Radiochemist Job Kit

CAREERS

withSTEM JOB KIT ™

RADIOCHEMIST Help diagnose and treat disease, and solve real-world problems

RADIOCHEMISTRY IS MORE THAN YOU THINK

Radiochemistry harnesses natural reactions to visualise and understand human complexity and environmental connections.

In modern medicine, carefully designed radioactive molecules help doctors find and treat disease with precision. Nuclear science also supports farmers and food security, creates understanding around water resources, creates power, and much more.

Researchers, communicators, policy creators, safety experts can find a career in the field.

CRICOS provider: Monash University 00008C Monash College 01857J

Study chemistry at Monash and help design safer, smarter medicine.

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FOREWORD

Y r t s i m e h c o i d a WhY r matters e-scenes science Radiochemistry is a behind-th disease, protect that helps diagnose and treat and solve real-world people and the environment, rising career pathways problems – and it offers surp

Nigel Lengkeek Principal Radiochemist & Cyclotron Manager, Liverpool Hospital

R

IMAGE: SUPPLIED

h radioactive adiochemistry works wit . It sits at the nts me ele forms of everyday y, physics, intersection of chemistr . Radiochemists ine dic me d an engineering uticals – the products help create radiopharmace scans and radioactive used in nuclear medicine ines allow physicians treatments. These medic ose disease earlier, track (medical doctors) to diagn ng and target illness how treatments are worki earch and clinical trials res more precisely. Years of coming to market. precede these medicines d engineering at After studying science an PhD in chemistry and university, I completed a years at Australia’s then spent more than 10 hnology Organisation Nuclear Science and Tec to p radiopharmaceuticals (ANSTO), helping develo including cancer. detect and treat diseases, hospital and manage a Today, I lead a team in es facility that manufactur a specialised production s ent atm d in scans, tre radiopharmaceuticals use l settings, many ica clin In ls. and clinical tria ce are now referred to as professionals in this spa entists, ref lecting the radiopharmaceutical sci y, ed – including chemistr broader expertise requir y and manufacturing pharmacy, pharmacolog medicines are effective se science – to ensure the and safe for human use. ted and built around The field is tightly regula diation can sound strong safety systems. Ra reference points are intimidating if your main ero movies, but it is media headlines or superh efully measured and highly controlled and car ne and safety shape how regulated. Radiation hygie , how materials are labs are designed and run managed to protect is ste handled and how wa ent. people and the environm ickly, driven by major qu ng wi The field is gro iopharmaceuticals. As global investment in rad and clear medicine imaging more patients access nu , demand continues to new radioactive therapies

radiochemistry offers a career that is challenging, varied and genuinely useful” rise. Beyond healthcare, radiochemistry also supports food safety, wa ter management and environmental monitori ng.

Radiochemistry suits peo ple who enjoy solving problems, hands-on lab work and working in multidisciplinary teams . For students who like science and want to clearl y see how their work connects to real life, it off ers a career that is challenging, varied and genuinely useful.

Nigel Lengkeek Principal Radiochemist & Cyclotron Manager, Liverpool Hospital

Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) / Bachelor of Engineering (Materials Engineering), University of Western Australia

PhD (Chemistry), University of Western Australia

Senior Radiochemist, ANSTO

Organic Chemist, ANSTO

Principal Radiochemist & Cyclotron Manager, Liverpool Hospital

Check out CareerswithSTEM.com for more insights, information, inspiration and advice about radiochemistry careers!

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RADIOCHEMIST

DEEP DIVE

h t i w s e v i l e v a S science

Want to make a difference with your future career? Consider radiochemistry A radiochemist is...

...a scientist who studies and ana lyses radioactive materia ls and their chemical properties to understand how they behave and how they can be used. They often work in nuclear medicine, using complex chemistry to help create , radiopharmaceutica ls that diagnose er. canc like detect and treat diseases A radiochemist’s skills can also be used to improve food supply, support water management, and understand ocean pollution.

To be a radiochemist, you need a solid knowledge of synt hetic chemistry, physica l chemistry and ana lytical science.

