Radiopharmacist at The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE)

Job Purpose

• The Radiopharmacist will be responsible for the preparation, dispensing, quality assurance, and safe handling of radiopharmaceuticals used in nuclear medicine procedures. The role holder will ensure accurate dosing, compliance with radiation safety protocols, and timely delivery of radiopharmaceuticals to support diagnostic and therapeutic services. The radiopharmacist will work closely with nuclear medicine physicians, radiochemists, technologists, and other healthcare professionals to contribute to high-quality, patient-centered care and the continuous advancement of nuclear medicine services at AMCE.

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities

Radiopharmacy Operations & Production

• Manage the daily operations of the radiopharmacy, including the preparation, formulation, and dispensing of diagnostic (e.g., FDG, other PET tracers) and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals.
• Operate and maintain automated synthesis modules and other radiopharmacy equipment.
• Coordinate with the Cyclotron team to schedule production based on clinical demand and radionuclide availability.

Quality Control and Assurance

• Conduct routine quality control checks to ensure purity, sterility, stability, and compliance with standards.
• Maintain accurate records of all radiopharmaceutical preparation and QC activities.
• Troubleshoot preparation or QC issues promptly and effectively.

Inventory and Regulatory Compliance

• Manage inventory of radiopharmaceuticals, reagents, and related supplies, ensuring proper storage and disposal of radioactive materials.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and international guidelines.
• Maintain documentation and participate in audits to meet regulatory and institutional requirements.

Collaboration and Clinical Support

• Coordinate with nuclear medicine teams to schedule and deliver radiopharmaceuticals for patient procedures.
• Provide technical expertise and advice to physicians and technologists on the safe and effective use of radiopharmaceuticals.
• Monitor patients for adverse reactions and escalate findings to the medical team.

Education and Professional Development

• Provide training and guidance to junior staff, interns, or students in radiopharmacy practices.
• Stay updated on advances in radiopharmaceutical science, nuclear pharmacy, and related technologies.
• Contribute to departmental quality improvement and research activities as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) or Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) from a recognised institution.
• Registration with the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) and current practising licence.
• Postgraduate training or certification in nuclear pharmacy / radiopharmacy is an added advantage.

Experience

• Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) or Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) degree. A Master’s or PhD in Radiopharmacy or a related field is highly desirable.
• Must be a licensed Pharmacist with a valid practice license from the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN).
• Certification or formal training in Radiopharmacy or GMP for radiopharmaceuticals is preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of radiochemistry, radiation physics, and aseptic techniques.
• Strong understanding of GMP, radiation safety regulations, and quality control principles.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in a radiopharmacy, preferably in a clinical or GMP environment.
• Proven experience in the preparation and quality control of PET radiopharmaceuticals (e.g., F-18 FDG) and/or therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals. Demonstrated experience with radiopharmacy equipment and adherence to strict regulatory and safety protocols.
• Experience in inventory management and documentation practices.