Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Support the Chief Radiopharmacist in the strategic development and delivery of Radiopharmacy services across LUHFT and the Cheshire & Merseyside region.

• Contribute to service transformation, business planning, and innovation aligned with Trust and regional objectives.

• Engage with regional, national, and international professional bodies and contribute to the development of Radiopharmacy and Nuclear Medicine policies and standards.

• Represent the Trust at key meetings and forums to promote best practice and ensure the Trust remains at the forefront of radiopharmaceutical development.

Operational Management

• Deputise for the Chief Radiopharmacist as required, including periods where a pharmacist must be present for regulatory or operational reasons.

• Support both the Production and Quality Control teams to ensure a safe, effective, and compliant Radiopharmacy service.

• Provide professional and managerial leadership to either the Production or Quality Control team, while working collaboratively across both teams depending on service needs.

• Oversee day-to-day operations including procurement, manufacturing, quality control, release, dispensing, and distribution of radiopharmaceuticals, including investigational and therapeutic products.

• Act as the Releasing Pharmacist for radioactive and non-radioactive products, ensuring release is compliant with GMP and other relevant standards.

• If required, be named on the MHRA Specials Licence as either the Production Manager or Quality Controller.

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:

  • Development and review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

  • Validation of equipment and processes

  • Management of deviations, CAPA, and change control

  • 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.