The University of Missouri is accepting applications for positions in radiopharmaceutical sciences at the Molecular Imaging and Theranostics Center (MITC) as part of MizzouForward, the university’s significant investment in research excellence and student success. The openings include a tenure-track assistant professor, a tenure-track associate or full professor, and a non-tenure-track research scientist. Multiple appointments in each track are possible.
The new researchers will join an established environment that brings together radiochemistry, preclinical imaging, animal models, and translational research. Working across disciplines, they will help MITC maintain and build on its record of research and academic excellence while developing new approaches to molecular imaging, radioligand therapy, and radiopharmaceutical development.
MITC develops next-generation radiopharmaceuticals through chemistry, imaging, animal models, and translational research. Its laboratories include radiochemistry facilities, a radioactive vivarium, dedicated small-animal PET, SPECT/CT and MRI capabilities, and alpha laboratories licensed to handle lead-212, astatine-211 and actinium-225.
The center is located next door to the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR), the most powerful research reactor on a university campus in North America. MURR produces medical isotopes including lutetium-177 and terbium-161. This proximity connects isotope production with MITC’s research infrastructure and creates opportunities to move radiopharmaceutical discoveries from basic chemistry and preclinical investigation toward potential clinical use.
MITC also works with NextGen Precision Health research partners across the university. These collaborations connect expertise in chemistry, imaging, veterinary medicine, medicine and translational science, reinforcing an academic environment in which faculty, research scientists and students contribute to radiopharmaceutical discovery.
Successful candidates may work in imaging, theranostics, radiobiology, dosimetry or other areas of radiopharmaceutical science. Appointments are available through the departments of Chemistry and Physics in the University of Missouri College of Arts and Science, the departments of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering in the College of Engineering and the Department of Biochemistry in the School of Medicine. Other appointments or joint appointments may also be considered.
The three openings are:
- Assistant Professor, Radiopharmaceutical Sciences and Radioligand Therapy
Tenure-track | Job ID 61193
The assistant professor will establish an independent, externally funded research program in MITC’s discovery laboratories. The appointee will also contribute to undergraduate and graduate instruction in radiochemistry and radiopharmaceutical chemistry and help expand doctoral training in the field.
Candidates must hold a terminal degree in a related discipline. Evaluation will consider research accomplishments, external funding, national recognition and the interdisciplinary character of the candidate’s work. - Associate or Full Professor, Radiopharmaceutical Sciences and Radioligand Therapy
Tenure-track | Job ID 61195
The associate or full professor will serve as an established investigator capable of leading preclinical discovery research at MITC. The appointee will help connect isotope production, preclinical research and early-stage clinical investigation while mentoring junior faculty and contributing to graduate education and doctoral training.
Candidates must hold a terminal degree in a related discipline. Evaluation will consider research accomplishments, external funding, national recognition and interdisciplinary work. - Research Scientist, Radiopharmaceutical Pipeline Development
Non-tenure-track | Job ID 61198
The research scientist will support industry-sponsored radiopharmaceutical research, including radiolabeling and conjugation chemistry, radiochemical purity and stability testing, biodistribution studies, imaging and dosimetry-related work. The appointee will serve as a technical lead responsible for milestones and deliverables under sponsor agreements.
Candidates must have a doctoral degree in a relevant area and at least four years of experience through which comparable knowledge and skills were acquired.
Review of applications for all three positions will begin Nov. 2, 2026. Applicants should identify the position for which they are applying in their application letter. Academic homes will be determined during the hiring process.
For questions, contact Tim Glass, Associate Dean of Research for the College of Arts and Science: glasst@missouri.edu
Apply now: prospective employees
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About the Molecular Imaging and Theranostics Center
The Molecular Imaging and Theranostics Center at the University of Missouri advances molecular imaging and cancer theranostics through radiochemistry, imaging, animal models and translational research. MITC coordinates research capabilities and partnerships across Mizzou to support the development of radiopharmaceuticals for the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
About the University of Missouri
Founded in 1839 as the first public university west of the Mississippi River, the University of Missouri (Mizzou) is a committed flagship and land-grant institution, a member of the competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC) — and a proud member of the Association of American Universities (AAU). Our mission is to provide the benefits of a world-class research university to the people of Missouri through teaching, research, service and economic development on behalf of all its citizens.
With an enrollment of over 30,000 students from all 50 states and 100+ countries, Mizzou is a $5 billion global enterprise, with areas of strength including journalism, agriculture and plant science, human and animal health, sustainable energy and more.
A pioneer of experiential learning and the famed Missouri Method, Mizzou is a place where hands-on learning leads to academic excellence, scientific discovery and unparalleled student success.
