Job overview
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust is committed to expanding patient access to clinical trials as part of the Trust’s wider commitment to research and innovation.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Lead Clinical Trials Pharmacist to join the Clinical Trials Pharmacy Team at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHSussex). This is an excellent opportunity for a capable, motivated pharmacist with strong clinical and organisational skills, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to safe, high-quality research delivery at the forefront of new medicines development.
The postholder will provide pharmacy leadership for a portfolio of clinical trials delivered within UHSussex and will act as the lead pharmacist for assigned studies/services within their scope of competence.
Applicants must hold a Master of Pharmacy degree (or equivalent) and be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). They will also demonstrate excellent organisational, analytical and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across services and stakeholders.
Banding
1. Band 8a for candidates who are already SACT trained/competent and able to undertake the full scope of the role from appointment.
2. Developmental Band 7 to Band 8a progression may be considered for candidates with relevant experience who are not yet SACT trained, with supported in-post development and completion of agreed competencies/training.
Main duties of the job
For full details of main duties, please see the job description.
The Clinical Trials Pharmacy team at UHSussex operates across Trust sites at Worthing, Chichester and Brighton.
The post-holder will be required to work cross-site between Worthing and St. Richard's Hospitals.
Working for our organisation
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Pack
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.
3. Act as a senior clinical pharmacist within Clinical Trials Pharmacy, supporting safe and effective delivery of commercial and non-commercial clinical trials across designated UHSussex sites.
4. Provide specialist pharmacy input to clinical trial feasibility, set-up and implementation, including protocol review, pharmacy risk assessment, IMP requirements, and site readiness.
5. Lead and/or support pharmacy trial set-up activities, including development of trial-specific dispensing/accountability processes, documentation, worksheets and operational arrangements.
6. Ensure the safe, legal and compliant receipt, storage, dispensing, accountability, return/destruction and documentation of Investigational Medicinal Products (IMPs) in accordance with legislation, GCP, protocol requirements and Trust SOPs.
7. Clinically screen and verify clinical trial prescriptions within scope of competence, including oncology/haematology and investigational SACT regimens where applicable.
8. Provide expert advice to pharmacy, medical, nursing and research teams on clinical trial medicines, protocol requirements, and safe handling/administration arrangements.
9. Liaise with sponsors, CROs, principal investigators, research nurses, R&I teams, aseptics, procurement, QA and clinical teams to support timely and safe trial delivery.
10. Identify, escalate and support management of medication-related risks, protocol deviations, IMP incidents, temperature excursions and governance issues, ensuring appropriate documentation and follow-up.
11. Contribute to service performance by supporting timely study activation, recruitment readiness and continuity of pharmacy trial delivery.
12. Support maintenance and development of Clinical Trials Pharmacy SOPs, policies, training records and audit/inspection readiness.
13. Participate in audit, inspection responses, CAPAs, governance reviews and quality improvement initiatives.
14. Supervise, support and develop pharmacists, technicians and support staff within the Clinical Trials Pharmacy service.
15. Deliver education and training to pharmacy and multidisciplinary teams in relation to clinical trials, IMP processes and trial-specific requirements.
16. Contribute to cross-site working and service resilience arrangements as required to maintain safe research pharmacy services.
17. Maintain accurate, contemporaneous and auditable records in line with Trust, sponsor and regulatory requirements.
18. Contribute to service development, digital improvement and transformation initiatives that improve safety, efficiency and research delivery capacity.
19. Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade and scope of the post, consistent with service needs.
For applicants appointed at Band 7:
The postholder will undertake a structured development programme, including SACT training and competency assessment where required. During the developmental period, duties will be undertaken in line with current competence and under appropriate supervision, with progressive expansion of responsibility as competencies are achieved.
Person specification
Essential
Essential criteria
20. Degree + registered
21. Postgrad cert or equivalent
22. Post-registration hospital experience 1 point for each year
23. SACT trained
24. Eye for detail (marks off for typos, errors on application)
25. Understanding of trials in application
Desirable criteria
26. Further postgrad
27. Management exp/training
28. GCP
29. Trials experience
30. Electronic systems experience
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
31. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
32. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications