Job overview
University Hospitals Sussex greatly values their oncology pharmacy team and over the years it has continued to grow in strength and numbers. We are now pleased to offer an exciting new post for a Specialist Oncology Pharmacist. You will join a well established team of Oncology Pharmacists as well as a newly appointed Consultant Oncology Pharmacist. It is an exciting time for our oncology pharmacy service, where we are looking to grow our pharmacy prescribing team and offer even more patient facing services. You will have the opportunity to work within all areas of oncology pharmacy whilst also utilising your prescribing and consultation skills within specific tumour sites. You will be an integral part of the oncology service, working alongside the medical and nursing teams. We are looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic pharmacist who wants to be at the forefront of developing our oncology service. If you are looking to take the next steps in your career and develop your knowledge and skills, this could be the role for you. We welcome applications from currently registered pharmacists with a post graduate qualification and experience at a specialist level. Call and have a chat or even better come and see us if convenient.
Main duties of the job
·Will provide an expert level of clinical pharmacy services to the Sussex Cancer Centre, Haematology Day Unit, the Princess Royal Hospital Oncology Unit, inpatient oncology and haematology wards and Palliative Care services.
·Is a lead clinical pharmacy practitioner for adult cancer services responsible for the delivery, development, evaluation and co-ordination of clinical pharmacy services in line with the objectives of the division and the UHS pharmacy strategy
·Is responsible to the Sussex Cancer Centre, Haematology Day Unit, Princess Royal Hospital Oncology Unit and inpatient oncology and haematology wards for all aspects of medicines management to optimise patient’s care involving the use of medication.
·Is the lead clinical pharmacy practitioner for all clinical pharmacy aspects of clinical governance within the adult cancer services including clinical risk, clinical audit and education and teaching
·To work as a non-medical prescriber to deliver a broad service to the cancer directorate. This will include the undertaking of patient facing oncology clinics, providing prescribing support to the oncology service and supporting the out-patient/in -patient cancer units.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & 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, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria.
1. Build effective working relationships with clinical, managerial, and pharmacy teams across oncology and the wider health economy.
2. Provide and communicate highly complex and sensitive medicines and therapeutic information to multidisciplinary teams to optimise patient care.
3. Present complex information and recommendations to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
4. Manage contentious or politically sensitive issues with professionalism and sound judgement.
5. Act as an ambassador for the Trust, promoting collaboration and maintaining key professional networks at local and national levels.
Service Delivery and Improvement
6. Lead and provide expert clinical pharmacy services within oncology, acting as a clinical role model.
7. Independently manage oncology patients through prescribing, monitoring, and counselling on systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT).
8. Ensure safe, effective, and cost-efficient use of medicines in line with legislation, policies, and best practice.
9. Contribute to developing and implementing business cases, policies, and service improvements across oncology pharmacy.
10. Monitor and influence prescribing practices and implement evidence-based guidelines.
11. Participate in strategic and contingency planning and maintain up-to-date knowledge of national developments in oncology pharmacy.
12. Provide professional input into aseptic preparation and clinical trial medication services, including checking and product release as required.
13. Participate in the weekend and bank holiday pharmacy rota.
People Management and Development
14. Line manage and support pharmacists and trainees within oncology, including objective setting, supervision, and appraisal.
15. Lead on staff training, competency assessment, and professional development of pharmacy and oncology teams.
16. Promote innovation and extended roles to improve service delivery.
17. Ensure systems are in place for safe medication practices, risk management, and learning from incidents.
18. Contribute to Trust-wide pharmacy strategy, research, and development initiatives in collaboration with senior pharmacy leaders.
19. Support recruitment and workforce planning to maintain safe and effective service provision.
Leadership
20. Provide strategic leadership to advance oncology pharmacy services within the Trust and across the region.
21. Shape and contribute to local and national pharmacy initiatives and networks.
22. Identify and implement innovative approaches to improve patient outcomes, experience, and cost-effectiveness.
23. Inspire and motivate others, promoting best practice and professional excellence.
24. Lead delivery of the Trust’s vision for pharmaceutical care in oncology, aligned with national and organisational priorities.
Learning, Research and Development
25. Maintain up-to-date mandatory training and personal professional development.
26. Engage in research, audit, and evidence generation to inform clinical practice and contribute to publications.
27. Develop and deliver teaching for pharmacy, oncology staff, and university partners.
28. Build research partnerships with academic and professional networks to advance oncology pharmacy practice.
29. Support and supervise others undertaking research and contribute to dissemination of findings.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
30. Registered Pharmacist
Qualifications
Essential criteria
31. Independent Prescriber
Experience
Essential criteria
32. Previous experience working in cancer services
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
33. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
34. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
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