NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.
Healthcare Scientist Specialist – Radio Chemist (PET Production)
Band 8a | Permanent | 36 hours/week
Location: John Mallard PET Centre, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
Are you ready to for a cutting-edge radiochemistry services in a dynamic healthcare setting? NHS Grampian is seeking a skilled and motivated Healthcare Scientist Specialist – Radio Chemist to join our team at the John Mallard PET Centre. This is a unique opportunity to take on a strategic and operational role in the production of PET radiopharmaceuticals.
About the Role
This specialist post involves a wide range of clinical and scientific responsibilities, including:
* Leading the production and quality control of PET radiopharmaceuticals (e.g., F-18, C-11, Ga-68) in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
* Providing expert advice to ensure scientific and clinical rigour in ligand production.
* Managing production staff, budgets, and regulatory compliance.
* Overseeing teaching and training commitments within the radiochemistry section.
Key Responsibilities
* Radiopharmaceutical Production: Supervise routine GMP-compliant synthesis of tracers such as 18F-FDG.
* Quality Control: Conduct and oversee QC analyses using HPLC, GC, and spectroscopy.
* Method Development: Innovate and validate new synthesis and QC procedures.
* Documentation & Compliance: Author and review SOPs and ensure regulatory adherence.
* Team Collaboration: Work within a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality services.
Qualifications & Experience
* A good honours degree (Bachelor’s/Master’s) in Chemistry, Radiochemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacy, or a related discipline.
* Experience in synthetic chemistry and SOP development.
* Familiarity with GMP environments and radiochemistry labs is desirable.
* Strong interpersonal and organisational skills.
* Ability to work as a classified person under ionising radiation regulations.
Why Join Us?
This is a rare opportunity to contribute to a nationally recognised PET centre, with scope for innovation, leadership, and professional development in a supportive and forward-thinking environment.
Informal enquiries are warmly welcomed.
Contact: Dr Lutz Schweiger, Production Lead lutz.schweiger@nhs.scot
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES
As a disability confident employer we are committed to ensuring our recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible to all. If you need us to make any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting our recruitment team at the earliest opportunity. Email us at gram.recruitment@nhs.scot.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend the interview in person. Alternative arrangements or adjustments will be considered in the event there are circumstances that may prevent candidates attending in person to ensure it is inclusive and accessible to all.
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NHS Grampian forms one of the fourteen regional health boards of NHS Scotland and is responsible for providing health and social care services to a population of over 500,000 people living in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray.
As a board we strive to ensure the environment is conducive to nurturing a positive culture, supported and delivered through our NHS and Social Care values.