Main area Pharmacy Clinical Trial Team Grade 5 Contract Permanent Hours Part time - 30 hours per week (At The Dudley Group, we understand the benefits of offering a range of flexible working options from day one of employment to support both employees and the Trust. Offering flexible working opportunities is one of the ways that the Trust aims to attract and retain a diverse workforce. Further information on the options available can be found via the link in the job advert.) Job ref 253-0326-7755375-NR
Employer The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Russells Hall Hospital Town Dudley Salary £31,049 - £37,796 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 01/04/2026 23:59
Pharmacy Technician (Clinical Trials Dispensary and Aseptics)
5
Job overview
We are recruiting a Band 5 Pharmacy Technician to join our Clinical Trials Pharmacy team at Russells Hall Hospital, part of The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a highly specialised area of pharmacy, supporting the delivery of academic and commercial clinical trials across dispensary and aseptic services.
You will work closely with senior pharmacists, senior technicians, research nurses and the Research and Innovation Department to support the safe and timely preparation, dispensing and management of clinical trial medicines. The role involves working to GCP and GMP standards, supporting trial set-up and maintenance, and helping ensure high quality pharmacy support for research studies.
This post is ideal for an organised, motivated pharmacy technician who is interested in developing specialist skills in clinical trials, aseptics and research pharmacy.
The Dudley Group has a strong reputation for innovation, quality improvement and research delivery. You will be part of a small, friendly and supportive clinical trials pharmacy team with strong links to Research and Development and the wider multidisciplinary team.
Main duties of the job
As a Pharmacy Technician within the Clinical Trials Pharmacy team, you will play a key role in supporting the safe and efficient delivery of clinical trials across dispensary and aseptic services. Your main duties will include:
* Supporting the preparation, dispensing and management of clinical trial medicines in line with trial protocols, GCP and GMP requirements
* Assisting with the set-up, ongoing management and close-down of academic and commercial clinical trials
* Liaising closely with the Pharmacy Department, Research and Innovation (R&I) Department to support coordinated delivery of clinical trials
* Working with pharmacists, other pharmacy colleagues, research nurses, clinicians, trial coordinators and external sponsors to support trial activity
* Supporting stock management for clinical trial medicines, including ordering, receipt, storage, expiry checks and temperature monitoring
* Maintaining accurate documentation and records in line with regulatory and governance requirements
* Supporting aseptic and non-sterile preparation of clinical trial products, in accordance with local procedures and training
* Assisting with internal audits, inspections and quality assurance activities related to clinical trials
* Providing support to dispensary and preparative services to ensure timely supply of clinical trial medicines
* Supporting training and guidance for pharmacy staff in relation to clinical trials processes and compliance
Working for our organisation
At the Dudley Group our patients and staff are at the heart of all that we do and that is to provide a world class service that aligns with our vision of “excellent health care, improved health for all”. We are seeking to recruit staff who share our vision and values of making Dudley Group an incredible workplace.
As part of the NHS People Promise, your wellbeing is our priority, and we are committed to ensuring our employees achieve a healthy work-life balance supported by our flexible working options and by making reasonable adjustments where possible. We believe no-one should have to sacrifice family, friends, or their personal interests for work. We are a modern employer able to attract and retain high quality staff through our commitment to the NHS People Promise.
As an employer, we foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to contribute their best. We want to ensure that our workforce is representative of the population we serve. More information - inclusive practice people promise.
Dudley Group offer many opportunities for our staff to develop and grow within their roles through our Learning & OD Team. These include topics such as communication, wellbeing, team development, cultural competency, and values.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Job Summary
The purpose of this post is to undertake a wide range of technical duties in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures to support the delivery of pharmacy services. The post holder will support the provision of Clinical Trials across both the aseptic unit and the dispensary, in line with service needs. Occasional cover in other areas may be required. This post includes late night and weekend working on a rota basis, as the pharmacy provides a 7 day service.
