Job Description

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.



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. This includes 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.



You will 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. You will also contribute to the development and ongoing maintenance of the Radiopharmacy Quality Management System, ensuring robust SOPs, validation processes, and CAPA management. As a releasing pharmacist, you will take responsibility for the final release of both radioactive and non-radioactive products



Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust comprises Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital & Royal Liverpool University Hospital.



We are part of NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, formed on 1 Nov 2024 from the coming together of LUHFT and Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust. The Group was born from a shared aim to improve the care we provide our patients.



UHLG is one of the largest employers in the region, with over 16,800 colleagues dedicated to caring for our communities - from birth and beyond.



For the 630,000 people across Merseyside, we are their local NHS. We provide general and emergency hospital care, alongside highly specialised regional services for more than two million people in the North West.



Aintree University Hospital is the single receiving site for adult major trauma patients in Cheshire and Merseyside and hosts a number of regional services including an award-winning stroke facility. Broadgreen Hospital is home to elective surgical, diagnostic and treatment services, together with specialist patient rehabilitation. Liverpool Women's Hospital specialises in the health of women and babies, delivering over 7,200 babies in the UK's largest single site maternity hospital each year. The Royal Liverpool University Hospital is the largest hospital in the country to provide inpatients with 100% single bedrooms and focuses on complex planned care and specialist services.



For roles at Liverpool Women's, visit their careers page .



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.