Nuclear Pharmacist at Massachusetts General Hospital(MGH) in Boston, Massachusetts

Job Description:

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:


Under direction of the Senior Operations Manager, PET Production and Cyclotron, the nuclear pharmacist provides a variety of services, ensuring compliance in the procurement, preparation, compounding, manufacturing, quality control testing, dispensing, distribution, and monitoring of radiopharmaceuticals. The nuclear pharmacist also must provide support for the safe and efficient production and use of radioactive drugs for research and clinical diagnostic use at MGH. The incumbent is involved in all aspects of the day-to-day operation of the PET Production and Nuclear Pharmacy radiopharmaceutical facilities. In addition, the nuclear pharmacist provides consultation regarding all aspects of the use of radiopharmaceuticals and non-radioactive adjunct imaging medications, as well as health and safety issues in patient care.


PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:


Duties and Responsibilities for Nuclear Pharmacists in the MGH PET Nuclear Pharmacy include but are not limited to:

Assumes overall responsibility for quality oversight of the FDA regulated, cGMP PET manufacturing facility and PET nuclear pharmacy for the manufacturing, compounding, quality control testing, dispensing and packaging of PET radiopharmaceuticals.

Serves in a quality assurance (QA) role to ensure compliance with all departmental procedures, FDA guidance and regulatory filings.

Reviews and releases batches of PET radiopharmaceuticals manufactured under 21 CFR 212, cGMP PET drug manufacturing regulations.

Ensures compliance with all state, federal, and local regulations concerning these activities.

Maintains inventory and ensures suitability of all raw materials and components used in the production of PET radiopharmaceuticals

Performs set up, operation, and documentation of computer controlled automated synthetic devices dedicated to the production of PET radiopharmaceuticals.

Performs complex analytical testing on manufactured and/or compounded radiopharmaceutical including, thin layer chromatography (TLC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), radionuclide identity and purity testing with high purity germanium solid state detectors, sterility and pyrogen testing.

Works with PET radiochemistry staff to troubleshoot radiopharmaceutical production and optimize yields.

Works with cyclotron facility staff to ensure quality and availability of PET radionuclides for manufacturing and compounding of PET radiopharmaceuticals.

Maintains detailed records of operation and validation of all processes taking place in the nuclear pharmacy and PET production facility.

Ensures that all shipments of radioactive material meet all regulatory requirements.

Works with MGH radiation safety staff to ensure that all tasks are performed in the PET nuclear pharmacy are in compliance with regulatory and prudent radiation safety principles.

Duties and Responsibilities for Nuclear Pharmacists in the MGH Clinical Nuclear Pharmacy:

Responsible for the safe and effective preparation and dispensing of diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals for Nuclear Medicine, Nuclear Cardiology, Thyroid Associates, and Interventional Radiology.

Responsible for procurement, receiving, inventory control, storage, handling, preparation, compounding, quality control testing, and disposal of radiopharmaceuticals and adjunct imaging medications.

Responsible for Medication Order Review - allergy monitoring, drug interaction monitoring, adverse reaction monitoring and reporting.

Maintains appropriate records for regulatory compliance.

Prepares and dispenses radiopharmaceuticals according to departmental protocols and patient specific information

Provides drug information such as potential drug interactions and methods of radio-labeling to the nuclear medicine department.

Prepares and dispenses medications for departmental clinical trials and completes applicable case report forms.

Maintains quality standards to ensure compliance with Massachusetts Radiation Control Board regulations, Board of Registration in Pharmacy, United States Pharmacopeia, and The Joint Commission.

Ensures therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals are dispensed in accordance with the departmental quality management program.

Participates in the vendor assessment process

Supervises nuclear medicine technologists in the preparation and dispensing of radiopharmaceuticals

Provides training on aseptic technique, radiopharmaceutical preparation and quality control, and radiation safety techniques for various job classes (technologists, residents/fellows, and other trainees and students).

Communicates with AU physicians, nuclear medicine technologists, and nurses regarding patient care

Consults with team after-hours regarding the safe and effective preparation of radiopharmaceuticals and adjunct imaging medications.

Manages drug recall and shortages in an efficient manner.

Responsible for the security of radioactive materials and adjunct imaging medications.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations as they relate to nuclear pharmacy.


• Understanding of universal precautions and infection control.


• Knowledge of pharmacoeconomics.


• Effective interpersonal, writing, and communication skills.


• Attention to detail.


• Must be able to lift 60 lbs.


• Must have the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and to work in high-pressure situations.


• Must demonstrate appropriate knowledge of the principles of growth and development of the neonate, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patient.


• Must possess the ability to assess patient specific data relative to age-specific needs and provide appropriate care.

Qualifications

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, and/or REGISTRATIONS (if applicable):

• Must be a licensed pharmacist in Massachusetts or eligible for reciprocation, required.


• Licensure as a nuclear pharmacist is required.




• If incumbent is not a licensed nuclear pharmacist upon hire, incumbent must become licensed as a nuclear pharmacist within 6 months of employment. At departmental discretion, an additional extension of up to 6 months for a total of 12 months may be allowed.




• Board certification in nuclear pharmacy is encouraged but not preferred.

EDUCATION:

• B.S. or higher in pharmacy is required.

EXPERIENCE:

• 1-2 years of prior directly related nuclear pharmacy experience is preferred.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (if applicable):

• Pharmacist is responsible for indirectly supervising employees while performing pharmacy duties.

WORKING CONDITIONS:


Will work in the nuclear pharmacy located in White 203 and/or the PET Radiopharmaceutical manufacturing facility in the Edwards basement. The PET radiopharmaceutical manufacturing facility is a FDA registered manufacturer of PET radiopharmaceuticals.



EEO Statement

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Apply Now