Specialist Pharmacy Technician Clinical Trials Progressive Post

Hours: Full time - 37.5 hours per week

Every patient has the right to participate in research. At North Bristol NHS Trust we aim to give patients the opportunity to take part in research and contribute to the future of medical care.

Come and develop your career as part of the specialist pharmacy team providing a clinical trials service within one of the most technologically advanced, state-of-the-art teaching hospitals in Europe … all set within a cultural and thriving modern city in a beautiful part of the country. 

We are seeking a qualified pharmacy technician with the drive, motivation and enthusiasm to join a dynamic team responsible for maintaining a portfolio of 100+ clinical trials. You must be well organised, methodical and have a keen eye for detail. You will be expected to work effectively both independently and as part of the team.

This is a developmental role focused on providing technical support for the safe and efficient delivery of clinical trials within our pharmacy department. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop expertise in clinical trials procedures, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and relevant regulations.

Banding will be dependent on qualifications and prior experience. With demonstrated competency and continuous professional development, there is a clear and automatic progression path to a Band 5 Specialist Pharmacy Technician position within the team.

Main duties of the job

• The “set-up” and “close-down” of clinical trials with support from senior team members.
• Participation in the day-to-day tasks relating to the delivery of clinical trials which includes routine stock control, quality assessment, supporting the dispensing/checking of clinical trial Investigational Medicinal Products (ctIMPs), and the completion of all associated documentation (e.g. temperature monitoring data/reports).
• Raising of all relevant documentation and controlled pharmacy procedures related to trial activity, which includes the training of all pharmacy staff in aspects of clinical trials (e.g. dispensing staff).
• Providing support to NBT Pharmacy Technical Services staff who will be responsible for the compounding of any aseptic products into a ready-to-use form for clinical trials.
• Developing and maintaining good relationships with the NBT Research & Development team, Principal Investigators and Research teams.
• Involvement in CRA (Clinical Research Associate) visits and external audits.
• Supporting the implementation of service improvements to the Pharmacy clinical trials service.

Working for our organisation

North Bristol NHS Trust employs over 12,000 staff providing healthcare to the residents of Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) from our award-winning hospital building at Southmead. We are the regional Major Trauma Centre, and an internationally recognised centre of excellence in a range of services and major specialities.

We commit to treating each patient as an individual with respect and dignity, aiming to deliver excellent clinical outcomes and a first-class experience for everyone who uses our services.

North Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti-discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all underrepresented groups.

Bristol is consistently voted the best place to live in the UK, with vibrant local music, arts and gastronomic scenes, a wide range of modern and state of the art shopping, recreation and leisure facilities, a wealth of great local family days out, fantastic transport links for local, national and internal holidays, and it has a rich history. If you prefer country, village or smaller town living, NBT is also easily commutable from a range of attractive locations in North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and South Wales (e.g. Portishead, Newport, Chepstow).

Person specification

Education/Training/Qualifications

Essential criteria

• BTEC National Certificate in Pharmacy Services and NVQ Level 3 in Pharmacy Services or a recognised equivalent qualification.
• Registered as a practising pharmacy technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
• Completed Pharmacy Workforce Development South (PWDS) Dispensing Accuracy Scheme (or equivalent from elsewhere).
• Working towards Pharmacy Workforce Development South (PWDS) Accredited Checking Technician (or equivalent) or willing to work towards this once in post.
• Will complete Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training and willing to maintain certification every 3 years as per Trust Policy once in post.
• Working towards Pharmacy Leadership Programme or equivalent or be able to demonstrate ongoing competence in leadership skills.

Desirable criteria

• Completed Pharmacy Workforce Development South (PWDS) Accredited Checking Technician (or equivalent).
• Completed Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and willing to maintain certification every 3 years as per Trust Policy.
• Completed Pharmacy Leadership Programme or equivalent or be able to demonstrate ongoing competence in leadership skills.

Work Experience

Essential criteria

• Working as an experienced Pharmacy technician registered with the GPhC.
• Experience of working to procedures, protocols and systematic work practices with very high degrees of accuracy.

Desirable criteria

• Experienced with the dispensing of a variety of Clinical Trial prescriptions.
• Experience working as a pharmacy technician in a UK hospital.
• Experience of staff training and/or supervision.
• Experienced with setting up clinical trials and creating study specific dispensing procedures.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Essential criteria

• Familiar with safe medicine handling practices and Trust policies and procedures.
• Ability to work systematically and methodically with a very high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to read and dispense accurately, inputting data and generating labels using the Pharmacy computer system.
• Able to maintain accurate record keeping.
• Communicates effectively in English.
• Able to work closely with other teams.
• Standard IT competencies in Word, PowerPoint and Excel or equivalent programs plus CMM and SharePoint.
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Desirable criteria

• Familiar with all relevant Trust and department policies and procedures.
• An understanding of good supervision and leadership.
• Able to demonstrate a broad knowledge and clear understanding of clinical trials, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), EU clinical trials legislation, UKCRN requirements and other relevant regulations and guidance.
• Familiarity with Technical Services and the compounding of aseptic products in an environment compliant with Good Manufacturing Practice (EU GMP).
• Ability to pro-actively use, maintain and develop professional knowledge in a specialist area to enhance patient care through safe and effective use of medicines.
• Familiar with all relevant Trust and department policies and procedures.

Personal Qualities/Special Circumstances

Essential criteria

• Able to work under own initiative as an individual and as part of a team.
• Excellent interpersonal skills in order to communicate effectively with colleagues, patients/carers, ward and medical staff in written and verbal formats.
• Self-motivated individual with an organised and logical approach to work.
• Adaptable and flexible approach to work.
• Has a proactive approach to the application of knowledge gained to pharmaceutical practice.
• Excellent time and self-management skills. Capable of prioritising effectively and achieving deadlines through robust logical planning and organisation.
• Ability to motivate self and others.
• Willing and able to be trained and instructed.
• Work within the required professional standards of the GPhC registration.

Desirable criteria

• Able to accept responsibility.
• Ability to identify and manage problems.
• Confidence in dealing with others.
• Able to react to changes in workflow and direct staff accordingly.
• Ability to write and analyse reports.