Nuclear Operations & Facilities introduces new Manager, Isotope Production (Lutetium)

Nuclear Operations & Facilities (NO&F) is pleased to announce that Jonathan Gear is entering a new role as Manager, Isotope Production (Lutetium).

Formerly Manager, Isotope Support, Gear will oversee production of medical isotope Lutetium-177 (Lu-177) at the McMaster Nuclear Reactor.

Dave Tucker, McMaster’s chief nuclear officer and associate vice-president, nuclear says Gear’s expertise in isotope production at NO&F makes him well-suited to the role.

“Jon brings a wealth of experience in isotope production to his new role. His extensive knowledge of McMaster’s isotope portfolio will help us advance production of this life-saving medical isotope, facilitate best-in-class support to our customers and expand our capabilities as a world-leader in nuclear medicine for the benefit of patients globally,” he says.

Gear completed his Bachelor of Science in Medical and Health Physics and a Master of Business Administration at McMaster University. As an undergraduate student, Gear worked at the McMaster Nuclear Reactor as part of the Iodine-125 production group.

Gear later became an Isotope Production Technician and then Manager, Isotope Production (Iodine) in 2018 and was a member of the Medical Isotope Supply Team, winning a President’s Award for Outstanding Service in 2020. In his previous role as Manager, Isotope Support, Gear provided technical, logistical, and business development support to NO&F’s Isotope Production and Commercial Operation teams. 

With global demand for Lu-177 on the rise, the McMaster Nuclear Reactor is gearing up to expand production and domestic supply of the isotope, which is used to treat a variety of cancers.

“McMaster is known for its tradition of excellence in medical isotopes. I am looking forward to furthering this tradition in support of NO&F’s Lu-177 production activities as we bring this in-demand medical isotope to the market,” says Gear.

As Manager, Isotope Production (Lutetium), Gear will provide technical support and oversight to the production and distribution of Lu-177. This includes ensuring all isotope production processes and procedures meet the regulatory requirements for clients and advisory bodies. He will also be the first line of contact with all existing and new customers for the production and delivery of Lu-177 products.

Gear can be reached at gearj@mcmaster.ca