Did you knowis?

sity Monash Un iver ree best th p to ranked in the iversities for Austral ian un ll be in great chem istr y. You’ there! hands stud ying

What to study Kickstar t your career with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in chemistry, at Monash University. While you’re there, focus on the following subjects: CHM3930 Medicinal Chemistry CHM3922 Advanced Organic Chemistry

Radiochemistry insight

“Radiochemistry is fundamental to both the development and treatment aspects of nuclear medicine. From diagnosing illnesses to treating cancers, an understanding of radiochemistry is fundamental.

Theranostics, the intersection of cancer therapy and cancer diagnosis with nuclear medicine, is one of the most rapidly growing fields in cancer treatment.

The interaction of these radiation isotopes and their carrier molecules can only be understood through radiochemistry. You could be assuring patient safety with accurate dose calculations, developing treatments from first principles, or understanding the interaction between radiation and the wider environ ment.”

– Dr Ivan Williams Chief Medica l Radiation Scientist & Branch Head, Austra lian Radiation Protection and Nuclea r Safety Agency

CHM3941 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry CHM3911 Advanced Physical Chemistry CHM3952 Advanced Analytical Chemistry CHM3960 Environmental Chemistry CHM3180 Materials Chemistry Next up, you could complete a PhD where you’ll take on a research project and work with experts in radiopharmaceutical development through the ARC Training Centre for Development of Advanced Radiochemical Technologies (DART). Find out more about DART: arcdart.org

bjects 2025 Source: QSWUR by Su

Visit the Monash School of Chemistry website to find more study options – or scan below!

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Job prospects

good! Accord ing to They’re looking very al ian industries str an MTP report, Au for a future-read y ed have a strong ne with radiation and work force equipped ent projections show nuclear sk ills. Curr people with these that the demand for ace supply, sk ills will soon outp % of the with more than 50 ergy en current nuclear g in tir re work force * by 2040.

WORDS: LOUISE MEERS | IMAGES: MONASH UNIVERSITY, SHUTTERSTOCK |BORG, K., BRAGGE, P., A SURVEY OF WORKFORCE SKILLS AND CAPACITY IN THE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY, PHARMACEUTICAL AND DIGITAL HEALTH (MTP) SECTOR. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: BEHAVIOURWORKS AUSTRALIA, MONASH SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE, MONASH UNIVERSITY, AUGUST 2020

Could you be a radiochemist?

Monash perks ✔ Study in one of Australia’s

Count how many sentences apply to you: 1. You want to help solve some of the world’s biggest challenges 2. You’re great at problem-solving 3. You’d like to work with cutting edge scientific equipment 4. You have good attention to detail and critical thinking skills 5. You want to be in high demand after uni 6. You’re keen to work in different settings Did you count four or more? You’d be an amazing radiochemist!

Myth busted There’s a common misconception that those who work in radiochemistry sacrifice their own health to support someone (patients) or something (energy). Although there are risks, people are exposed to radiation ever y day by simply existing in the world. Plus, in Australia and lots of othe r countries, radiation dose limits are high ly regulated and monitored for those work ing with it. There are also protection protocol s and safety technology that help to lower the risks.

leading research and innovation precincts, home to the Australian Synchrotron

Teamwork makes the dream work “Radiochemistry can play a decisive role in addressing global challenges. By tracing natural and anthropogenic contaminants such as radionuclides and toxic elements across ecosystems, it helps protect water resources, ensure food safety, and safeguard human health.

This contributes to a more sustainable environment.

As a radiochemist, you collaborate closely with physicists, biologists, physicians, engineers and environmental scientists, working at the interface of multiple disciplines to solve complex real-world problems.

Radiochemistry can make a significant contribution to protecting the health of people and our planet.”

