Job Summary
This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced individual to take a leading role in the development and delivery of the Radiopharmacy service across Cheshire and Merseyside. The post-holder will work closely with the Chief Radiopharmacist to provide strategic, managerial, and professional leadership to the Radiopharmacy team. The Radiopharmacy at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (LUHFT) is a purpose-built facility delivering a wide range of radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic imaging, therapy, clinical trials (including investigational medicinal products), and blood labelling. As Deputy Chief Radiopharmacist, you will be responsible for ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and standards. You will support the development of clinical expertise within the team and lead on the implementation of new technologies, as well as the preparation and clinical application of new radiopharmaceuticals.
We are seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking individual with substantial experience in aseptic services and radiopharmacy. You will bring a clear vision for the development of the Radiopharmacy\'s quality assurance and control services, helping to position the department as a centre of excellence aligned with our state-of-the-art facilities.
Main duties of the job
* You will support the Chief Radiopharmacist in providing strategic and operational leadership for the Radiopharmacy service, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and the delivery of high-quality radiopharmaceuticals across LUHFT and the Cheshire & Merseyside region.
* Your responsibilities will span strategic planning, operational management, and regulatory compliance, including supporting both the Production and Quality teams in the manufacture, quality control, assurance, release, and distribution of radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic, therapeutic, and research purposes, ensuring adherence to GMP, IRR17, IRMER, ADR, and MHRA requirements.
* If required, you may be named on the MHRA Specials Licence as a Production Manager or Quality Controller.
* Provide line management and professional support to staff within either the Production or Quality Control teams, including training, appraisals, and service planning, while maintaining flexibility to respond to service needs across both functions.
* Contribute to the development and ongoing maintenance of the Radiopharmacy Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring robust SOPs, validation processes, and CAPA management.
* As a releasing pharmacist, take responsibility for the final release of both radioactive and non-radioactive products.
Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance
* Ensure all Radiopharmacy activities comply with MHRA regulations, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Ionising Radiation Regulations (IRR17), Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (IRMER), and the Carriage of Dangerous Goods Regulations (ADR).
* Lead on the implementation, maintenance, and continual improvement of the Radiopharmacy Quality Management System (QMS), including:
o Development and review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
o Validation of equipment and processes
o Management of deviations, CAPA, and change control
o Training and competency assessment of staff
* Work closely with Estates, Medical Physics, and external contractors to ensure facilities and equipment are qualified, validated, and maintained to GMP standards.
Staff Management and Training
* Provide day-to-day line management of staff within the assigned team (Production or Quality Control), including appraisal, development planning, and performance monitoring.
* Contribute to workforce planning and succession planning across the Radiopharmacy service.
* Lead on the development, delivery, and review of Radiopharmacy training programmes as part of the QMS, ensuring ongoing staff competency and regulatory compliance.
Governance, Safety, and Risk Management
* Lead on local risk management activities within the Radiopharmacy, including incident investigation and reporting in line with Trust and national policies.
* Ensure the safe handling, storage, preparation, and transport of radiopharmaceuticals in accordance with statutory requirements and best practice.
* Contribute to clinical governance activities, audits, and inspections, ensuring findings are appropriately addressed and service improvements are implemented.
Clinical and Scientific Advisory Role
* Provide expert advice to clinical teams on the safe and effective use of radiopharmaceuticals, including storage, formulation, administration, and potential adverse reactions.
* Liaise with radiopharmaceutical manufacturers and external suppliers to ensure continuity of supply and service delivery.
* Support the development and implementation of new radiopharmaceutical products and technologies, including those used in clinical trials and advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs).
* Participate in and support radiolabelling services, including complex labelling for therapeutic use.
Digital Systems and Innovation
* Support the evaluation, validation, and implementation of software and digital systems used within Radiopharmacy to enhance operational efficiency and compliance.
* Contribute to data analysis and reporting activities, including service usage, costings, and capacity planning.
Additional Duties
Maintain professional registration and comply with all relevant codes of conduct and continuing professional development (CPD) requirements. Undertake any other reasonable duties appropriate to the role and service needs, as requested by the Chief Radiopharmacist.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
* Vocational Masters Degree in Pharmacy or equivalent.
* Pre-registration training and experience, meeting the GPhC examination requirements
* Member of the General Pharmaceutical Council
* Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Pharmacy and/or equivalent
Desirable
* PTQA/technical qualification.
* IRMER Training.
Experience
Essential
* Demonstrable experience as a qualified pharmacist within a range of clinical and technical areas / demonstrable evidence of undertaking a role at rotational grade pharmacist level.
* Structured experience in Pharmacy manufacturing and dispensing services.
* Evidence of relevant and on-going personal CPD.
* Releasing Officer experience for radiopharmaceuticals
* Proven record in management of change
Desirable
* Published pharmaceutical research in a peer reviewed journal.
* Acute/ tertiary Hospital experience.
Knowledge
* Up-to-date knowledge of current NHS policies, processes and structures.
* Expert knowledge Good Manufacture Practice (GMP)
* Licensed production
* Commitment to and demonstration of Continuing Professional Development.
* Problem solving, decision making methodologies
* Investigation and Root Cause Analysis methodologies
Skills
* Good communication and negotiation skills with other professionals, patients and carers, including verbal, written and electronic.
* Good interpersonal skills, able to work with all grades of staff.
* Good organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise own workload
* Ability to work to deadlines and meet set targets
* Ability to perform calculations to a high degree of accuracy
* Computer literacy
* Knowledge of legal requirements associated with the provision of Aseptically dispensed and manufactured \'specials\'
* Ability to elicit change and lead people to develop an organisation
Other
* Enthusiastic with ability to motivate self and others.
* Lead by example.
* Able to work alone and as a team member.
* Able to use initiative.
* Able to deal with and resolve conflict and disagreement.
* Able to deal with sensitive issues.
* Able to deal with constant interruptions, multiple pressures and at time aggression.
* Conscientious and reliable.
* Methodical with attention to detail.
* Ability to work within a cleanroom environment
Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure submission will be made to the DBS to check for previous convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers who require skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
Employer details
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Prescot Street, Liverpool, L7 8XP.
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