Senior Pharmaceutical Scientist - #1691761

Managerial, Professional and Specialist Staff – MPSS

Senior Radiopharmaceutical Scientist
Wales Positron Emission Tomography Imaging Centre (PETIC)
Clinical Innovation Hub - School of Medicine

The Wales Research and Diagnostic PET Imaging Facility is a state-of-the-art PET centre, fully equipped with a cyclotron and GMP and R&D radiochemistry facilities to produce both established and new GMP grade PET radiotracers for clinical use.

We have a rare and exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic, highly motivated, and technically-minded individual with an ambition to take a lead role in our team of experts, who produce radiopharmaceuticals to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards in a purpose-designed GMP manufacturing facility.

This role involves being a key member of PETIC’s GMP Production Team, responsible for providing first-line technical support for maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of critical equipment and utilities infrastructure. You will perform equipment and process validation for F-18 radiopharmaceutical production and dispensing, including protocol preparation and execution, and providing professional guidance to the team.

This position offers a platform to utilize your technical expertise and regulatory knowledge to plan and deliver small-scale projects, resolve complex issues, and minimize downtime of cleanroom facilities.

You will work closely with the Head of Radiopharmacy Production and be involved in staff training, GMP standards compliance, equipment and laboratory maintenance, validation, environmental monitoring, and stock control. Additionally, you will participate in production, dispensing, and quality control of radiopharmaceuticals, operating automated and manual radiochemical synthesis with accuracy.

If you wish to learn more, please contact Syed Bukhari at 02920 742005 or via email at *********@cardiff.ac.uk.

This full-time (35 hours/week), fixed-term role for 3 years is based at Heath Park, Cardiff, with options for secondment. Salary ranges from £40,497 to £45,413 per annum (Grade 6). The working hours typically start between 07:00 and 09:00, with occasional early starts as early as 4:00 am, and some Saturday work on a rota basis.

Cardiff University offers excellent benefits, including 45 days annual leave, pension scheme, cycle-to-work, annual pay increments, and more. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Key Duties include:

1. Leading investigations and troubleshooting of PETIC’s F-18 tracer production facility.


2. Planning and delivering small-scale process improvement projects.


3. Risk assessing GMP production issues and proposing solutions to minimize downtime.


4. Executing maintenance and repairs of GMP equipment and utilities.


5. Leading investigations into GMP production issues.


6. Performing equipment and process validation, including protocol development and execution.


7. Building relationships with internal and external stakeholders.


8. Training and developing GMP production staff, ensuring compliance with procedures and regulations.


9. GMP-compliant production, storage, and transportation of PET radiopharmaceuticals.


10. Reviewing and improving SOPs, work instructions, and policies.


11. Participating in deviation, CAPA, and change control processes.


12. Managing equipment calibration, validation, and maintenance schedules.


13. Supporting environmental monitoring and incoming material testing.


14. Performing administrative duties and leading the team to address challenges positively.


15. Handling dangerous goods shipments following ADR regulations.


16. Maintaining continuous professional development in GMP radiopharmaceuticals and aseptic manufacturing.


17. Manufacturing radiopharmaceuticals in compliance with licensing and quality systems.


18. Cleaning and maintaining cleanrooms and equipment.

Person Specification - Essential Criteria:

• Degree/NVQ 4 or equivalent in a relevant scientific discipline.


• Substantial GMP aseptic pharmaceutical or radiochemistry experience, including operating automated/remotely operated equipment and troubleshooting.


• Experience developing new processes and procedures.


• Strong report writing, verbal communication, and complex information dissemination skills.


• Ability to explore customer needs and adapt services accordingly.


• Meticulous attention to detail.


• Problem-solving skills, initiative, and creativity.


• Ability to work independently, plan, and prioritize.


• Experience in F-18 PET Radiopharmacy and knowledge of isolator and cleanroom technology.


• High-level mechanical, electrical, or control systems knowledge.


• Fluency in Welsh, written and oral.

Additional Information:

• Assist in audits and regulatory inspections.


• Maintain stock levels and clean storage areas.


• Operate the cyclotron particle accelerator.

General Duties:

• Deputize for the Head of Radiopharmacy Production.


• Ensure confidentiality and adherence to health, safety, and equality policies.


• Perform other duties as required.


• Act as Radiation Protection Supervisor, ensuring radiation safety compliance.


• Participate in GMP production operations, including weekends and out-of-hours as needed.

Handling ionising radiation sources requires manual dexterity, use of remote manipulators, and working in radiation-controlled areas with appropriate safety measures.