Job overview
An exciting and unique opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, dynamic and self-motivated professional to join our clinical trials team at the Sutton site of the Royal Marsden.
You will be part of managing a team consisting of Pharmacists, Technicians and Assistants, who are always striving for excellence in all aspects of our work. We are working collaboratively as part of a Multi-Disciplinary Team to ensure we always deliver outstanding care to our patients.
This is an exciting time to join the Royal Marsden Hospital Clinical Trials Department. Our service is built around providing a high-quality service to our patients and staff of the Trust. The Oak Cancer Centre (a new, state-of-the-art treatment and research facility) opened in June 2023 in Sutton which will speed up the translation of world-leading research into breakthroughs in treatment and care, transforming the lives of cancer patients at The Royal Marsden and beyond.
The hospital has recently introduced the EPIC digital health record system and we are looking to use the full capabilities of this system to support the pharmacy teams and become a more efficient and truly paperless department.
Main duties of the job
1. To act as a supervisor under the direction of the Deputy Chief Technician in the aseptic suite or its support areas.
2. To line manage and act as a role model for junior members of staff.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
3. Support the maintenance and development of the highest standards of patient-focused care in the provision of aseptic services to all patients at the Sutton site of the Royal Marsden.
4. Participate in the education and training of pharmacists, technicians & assistants in aseptic services
5. Line manage and appraise junior members of the team and support the training and development of Pharmacy Technicians, Aseptic Services Technicians and Assistants working within the aseptic unit
6. Support the effective use of resources, including medicines, within the aseptic unit to minimise wastage.
7. Plan and prioritise workload and supervise staff and processes in aseptic unit and support areas.
8. Participate in the education and training of Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, Aseptic Services Technicians and Assistants Officers relevant to new products or processes (Commercial and Clinical Trial)
9. Participate in the induction, education and training of Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, Aseptic Services Technicians and Assistants Officers new to the aseptic unit.
Person specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential criteria
10. Educated to A level and/or degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences or equivalent.
11. Science Manufacturing Technician Level 3, BTEC in Pharmaceutical Sciences or NVQ Level 3 in Pharmacy Services or equivalent Technical Modules or equivalent experience.
Desirable criteria
12. Registered with General Pharmaceutical Council.
13. Post qualification course on aseptic preparation and dispensing of medicines/GMP/QA or equivalent.
14. Practice supervisor / Educational supervisor / Train the Trainer or equivalent.
15. Accredited Checking Pharmacy Technician (ACPT) qualification or working towards ACPT qualification.
Experience
Essential criteria
16. Experience of working in an aseptic unit in a hospital or industry aseptic facility minimum 2 years.
17. Experience as a team leader or supervisor of staff members.
18. Appropriate experience in aseptic compounding.
19. Experience in staff training in a hospital or industry aseptic facility.
20. Good knowledge and understanding of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
21. Validation, accreditation & training records.
22. Knowledge of chemotherapy and safe handling requirements of cytotoxic drugs and preparing cytotoxic chemotherapy.
Desirable criteria
23. Knowledge of principles and practice of Quality Assurance (QA) in an unlicensed unit.
24. Clinical trial experience and understanding of Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
25. Working knowledge/experience of writing SOPs.
26. Experience of being a line manager, setting SMART objectives.
Skills Abilities/knowledge
Essential criteria
27. Ability to work effectively as part of a team and act as a role model.
28. Effective interpersonal skills with particular ability to communicate in clear English with staff members, members of the public and healthcare professionals
29. Good time management organisation and planning skills; ability to meet deadlines and prioritise workload for self and others
30. Able to work effectively and accurately and follow written procedures under pressure.
31. Quality-oriented; strives for continuous improvement.
32. Ability to be supportive and demonstrate self-motivation and to motivate others.
33. Calm under pressure and ability to concentrate and work accurately for prolonged period of times with frequent and unpredictable interruptions
34. Computer literate - Ability to use Microsoft office applications e.g. Word, excel and outlook.
35. Good leadership qualities: able to take responsibility and to delegate effectively and able to work without direct supervision
36. Ability to problem solve and deal with queries from health care professionals.
37. Ability to gown into cleanroom.
Desirable criteria
38. Use of pharmacy computer systems and knowledge of EPIC.
The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential. We are committed to this because we know that greater diversity and inclusion will lead to an even greater positive impact for the people we serve.
Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close any adverts before the published closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications. We advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment. Please ensure your information is accurate to avoid errors with processing your application
Flu Vaccination – What We Expect of our Staff
At The Royal Marsden we have an immune compromised patient population who we must protect as much as we can against the flu virus. Each year, seasonal flu affects thousands of people in the UK. Occurring mainly in winter, it is an infectious respiratory disease capable of producing symptoms ranging from those similar to a common cold, through to very severe or even fatal disease.
The wellbeing of our staff and patients is of the upmost importance to us, and it is the expectation of The Royal Marsden that all patient-facing staff have an annual flu vaccination, provided free of charge by the Trust.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.