– Dr Manja Kubeil, Adjunct Associate Professor at Monash University and Head of the Department of Radiation Research on Biological Systems at the Institute of Resource Ecology at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR)

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✔ Incredible biomedical imaging

facilities, including the world’s first Magnetic Particle Imaging instrument paired with hyperthermia system and CT scanner, as well as Victoria’s only research dedicated MR-PET scanner

✔ Strong relationships with industry partners and government agencies

✔ Monash has well-known

researchers within the field and are part of the Monash Technology Research Platforms group, providing them with world-class research infrastructure. This includes the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre (MMIC) and Monash Biological Imaging (MBI).

Learn more: bit.ly/monashresearchinfrastructure Or scan the QR code.

RADIOCHEMIST

REAL PEOPLE

From baking to breaking down cancer

and treat cancer tech that could help diagnose JULIA DEBONO IS developing new

J

mist ulia didn’t set out to become a radioche was I en “Wh ng.

– she just liked baki red choosing subjects in high school, I figu g win follo h muc ty pret was that chemistry ended up a recipe,” she says. “I gave it a go and loving it.”

Her favourite part? Problem-solving. e “Chemistry was the perfect way to solv says act,” imp puzzles while making a real the ‘why?’

Julia. She was always curious about learning was she s tion reac behind the chemical e. ther from grew rest inte about, and her of Julia went on to complete a Bachelor ) ours (Hon arch Rese – d ance Adv Science and at Monash, majoring in chemistry mistry first biochemistry. The field of radioche ours part of Hon the came onto her radar during ee. her undergraduate degr mistry’, “When I first heard the word ‘radioche ing glow of head my in ure I had a scary pict learnt green,” she laughs. “But the more I’ve ally about it, the more I’ve realised it’s actu d tool rolle a really powerful and carefully cont for modern medicine.”

Bachelor of Science Advanced – Research (Honours), Monash University

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@julia.debono

radiochemistry is a really powerful and carefully controlled tool for modern medicine” Research project, Pollice Group, University of Groningen, Netherlands

Materials chemistry internship, Pringle Group, Deakin University

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PhD (Radiochemistry), Monash University

WORDS: GEMMA CHILTON | IMAGE: MONASH UNIVERSITY

Designing new cancer tools ash, Now in the first year of her PhD at Mon used be can that tech new g Julia is developin and nose diag both to s tical aceu arm in radioph treat cancer. ing “Apart from getting in the lab and mak gn desi ect proj new compounds, I’ve loved the . arch rese grad aspect,” she says of her post e and “Being able to look at previous literatur use to how on idea new d come up with a bran .” ting exci is arch rese er canc in radiochemistry , labs Her days include teaching first-year arch rese ing read ors, rvis supe with meeting tions reac papers and planning the chemical lab. the she’ll test before heading into patience.

Working in radiochemistry requires cal criti and ing solv “It takes a lot of problem and ence pati of lot a thinking skills and plan the resilience. Things don’t always go to first time!”

“If you For students unsure if it’s for them? reale mor enjoy chemistry, but wish it had gy biolo in arly world applications – particul ting exci an is ry mist and medicine – radioche .” direction to consider

julia debono PhD (Radiochemis tr Monash Universi y), ty

Head of Radiochemistry, Monash Biomedical Imaging

Making medicines that matter

Principal Radiochemist & Quality Control Manager, University of California, San Francisco

Dr Maggie Aulsebrook is designing new radioactive medicines and building the facilities that deliver them to patients

Once the radiopharmaceutical is made, detailed quality control tests begin. The medicine must be pure, sterile and the correct dose before it can be safely used. Every result is carefully reviewed before the product is released.

10:30am

With production complete, attention turns to developing new radiopharmaceuticals or improving existing processes.

Experiments don’t always go to plan. “Being able to think critically to ask ‘Why did that happen?’ and ‘What can I test next?’ is incredibly important,” Maggie says.

“ If you’re motivated by using science to help people, radiochemistry is an incredibly rewarding path”

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12:30pm

Analysing data, reviewing results and planning the next round of experiments.

Postdoctoral Researcher, Chimie-ParisTech

8am

Dr Maggie Aulsebrook Head of Radiochemistry at Monash Biomedical Imaging

2pm Collaboration takes centre stage. Radiochemists work closely with doctors, researchers and technical teams every day.

