Job overview
We are delighted to offer two Pre-Registration Science Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship positions within our Pharmacy Aseptic Services team.
1. One post at St Richard’s Hospital, Chichester
2. One post at Worthing Hospital, Worthing
These roles offer a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a specialist aseptic unit, supporting the preparation and dispensing of chemotherapy treatments for day unit and ward patients.
Key Responsibilities:
Working under the supervision of experienced professionals, you will be involved in:
3. Reconstitution of cytotoxic and monoclonal antibody drugs
4. Performing pre- and in-process checks
5. Supervising pharmacy assistants
6. Preparing worksheets and labels
7. Assembling drugs and consumables
8. Conducting environmental monitoring
Essential Criteria:
9. Significant prior experience working in an aseptic unit
10. GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English
11. