheranostics is based on the use of radioactive isotopes which, when they decay, emit radiation that enables cancer cells to be precisely located and/or destroyed. Among these radioisotopes, one of the most promising therapeutic is the alpha-emitting Actinium-225.

One of the main challenges to make this therapeutic isotope accessible for the greatest number of patients is ensuring the availability of high-quality Actinium-225 in large quantities. It is often referred within the community as “the rarest drug on Earth”. By joining their unique expertise and resources, SCK CEN and IBA have launched the company PanTera, which aims at enabling the production of Actinium-225.

In this context, PanTera is seeking an experienced professional to take responsibility for all operational, technical, and regulatory aspects of radium handling within PanTera’s production chain. The successful candidate will oversee the safe retrieval, opening, purification, and preparation of radium for actinium-225 production, while also managing all processes related to radium waste treatment and disposal. This role requires a strong background in chemistry, a deep understanding of radioactivity and radiological safety, and the leadership skills to coordinate with internal teams, contractors, regulators, and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Act as responsible person for radium within the organization, ensuring compliance with regulatory and safety standards.
• Oversee the full radium handling process, from storage retrieval to purification and transfer into the production facility.
• Define and implement processes and SOPs for radium handling, purification, and waste management.
• Manage all aspects of radium waste, including collection, processing, minimization, documentation, and disposal, in line with nuclear and environmental regulations.
• Coordinate a multidisciplinary team (radiochemists, engineers, safety experts).
• Ensure strict adherence to nuclear safety, EHS, and radiation protection requirements.
• Train and mentor technical staff in radium chemistry, handling techniques, and safety practices.
• Monitor operations, troubleshoot issues, and drive continuous improvement in processes and safety.
• Contribute to strategic planning of radium supply chain and long-term waste management strategy.

Profile

• PhD or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Radiochemistry or related field
• Proven experience with radioactive material handling (preferably radium, actinium, or thorium).
• Strong knowledge of radiochemistry, radioprotection, and nuclear safety regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and manage multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with ability to collaborate effectively with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to address complex technical challenges.
• Fluent in English, Dutch is an asset.

Our offer

This role presents a unique opportunity to be part of a dynamic start-up, contributing to the production of essential products in the field of nuclear medicine. Our company is dedicated to supplying a highly demanded drug in this rapidly expanding market. Leveraging the exceptional know-how and advanced technology of our founders, we are uniquely positioned for success and poised to make a significant impact in the healthcare sector. As part of our team, you'll play a crucial role in this exciting and impactful journey.

Want to apply ? Send us your application via LinkedIn or contact us at info@pantera-life.com