Science Manufacturing Technician Apprentice: full‑time band 3, with progression to band 4 upon completion of the apprenticeship, professional registration with the Institute of Science and Technology and internal competencies.
Hello! My name is Emma and I am the Accountable Pharmacist for the Clinical Trials Aseptic Services Unit in Oxford.
We have an exciting role available to train an individual with the knowledge and skills required to work in aseptic dispensing within Oxford University Hospitals. This role would be suitable for staff working in a pharmacy team that have a BTEC 2 or equivalent and are interested in working in an aseptic team preparing doses for patients, or school/collage leavers looking to start their working career. Applications will be considered from candidates that do not have the pharmacy BTEC 2 but are willing to undertake this prior to enrolling on the SMT apprenticeship course.
I am privileged to manage and support our fantastic technical team of Pharmacy Technicians, Science Manufacturing Technicians, Clinical Trial Practitioners, Assistants and Apprentices as we provide support services to clinical trial research teams on all our Trust sites throughout Oxfordshire.
If you are interested in an informal discussion about the apprentice role offered within our team then I would be very pleased to chat with you.
Previous applicants need not apply.
Main Tasks and Responsibilities
* Undertake a work‑based programme that meets the standards set in the Science and Manufacturing Apprenticeship, including 20% off‑the‑job training and attendance at virtual college.
* Undertake assessment and build a portfolio of evidence of achievements against the standards set in the Science and Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship.
* Complete the Level 3 Diploma in the Principles of Aseptic Pharmaceuticals Processing as part of the Apprenticeship.
* Work at an isolator fully gloved and gowned.
* Maintain a high level of accuracy while delivering patient services.
* Communicate effectively and accurately, both verbally and in writing, with doctors, pharmacists, nursing staff and Clinical Research Associates.
* Be competent in the use of Microsoft Office based computer programmes.
Core Role
1. Participate in the day‑to‑day running of the CTASU in line with the rota.
2. Participate in safe systems of work and documentation.
3. Ensure all expected prescriptions are received in CTASU and communicate with clinical teams if any prescriptions are missing.
4. Receive prescriptions into CTASU and file for the appropriate date.
5. Ensure the CTASU calendar is updated with the workload required for each day.
6. Answer telephone and queries regarding when doses are expected to be ready and delivered.
7. Escalate queries when appropriate.
8. Accurate completion of product worksheets and labels, assigning batch numbers to aseptically prepared products.
9. Accurately and safely label aseptically prepared products.
10. Assemble drugs and consumables required for the preparation of aseptic products, accurately recording batch numbers and expiry dates.
11. Undertake safe and accurate preparation of a wide range of aseptic products on a daily basis, including cytotoxics, epidurals, antibiotics, injectables, novel agents and monoclonal antibodies.
12. Maintain expertise, skills and necessary knowledge of the technical aspects of aseptic and non‑aseptic dispensing.
13. Facilitate the quality assurance of products and notify the Senior Aseptic Services Technician of any incidents or procedural deficiencies.
14. Ensure finished products are packed prior to distribution to ensure prompt and safe delivery.
15. Ensure finished products are transported in the appropriate environment, taking into account any physical and legal requirements.
16. Be responsible for the unpacking and receipting of deliveries.
17. Undertake regular expiry date checking to identify expired or short‑dated stock.
18. Monitor drug stock and consumable levels and replenish where necessary.
19. Ensure that all equipment within CTASU is in good working order and serviced regularly.
20. Participate in the clean room/isolator cleaning rota.
21. Assist with the environmental and physical monitoring of CTASU.
22. Involve in the maintenance of departmental records including staff training, environmental monitoring, cleaning, maintenance logs and worksheets.
23. Where applicable, assist with the delivery of drugs to clinical areas.
24. Promptly report deviations from SOPs and complaints to the Accountable Pharmacist and Aseptic Services Manager or Deputy.
Regulatory
* Undertake aseptic preparation in accordance with the GPhC code of ethics and current legislation and guidance including GMP, GCP, Guidance on Aseptic Dispensing for NHS Patients, Health and Safety Act, Medicines Act, Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trial) Regulations, Human Medicines Regulations, Misuse of Drugs Act, COSHH regulations and departmental procedures.
* Adhere to CTASU, Pharmacy and Trust standard operating procedures (SOPs).
* Ensure disposal or recycling of medicinal products is carried out in a safe and efficient manner, in accordance with Health & Safety, COSHH regulations and departmental SOPs.
Clinical Trials
1. Obtain and maintain Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training.
2. Apply principles of GCP in the management of clinical trials.
3. Work within the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trial) Regulations 2004 and EU directive relating to Clinical Trials.
4. Maintain clinical trial filing systems and drug accountability documentation for clinical trials.
5. Be involved in the invoicing, set‑up and close‑down of a clinical trial.
Teaching and Training
* Participate in a programme of work‑based training, development and appraisal, primarily within CTASU, with short rotations into Radiopharmacy and Quality Assurance.
* Undertake the Science and Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship and complete the Level 3 Diploma in the Principles of Aseptic Pharmaceuticals Processing.
* Participate in the training and induction of pre‑registration students, technicians and assistants (if required).
Professional
* Ensure that all aspects of the work in CTASU are provided in accordance with the quality management system and conform to relevant legislation, codes of practice, national protocols and Trust policies.
* Carry out continued professional development as required by the relevant professional body and maintain the skills and knowledge necessary for the responsibilities of the post.
* Ensure safe working practices and a safe working environment at all times.
General Responsibilities
1. Work the hours necessary for the proper and efficient performance of the work, within the flexible working system set up in the Department. The post requires participation in rotation of the CTASU early shifts (07:00‑15:00 or 08:00‑16:00).
2. Participate in weekend, evening, bank holiday and seven‑day working according to rota.
3. Complete regular rotated slots in dispensary to maintain skill set, if required.
4. Produce consistently accurate work in a timely manner when under pressure.
5. Assist in the maintenance of a tidy and efficient working environment.
6. Ensure compliance with procedures and protocols in the areas of work for which the post holder carries responsibility.
7. Behave courteously and professionally at all times and seek to ensure that the highest level of service is provided by CTASU.
8. Operate at frequently high concentration levels on calculating, drawing up and measuring patient doses.
9. Stand for long periods of time during the setting up, disinfection and preparation of products while working in the confined space of an isolator.
10. Operate expensive and complex equipment safely, including Grade A isolators, lasers, etc.
11. Observe patient confidentiality and work within the Data Protection Act.
12. Adhere to hygiene and clothing requirements of individual work areas (e.g., removal of jewellery, wearing protective clothing, hats, facemasks if necessary, gloves, gowns and overshoes).
13. Perform other appropriate duties as requested by CTASU management.
Liaises with
Other rotational CTASU staff, consultants, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, radiographers, technicians, physicists, managers and other health care professionals as necessary for efficient performance of the duties. Also occasionally liaises with support staff from within the Trust and staff from other trusts, engineers and representatives.
**This advert closes on Wednesday 21 Jan 2026**.
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