Cyclotron Radio Pharmacist at African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE)

The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) Abuja is a 500-bed specialty hospital offering world-class comprehensive diagnostics and treatment in oncology, cardiovascular, and haematological care, and general medical and surgical services, along with top notch research and education. The AMCE will provide exceptional care to people on the African continent, regardless of their financial means. Developed by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in clinical partnership with King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust., AMCE Abuja is the first of five centres planned for development in Africa.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Cyclotron Radio Pharmacist

Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Employment Type: Full Time
Workplace Type: Onsite

Job Purpose

• The Cyclotron Radiopharmacist will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and technical oversight for all cyclotron and radiopharmacy operations, ensuring the safe, efficient, and regulatory-compliant production of high-quality radiopharmaceuticals. 
• This role is pivotal in supporting advanced diagnostic imaging by guaranteeing the consistent availability of pure and effective radiotracers for nuclear medicine procedures.
• The role holder will manage production schedules, enforce stringent quality control measures, lead a team of radiopharmacy professionals, and uphold the highest standards of radiation safety and regulatory compliance, ultimately contributing to exceptional patient care and clinical outcomes. 

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities
Radiopharmaceutical Production & Operations Management:

• Manage and oversee the entire production process of radiopharmaceuticals, ensuring strict adherence to established synthesis protocols and safety standards.
• Optimize daily production schedules to efficiently meet clinical demand and implement sterile compounding techniques and aseptic conditions.
• Lead the planning and execution of cyclotron operations, including target preparation, irradiation, and target processing.
• Develop and implement departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all aspects of radiopharmaceutical production.

Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance

• Implement and monitor comprehensive quality control measures to ensure the safety, efficacy, purity, and potency of all radiopharmaceuticals.
• Develop and validate robust analytical methods for the testing and characterization of radiopharmaceutical batches.
• Ensure 100% compliance with all local and international regulations (e.g., NAFDAC, IAEA, pharmacopoeial standards) and prepare for regulatory inspections and audits.
• Investigate and resolve any out-of-specification (OOS) results or deviations and lead continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Equipment Management & Maintenance

• Oversee maintenance and calibration programs for the cyclotron and all associated radiopharmacy equipment (e.g., synthesis modules, dose calibrators, analytical instruments).
• Develop and implement robust preventative maintenance schedules to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and longevity of all critical equipment.
• Coordinate with external service providers for specialized equipment repairs, certifications, and compliance testing.
• Evaluate and recommend the acquisition of new radiopharmacy equipment and technologies.

Research, Innovation & Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Actively participate in research initiatives to develop novel radiopharmaceuticals and explore new applications, collaborating on clinical trials.
• Stay updated on the latest scientific advancements in radiochemistry, nuclear medicine, and pharmaceutical sciences.
• Collaborate closely with nuclear medicine physicians, technologists, and other departments to optimize imaging protocols and patient care.
• Liaise with regulatory agencies, procurement teams, and senior management to ensure seamless operations and strategic alignment.

Qualifications

• Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) or Master's/PhD in Radiopharmacy, Radiochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related field.
• Formal training and certification in Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) , Good Radiopharmacy Practice (GRPP) , and radiation safety is highly preferred.
• Eligibility to act as a Qualified Person for radiopharmaceuticals is a distinct advantage.
• 5 - 7 years of progressive experience in a clinical or research radiopharmaceutical environment, with direct, hands-on experience in cyclotron operations and radiopharmaceutical production.
• Demonstrated, in-depth expertise in the GMP-compliant production and quality control of radiopharmaceuticals for PET imaging.
• Proven experience in leading teams, managing operational schedules, and developing SOPs within a regulated environment.
• Expert knowledge of analytical techniques (HPLC, TLC, gamma-ray spectrometry) and sterile compounding.
• Strong track record in regulatory compliance, audits, and meticulous documentation.
• Experience in research, development, and validation of novel radiopharmaceuticals is a distinct advantage.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online