Deputy Chief Radiopharmacist

Job summaryThis 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.About usLiverpool 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 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.Details Date posted27 October 2025Pay schemeAgenda for ChangeBandBand 8cSalary£76,965 to £88,682 a year per annumContractPermanentWorking patternFull-timeReference number287-DSS-215-25-BJob locationsRoyal Liverpool University Hospital, Prescot Street, Liverpool, L7 8XPJob descriptionStrategic LeadershipSupport 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 ManagementDeputise 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 AssuranceEnsure 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 processesManagement of deviations, CAPA, and change controlTraining and competency assessment of staffWork closely with Estates, Medical Physics, and external contractors to ensure facilities and equipment are qualified, validated, and maintained to GMP standards.Staff Management and TrainingProvide 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 ManagementLead 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 RoleProvide 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 InnovationSupport 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 DutiesMaintain 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.Qualifications andExperienceQualificationsVocational Masters Degree in Pharmacy or equivalent.Pre-registration training and experience, meeting the GPhC examination requirementsMember of the General Pharmaceutical CouncilPostgraduate Certificate in Clinical Pharmacy and/or equivalentDesirablePTQA/technical qualification.IRMER Training.ExperienceDemonstrable 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 radiopharmaceuticalsProven record in management of changeDesirablePublished pharmaceutical research in a peer reviewed journal.Acute/ tertiary Hospital experience.KnowledgeUp-to-date knowledge of current NHS policies, processes and structures.Expert knowledge Good Manufacture Practice (GMP)Licensed productionCommitment to and demonstration of Continuing Professional Development.Problem solving, decision making methodologiesInvestigation and Root Cause Analysis methodologiesDesirableLean principlesSkillsGood 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 workloadAbility to work to deadlines and meet set targetsAbility to perform calculations to a high degree of accuracyComputer literacyKnowledge of legal requirements associated with the provision of Aseptically dispensed and manufactured 'specials'Ability to elicit change and lead people to develop an organisationOtherEnthusiastic 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 environmentOther important notesDisclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure to check for previous criminal convictions.Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. Further information is available on the UK Visas and Immigration site. Guidance on overseas criminal records checks is available here.UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.Employer details: Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Prescot Street, Liverpool, L7 8XP. Website: https://www.liverpoolft.nhs.uk/ #J-18808-Ljbffr