3:30pm

Time for writing reports, documenting results and training staff to ensure safety standards are followed. “One of the most rewarding parts is knowing that something you made that morning is already helping a patient that same day,” says Maggie.

PhD (Chemistry), Monash University

The day starts early. Many radioactive medicines have short half-lives, so they need to be made fresh each morning for patients. Production begins in specialised shielded “hot cells”, where precision and timing are critical.

Radiochemist, ANSTO

A typical day for a radiochemist 6:30am

Bachelor of Science (Honours), Monash University

WORDS: GEMMA CHILTON | IMAGES: SUPPLIED, SHUTTERSTOCK

M

aggie describes her job as “a mix of science, safety and building new things”. As Head of Radiochemistry at Monash Biomedical Imaging, she leads research developing new radioactive medicines that help diagnose and treat diseases like cancer. She’s also helping design and commission a brand-new radiopharmaceutical manufacturing facility, working alongside engineers and safety specialists to ensure everything meets strict standards.

“It’s exciting because the work we do can directly improve patient care,” she says.

Maggie began her career as a chemist, but knew early on she wanted her work to make “a real difference in people’s lives, especially in healthcare”. A turning point came in her first weeks at UCSF Radiology, a large hospital and medical research centre in the United States.

“Suddenly, it wasn’t just chemistry and lab work anymore – I could see the real people whose lives are being impacted every day.”

Radiation, Maggie says, is often misunder stood. “The biggest misconception is that it automatically means something dangerous or out of control.” In reality, it is “highly controlled, carefully measured and well-regulated”. Designing new medicines requires creativity as well as technical skill.

When used responsibly, radiation is a powerful tool that helps diagnose disease earlier and treat conditions more effectively.

“Radiochemistry might sound niche, but it sits at the intersection of chemistry, medicine, engineering and patient care,” Maggie says.

“If you’re motivated by using science to help people, it’s an incredibly rewarding path.”

RADIOCHEMIST

NEXT STEPS

Money, money, money The average salary is for a radiochem ist k 25 $1 to k $105 Source: Jora

Electives checklist

Studying these in Year 11 and 12 will help prepare you for a future in rad iochemistry! ✔ Chem istry ✔ Physics ✔ Maths ✔ English

Get the job!

Got your ‘ion’ a radiochemistry study and career path? Start here

This podcast from the International Atomic Energy Agency features around the experts and scientists from ure and world discussing the safe, sec gy. nolo tech peaceful uses of nuclear

Read ‘How nuclear scientists are helping Australia meet its science priorities’– Careers with STEM

Hear from ANSTO radiochemists helping Australia transition to net zero carbon emissions, supporting healthy and thriving communities, building a secure nation and more.

Get to know these organisations!

ANZSNM Organisation − the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine.

Watch

ARC Training Centre for the Development of Advanced Radiochemical Technologies (DART) – they’re responsible for training the next generation of radiochemists.

A short radiochemistry crash course by a nuclear chemistry PhD student!

Scan here to watch

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) – promotes the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.

Understanding radiochemistry - TikTok

Where will you work?

✔ The Australian Nuclear Science and

Scan here to read the article

Technology Organisation (ANSTO) – Australia’s national organisation for nuclear research, and experts in nuclear medicine production and advanced manufacturing

✔ Hospitals ✔ Research institutions ✔ Health departments ✔ Medical imaging companies ✔ Environmental agencies ✔ Government agencies

ANSTO – home to important science infrastructure like the OPAL nuclear research reactor, the Australian Synchrotron, cyclotrons, accelerators and neutron beam instruments.

The Society of Radiopharmaceutical Sciences (SRS) – a global network of scientists, clinicians, and industry leaders advancing the discovery and application of radiopharmaceuticals.

Royal Australian Chemical Institute – promotes chemistry and its positive impact.

Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) – raises awareness about how nuclear medicine and molecular imaging can help provide excellent healthcare.

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This edition was published on 1 September 2026.

WORDS: LOUISE MEERS | IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK

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