The post holder will support the preparation, dispensing, monitoring and management of academic and commercial clinical trials at The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust. The role requires close working with the Pharmacy Department, Research and Innovation (R&I) Department, Research Delivery Network and multidisciplinary research teams to ensure high quality, compliant pharmacy support for clinical research.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities Clinical Trials Responsibilities
* Support and aid the preparation, dispensing, monitoring and management of academic and commercial clinical trials
* Liaise with clinical trials research teams, external trial coordinators and pharmacy staff to ensure pharmacy aspects of clinical trials are carried out in accordance with the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004, ICH Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
* Work with senior technicians and pharmacists to support service development and the education and development of pharmacy staff in clinical trials
* Facilitate pharmacy aspects of clinical trials by working with the Trust Research and Innovation Department, Research Nurses, Pharmacy Teams and commercial sponsors
* Work closely with the pharmacy clinical trials team, R&I Department and Research Delivery Network to review protocols and identify operational and financial implications of clinical trials
* Ensure clinical trials are reviewed and prioritised from a pharmacy perspective according to service need
* Ensure pharmacy procedures, trial specific documentation and computer dispensing systems are in place prior to first patient recruitment
* Participate in the set up, ongoing management and close down of clinical trials
* Prepare, update and advise staff on SOPs and trial protocols, ensuring safe and accurate dispensing and adherence to trial requirements
* Ensure safe dispensing of clinical trial medicines in accordance with protocols, GCP, GMP, European Directives and departmental procedures
* Support the dispensary with processing of clinical trial prescriptions and preparative services with manufacture of chemotherapy
* Assist with dispensing, preparation, reconstitution and recording of clinical trial products
* Support record keeping, archiving and maintenance of study documentation in line with regulatory and governance requirements
* Ensure stock checks, expiry date checks and temperature monitoring for clinical trial materials are carried out in line with procedures and audit requirements
* Order, receive and replenish clinical trial stocks in line with protocol requirements
* Support data collection for internal audits and quality monitoring
* Support risk assessments for clinical trials and elevate risks as appropriate
* Ensure the clinical trials area remains tidy, clean and professional in line with health and safety requirements
* Attend Research Network meetings and training as required
Service Delivery Responsibilities
* Support both dispensary and preparative services in line with service demand to ensure timely preparation and dispensing of clinical trials
* Provide deputation for Senior Clinical Trials Technicians during periods of service need
* Assist senior technicians with training of new staff on an ongoing basis
* Develop and coordinate links with the Trust Research and Innovation Department and Research Delivery Network
* Assist the Pharmacy Clinical Trials Team in contributing to Trust working groups in relation to clinical trial medicines
* Assist with preparation and implementation of SOPs and clinical trial documentation to ensure consistently high standards, including:
o Maintaining storage condition and expiry records
o Maintaining efficient stock control and accountability logs
o Maintaining clinical trial files and electronic and paper records
o Use of multiple clinical trial ordering systems
o Reporting stock discrepancies and ordering problems to senior staff
o Ensuring appropriate storage, stock rotation and disposal of expired stock
o Ensuring all documentation is completed accurately
Cancer and Preparative Services
* Work under the direction of senior pharmacists and technicians to ensure safe, timely and cost effective supply of products
* Prepare, monitor and check non sterile and aseptically prepared products in line with approved protocols
* Participate in and, where required, supervise aseptic preparation of products within the aseptic and cytotoxic unit, including cytotoxic products, monoclonals and intravenous additions
* Provide accredited pre and in process accuracy checking, where qualified
* Provide technical advice on time implications of manipulating and dispensing clinical trial and other drug products
* Maintain personal aseptic validation and undertake required training and reassessment
* Complete and file all relevant documentation
* Maintain stock control procedures and use computer systems to provide audit and financial information
* Assist with training of new staff and students
* Undertake team leader responsibilities within aseptic services when required
* Support internal audits and self inspection
* Support maintenance of pharmacy IT systems including creation of new items, procedures and techniques
* Ensure compliance with Trust procedures for prescribing and supply of intrathecal chemotherapy
* Advise pharmacy staff on safe storage and preparation of cytotoxic drugs
Dispensary Responsibilities
* Work under the direction of senior technicians and provide team leader duties when senior technicians are unavailable
* Dispense inpatient, outpatient and discharge medicines, including clinical trial prescriptions
* Counsel patients on medicines and refer to pharmacists for further advice where required
* Dispense controlled drugs under appropriate supervision and authorisation
* Supply stock to wards, departments, other hospitals and local authority clinics
* Provide dispensing accuracy checks as an accredited checking technician, where qualified
* Ensure prescription charges and sales are processed in line with Trust financial procedures
* Issue controlled stationery including prescriptions and requisition books
* Ensure prescriptions are accurately filed and archived
Budget Management and Audit Responsibilities
* Liaise with the Pharmacy Clinical Trials Team, R&I and Research Delivery Network to support drug reimbursement for clinical trials
* Support senior technicians and pharmacists with invoice queries and KPI data collection
* Conduct internal audits of pharmacy clinical trials
* Assist with production of activity and drug usage reports
* Identify and escalate potential cost reduction and efficiency initiatives
Training Responsibilities
* Support and participate in delivery of training for pharmacy staff related to clinical trials
* Deliver teaching sessions for staff relating to trials being opened or amended
* Review available training for pharmacy support staff
* Contribute to development of training programmes for new support staff roles
People Management and Professional Responsibilities
* Comply with all Trust policies and procedures
* Comply with the Professional Code of Ethics for Pharmacy Technicians
* Deputise for senior technicians when requested
* Comply with GPhC Standards of Conduct, Ethics and Performance and CPD requirements
Risk Management, Health and Safety
* Minimise hazards and report risks in line with Trust procedures
* Adhere to safe systems of work
* Maintain high levels of accuracy and concentration in technical activities
* Refer medicines related problems to a pharmacist as appropriate
* Follow spillage procedures and act appropriately in the event of a spillage
* Highlight issues with SOPs to pharmacy team leaders
Administrative and Clerical Responsibilities
* Order and receipt goods in line with Trust financial framework with full audit trails
* Maintain confidentiality of patient and staff information
* Maintain COSHH governed product information and ensure it is kept up to date
* Use pharmacy computer systems to ensure accurate costings and audit trails
* Maintain records in line with local SOPs
* Support induction of new starters, work experience and training staff
* Ensure documentation is filed, archived and retained in line with legal requirements
Personal Development
* Work towards an agreed personal development plan through annual appraisal
* Apply CPD principles including reflective learning and personal development planning
* Maintain professional knowledge and awareness of Trust wide issues and trends
* Provide evidence of CPD activity during annual appraisal
The post holder may be required to undertake other duties consistent with the level and responsibilities of the role. This job description may be reviewed and amended in consultation with the post holder in line with service developments.
