Radiopharmacy Head of Quality/Quality Controller

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS foundation trust in Cambridge is seeking an experienced Head of Quality for its Radiopharmacy department. This pivotal role involves ensuring compliance with quality standards and leading quality assurance initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in hospital pharmacy and regulatory compliance, aiming to enhance patient care through quality leadership. This role offers opportunities for professional growth and collaboration within a highly skilled team.

Benefits

On-site leisure facilities

Subsidised travel

Flexible working arrangements

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in Quality Management Systems (QMS) and regulatory compliance.
• Experience in hospital pharmacy aseptic services or pharmaceutical industry GMP manufacturing.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development and operational implementation of the Radiopharmacy QMS.
• Provide assurance of ongoing regulatory compliance.
• Directly accountable for maintaining professional and clinical/technical standards.

Skills

Quality Management Systems (QMS)

Regulatory compliance

Strong foundation in hospital pharmacy

Aseptic services

Education

PhD in Pharmacy or related field

Job description

Overview

A vacancy at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. A rare and highly rewarding opportunity for an ambitious and experienced individual seeking to advance their career in quality leadership and service development within the NHS. The Radiopharmacy department at CUH NHS Foundation Trust is looking to appoint an exceptional pharmacist, radiopharmaceutical scientist, chemist or scientist to take on the pivotal role of Head of Quality / Quality Controller within our dynamic team. This role suits a professional with a strong foundation in hospital pharmacy aseptic services or pharmaceutical industry GMP manufacturing, with proven expertise in Quality Management Systems (QMS) and regulatory compliance. You will be a key member of the Radiopharmacy Senior Leadership Team, reporting to the Chief Radiopharmacist, and will be responsible for upholding the highest professional, clinical and technical standards across all quality functions.

You will lead the strategic development and operational implementation of the Radiopharmacy QMS, ensuring the service remains compliant, efficient and aligned with best practice. The Head of Quality (Quality Assurance/Quality Control) will be directly accountable to the Chief Radiopharmacist/Head of Radiopharmacy for maintaining professional and clinical/technical standards and progressing the overarching Radiopharmacy strategy. You will work closely with the Radiopharmacy Clinical Trials Lead Pharmacist, Operations, Quality, Technical and Clinical Leadership Team to maximise the benefits of working within the sites and provide a cohesive Radiopharmacy and Radiopharmaceuticals optimisation service for patients, the Trust and Partners.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction, leadership and the development of Pharmaceutical QA and QC services to the Radiopharmacy services to meet local, regional, and nationally agreed requirements and priorities.
• Provide assurance to senior management of ongoing and future regulatory compliance for activities covered by the role and escalate compliance concerns to the Chief Radiopharmacist/Head of Radiopharmacy and senior management.
• Perform the role of Qualified Person/Quality Controller for current and future licensable activities within Radiopharmacy as required by the Medicines Act and MHRA.
• Lead a robust Quality Management System across all areas of Radiopharmacy Technical services ensuring compliance with statutory regulations and safe systems of work.

About CUH and the Radiopharmacy Department

Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds, the Trust focuses on delivering a quality service for patients, staff and partners. CUH is recognised for outstanding care and rated Good overall by the Care Quality Commission. CUH’s values – Together, Safe, Kind, Excellent – are at the heart of patient care. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local population and offers specialist services for regional, national and international patients.

CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We value differences and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential.

Collaboration and Impact

You will work in close partnership with the Chief Radiopharmacist and collaborate with Operations, Technical, Clinical and Quality teams to ensure a consistent and robust QA/QC framework underpinning the safe and effective delivery of radiopharmaceuticals across CUH and partner sites. Your leadership will ensure product integrity, GMP compliance and inspection readiness, while fostering continuous improvement, innovation and safety.

For candidates with the necessary technical acumen and leadership potential, we offer structured training and development to support further career progression in Radiopharmacy and quality-focused service leadership. The role suits those with a strong commitment to quality assurance, a deep understanding of aseptic production environments, and a desire to influence patient care at a strategic level.

About the Team and Opportunities

At CUH, you will join a highly skilled, collaborative team dedicated to delivering an outstanding, patient-focused service. You will be part of an established academic partnership with the University of Cambridge, contributing to translational research projects in molecular imaging and nuclear medicine. Our department specialises in the preparation of diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals produced to the highest GMP standards and regulatory requirements, with ongoing investment in facilities, systems and training to address evolving regulatory and clinical needs. We champion professional growth, support innovation, and are committed to developing the next generation of Radiopharmacy leaders.

Applicant Information and Qualifications

We welcome applications from both NHS and non-NHS professionals who have the vision, expertise and leadership ability to deliver excellence in Quality within a modern Radiopharmacy service. The successful candidate will be involved in leading quality at the forefront of nuclear medicine and contributing to patient care at a strategic level. If you are ready to take the next step in your career, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Additional Information

Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.

Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full-time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. If you are on a Student visa, eligibility for a full-time permanent contract depends on: a Graduate visa application, completion of your course with a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date, or Trust sponsorship as a Skilled Worker with completion of studies within 3 months of start date.

For NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough-based roles, NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough applicants identified as at risk of redundancy will be prioritised.

This vacancy will close at midnight on 24 September 2025, with interviews due to be held on 2 October 2025.

Why choose Cambridge University Hospitals?

• Our values and reputation for outstanding care
• Opportunities to experience a range of specialties
• Career and development opportunities
• Preceptorship and mentoring programmes
• Research experience and opportunities
• Lovely location and quality of life
• Excellent schools/colleges and transport links

Benefits

CUH offers development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, a shopping concourse and nurseries. Benefits include subsidised travel, free park and ride between sites, and staff facilities such as a 24/7 hot-food offer, staff pod break spaces, and a dedicated colleague cafe. Flexible working arrangements may be available to support work-life balance. Applications from Armed Forces personnel are welcome.

Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. Alternative working hours may be considered in some cases.

This advert closes on Wednesday 24 September 2025