Cyclotron Engineer

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: 109,000-125,000

Position Summary

The Cyclotron Engineer is responsible for the reliable and efficient operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of the RDS 112 and RDS 111 medical-use cyclotrons and associated radiotracer synthesis modules. These systems support clinical, clinical research, and research programs within the PET Center.

This role represents an engineering-level position requiring advanced technical expertise, specialized training, and certification beyond standard operational roles. The individual must be capable of independently operating, troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing cyclotron systems and associated infrastructure while ensuring compliance with all safety and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Independently troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair cyclotron systems and radiosynthesis modules
• Perform electrical, electronic, mechanical, and computer-based maintenance tasks related to cyclotron operation
• Troubleshoot and service subsystems including high-voltage power supplies, vacuum systems, RF systems, target systems, cooling systems, and ion source systems
• Maintain and manage spare parts inventory and associated databases
• Collaborate with radioligand and radiopharmacy teams to ensure consistent and compliant radionuclide production
• Ensure adherence to Radiation Safety standards, cGMP requirements, institutional SOPs, and all applicable regulatory guidelines
• Maintain accurate and organized maintenance records, calibration logs, service reports, and technical documentation
• Provide technical consultation on equipment evaluation, installation, maintenance procedures, and process improvements
• Train and oversee cyclotron operators and technical staff to ensure competency and certification requirements are met

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or a related technical field, plus a minimum of four (4) years of experience in a PET production or PET radiopharmacy environment

The following certifications and/or technical training are required for independent cyclotron engineering responsibilities. Candidates must either possess these certifications at the time of hire or demonstrate the ability to obtain them within a defined training period:

• Basic Knowledge for Cyclotron Engineers Assessment Test
• Eclipse Systems Part One – MI2ECLIPS Certification
• Radiation Safety and PET Manufacturing Training Certificate
• cGMP Training Certificate

Other Requirements

• Demonstrated experience working with medical or research cyclotrons in a clinical or research setting
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and electronic circuit diagrams and repair complex electronic systems, including power supplies, amplifiers, and RF systems
• Strong understanding of vacuum systems, cooling systems, and supporting infrastructure
• Proficiency in RF systems, beam tuning, and cyclotron operational parameters, with the ability to independently troubleshoot and service RF-related systems
• Thorough understanding of radiation safety principles and PET radiopharmaceutical production processes
• Candidates with prior completion of cyclotron-specific manufacturer training and certifications are strongly preferred

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.