Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Operates cyclotron and radiochemistry equipment to manufacture routine and research PET radiopharmaceuticals while complying with radiation safety procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices, quality control and regulations.

Qualifications

Eligible to be licensed as a Nuclear Pharmacist in the State of Utah. Able to become an “Authorized Nuclear Pharmacist” by the University of Utah Radiation Safety Committee. Demonstrated human relation and effective communication skills also required.

An “Authorized Nuclear Pharmacist” is an individual who through appropriate training and experience is qualified and authorized to work independently with radiation sources and to supervise such use by others.

Minimum of one year experience as a licensed Nuclear Pharmacist or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) preferred. Board Certified Nuclear Pharmacist (BCNP) is also preferred.

Care is appropriate to the population served

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

1. Operates cyclotron and associated equipment in compliance with protocols and good ALARA radiation safety practices.
2. Operates automated radiochemistry synthesis equipment in compliance with protocols and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and FDA regulations.
3. Procures, compounds, performs quality assurance regarding, dispenses, and distributes Radiopharmaceuticals in compliance with all state and federal regulations.
4. Maintains all records as mandated by state and federal regulations for a radiopharmaceutical manufacturing facility.
5. Assists in the development of PET radiopharmaceuticals for research.
6. Maintains and calibrates a variety of chemistry and scientific instrumentation.
7. Troubleshoots cyclontron laboratory equipment using mechanical, electronic and basic science skills. Develops new processes and writes protocols for equipment refinement.
8. Assures that packaging and shipping of radioactive material are in compliance with all state and federal regulations.
9. Prepares and maintains records of research radiopharmaceuticals being evaluated at the University Medical Center.
10. Maintains the radiochemistry and cyclotron laboratory in compliance with GMP and appropriate environmental operations.
11. Assists director in developing, improving and maintaining protocols, applications and licenses as required for routine PET radiopharmaceutical production.
12. Supervises laboratory personnel in the performance of their duties.
13. Supervises and instructs Pharmacy Students and Nuclear Medicine Technology Students through the Nuclear Pharmacy Clerkship program.
14. Prepares lectures and training modules for and teaches the Nuclear Pharmacy class.

Problem Solving

The incumbent must be able to evaluate radiopharmaceutical orders to ensure the proper use in the proper activity and calibration time. The incumbent must be able to ascertain when the laboratory director should be consulted about misadministered doses. The incumbent must be able to ascertain when radiation levels are outside of normal operational standards and consult the laboratory director.

Comments

The incumbent must demonstrate knowledge, skill and cooperation in providing PET radiopharmaceuticals to the institution and community. Incumbent must be motivated, team oriented and committed to expanding their knowledge and experience in a clinically oriented academic program. Incumbent will experience moderate exposure to hazardous materials or physical risk, which requires adhering to radiation safety practices. Full time, 40 hours per week. Must be able to lift 50-pound containers.

The staff member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.  The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess data regarding the patient's status and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures manual.