Governor’s Chair in Nuclear Medicine: Radiopharmaceutical Therapies

Governor’s Chair in Nuclear Medicine: Radiopharmaceutical Therapies Location: Knoxville, TN / Oak Ridge, TN Open Date: Jul 10, 2025 The University of Tennessee (UT) Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII) invites applications for the position of Governor’s Chair in Nuclear Medicine with a focus on precision radiopharmaceutical theranostics (RPT). Strong candidates will have track records of distinguished contributions to advancing radiopharmaceutical development through new approaches to: a) the production of medically relevant radionuclides to image, and treat cancer and other diseases; b) the design of novel chelators and nanocarriers to attach and retain radionuclides for targeted delivery to cancer cells; c) the development of novel targeting agents to detect cancer and metastatic disease; d) the development and use of theranostics for combination imaging and treatment modalities; e) radiation dosimetry, optimizing radiation dose treatment and delivery, including with the use of computational and artificial intelligence tools; or f) combination therapies. The successful Governor’s Chair in Nuclear Medicine will have an international reputation and demonstrated excellence in research and education, and will have a record of developing and leading multidisciplinary, translational programs and teams. The GC will lead high‑profile research and work collaboratively with a growing network of radioisotope and radiochemists, including through the UT-ORII convergent research initiative titled “Development and Advancement of Radiopharmaceutical Therapies (DART)”. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to the DART initiative leadership, which includes supporting the recruitment and professional growth of ten new research faculty hires at UT and nine new research scientist hires at ORNL. In addition to advancing science‑ and technology‑based solutions for RPT leading to the more effective diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other debilitating disease, the DART initiative also aims to engage up to 100 graduate student researchers over five years to prepare future generations of RPT scientists and practitioners. Governor’s Chair Expectations Strategic Leadership: Lead the collaborative development of RPT programs at UT, UTMC and ORNL to advance nuclear medicine and radiopharmaceuticals and oversee critical activities such as staffing, student recruitment, and stakeholder relationship management. Academic Quality: Pursue leading research and support ongoing efforts to create an environment of simultaneous excellence in research, innovation, translation, education, and workforce development. Collaborations: Expand collaborations between UT, UTMC, ORNL and other regional, national and international partners. Funding: Leverage all relevant assets at UT, UTMC, and ORNL to lead the management of stakeholder relationships and capture significant extramural funds, building a sustainable portfolio of well‑funded activities in nuclear medicine. Community Relations: Support meaningful engagements with Tennessee communities and community organizations to amplify the translational impact of RPT in enhancing patient outcomes. Education: Develop new curricular offerings in the area of nuclear medicine and RPT and provide training for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Qualifications PhD in Chemistry, Nuclear Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology or closely related fields, or an MD or MD/PhD in Radiology, Radiation Oncology or Nuclear Medicine or closely related fields. Must be a tenured professor or senior researcher at a research institution, industry or national lab. Experience with clinical trials associated with diagnostic imaging, including PET/CT, SPECT, or radionuclide therapy is beneficial. Established record of research demonstrated through publications in peer‑reviewed journals, citation statistics, invited talks, leadership roles, and success in individual and extramural grants. Research strengths in one or more of the following areas: Production of medically relevant radionuclides to image and/or treat cancer and other diseases. Design of novel chelators and nanocarriers to attach and retain radionuclides for targeted delivery to cancer cells. Development of novel targeting agents to detect cancer and metastatic disease. Development and use of theranostics for combination imaging and treatment modalities. Radiation dosimetry, optimizing radiation dose treatment and delivery, including with the use of computational and artificial intelligence tools, and/or combination therapies. Committed to educating the next generation experts in these areas and have a track record of successful mentoring of junior researchers. Position requires ability to be granted a site‑access badge for Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Application Instructions Interested applicants should send inquiries to Prof. Brian Wirth (UTK Nuclear Engineering Department Head and Governor’s Chair Professor in Computational Nuclear Engineering) at and Dr. Susan Hogle (Director of the ORNL Radioisotope Science and Technology Division) at . All application materials should be submitted in Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/XXXXX. Applications must include: Cover letter: Describe how the applicant embodies the goals of the Governor’s Chair program and their expertise in nuclear medicine and radiopharmaceuticals, clinical and translational experience, and experience with clinical trials. Comprehensive curriculum vitae. Research Statement: Articulate a plan for transitioning the research program to UT and ORNL. Teaching & Mentoring Statement: Discuss prior teaching and mentoring experience and how they will enhance the education mission of the relevant UT academic departments. Resources and Facilities The University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII) was launched in 2021 to foster interdisciplinary graduate programs and accelerate collaborative discovery and innovation in convergent research initiatives critical to the nation and to Tennessee. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN , by email to , or by phone at . Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, the ADA, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation and Resolution, 216 Business Incubator Building, E J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, TN , by email to , or by phone at . #J-18808-Ljbffr