Person specification
Qualifications
* Registered technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council
Qualifications
Experience
* Post qualification experience in hospital pharmacy.
* IT literate - use of databases, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
* Experience working in Aseptic Preparative Services
* Clinical Trials experience
* Experience with writing SOPs.
* Able to carry out stock management duties.
* Experience training other members of staff.
* Experience contributing to risk assessments and implementing risk management strategies.
* Experience liaising with commercial companies
* Experience working with other departments.
* Experience with temperature monitoring and dealing with temperature excursions.
Knowledge
* Awareness of GCP
* Awareness of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
* Commitment to own training and prepared to undertake development opportunities and life‐long learning.
* Trained in Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
* Evidence of CPD
* Pre and in process checking (PIP‑C) qualification.
Skills
* Uses initiative and is aware of own limits, demonstrates common sense.
* Ability to prioritise work load when faced with conflicting duties.
* Able to follow written procedures.
* Able to organise own work.
* Able to manage own time well.
* Able to complete tasks.
* Demonstration of goal focused team working.
* Able to work alone unsupervised and as part of a team.
* Able to cover for team leaders, within areas of specialty.
* Able to provide limited cover at short notice for team leaders within the areas of specialism.
Using AI for jobs applications:
Whilst we encourage the use of technology to help manage time and support innovation. However, it is your responsibility to ensure your application is personalised and clearly reflects your own skills and experiences. While AI can assist with drafting, it should only be used as a support tool. The content must be your own work and accurately represent your knowledge, abilities, and values. Over-reliance on AI-generated content may result in your application being rejected. A common issue arises when we receive multiple applications with identical or overly generic language.
The use of AI during assessments, including interviews, is not permitted unless it has been pre-approved as part of a reasonable adjustment. For digital interviews, you may be asked to provide a 360-degree view of your surroundings on camera and confirm that no additional devices are present. If we suspect AI is being used during an interview, we may pause the process to clarify or adjust our approach to questioning.
Caring for patients demands integrity, honesty, and accountability. We expect your application and participation to be authentic and a genuine reflection of your own experiences and values.
In line with UK Home Office rules, Band 2 clinical and non‑clinical roles, and Band 3 non‑clinical roles, are not eligible for visa sponsorship
Non‑clinical roles at Agenda for Change Bands 7–9 that meet the required skill level (RQF 6) and salary threshold are eligible for sponsorship.
The Trust will also accept applications from candidates who can evidence their existing right to work in the UK or who hold an alternative eligible visa.
RECRUITMENT EQUALITY STATEMENT
We are committed to equal opportunities and want to ensure our workforce is representative of the population we serve. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and diverse groups. It is essential we understand our demographics, in order that we can monitor our performance as an equal opportunity employer, as well as continuing to embed a culture of inclusivity across the organisation, which supports the active participation and contribution of our diverse staff groups in the Trust’s decision making processes. On application the shortlisting manager will not see this criterion and therefore it cannot be part of their decision making. Please ensure you complete your equal opportunities questions for us and help us to make sure everyone is welcome.
The Trust is committed to employing and supporting people with disabilities. It is the Trust’s policy to interview all candidates with a disability who meet the minimum ‘essential’ criteria as identified on the person specification. To ensure we know you have a disability, please inform us under the appropriate section on the application form. We welcome applications from the LGBTQ+ community and openly encourage people with different sexual orientation, gender identity and expression to apply to join our team. We promise to respect and encourage the use of all pronouns and will not purposefully mis-gender anyone.
We are governed by the public sector equality duties and by our values of Care, Respect and Responsibility to ensure we eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other behaviour that is unlawful, undermines our core values and/or falls short of our Behaviour Framework. We want all of our staff to ‘call out’ any behaviour from colleagues, patients or visitors that constitutes the above and appropriate action be taken.
We will, at every opportunity, advance equality and inclusivity for all staff, at all levels within the organisation, by removing or minimising disadvantage, encouraging participation and taking all relevant steps to meet the needs of anyone who shares a protected characteristic. We will also foster good relations between persons who share a protected characteristic by tackling prejudice and promoting understanding at every opportunity.
We have staff Networks in place to help support staff experience of diverse staff groups and inform us on the actions, interventions and support what we need to put in place to improve the working lives and daily experiences of all colleagues and all teams. Anyone can join the networks and we take pride in having Allies as part of every network within the organisation.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
Postholder Disclosure
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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