AdvanCell is developing a state-of-the-art technology platform for the scaled production of radiopharmaceuticals based on the alpha-emitting Pb-212 radioisotope. This technology relies on a generator device involving a solid-state radioisotope source, consisting of a deposited layer of Th-228 on a metallic or ceramic substrate. These materials are exposed to large quantities of alpha particle radiation, and the long-term effects of radiation damage on the source and other key components are still unclear. Investigating these effects is essential, as they can affect generator performance and, ultimately, the quality of the final drug product.  

The candidate researcher will work at AdvanCell’s Brisbane facility for the first period and will be trained by AdvanCell’s R&D team to prepare a series of samples representative of candidate materials for use in the Th-228 source and generator. These samples will then be irradiated in ANU’s reactor to simulate the effects of long-term radiation exposure. Finally, the irradiated materials will be characterised with a variety of analytical methods to examine the morphological, structural and functional changes caused by the exposure.

The findings of this project will inform AdvanCell on the best selection of materials to use in the Th-228 source and generator. This project will therefore generate highly valuable strategic knowledge that will be crucial to generating new intellectual property. The student will gain valuable technical skills in the flourishing field of nuclear medicine and receive extensive training in handling radioisotopes and advanced materials manufacturing.

Bachelor's Degree (preferably with Honours) in:

• materials science;
• engineering;
• chemistry; or 
• physics

We encourage students who are inquisitive, driven and eager to collaborate across disciplines to make meaningful contributions to radiation and nuclear science. 

The successful candidate will be based in the Department of Nuclear Physics and Accelerator
Applications (NPAA) in the ANU Research School of Physics in Canberra, ACT, Australia. The candidate will also work with AdvanCell based in their Brisbane facilities, and have access to world-class labs and infrastructure.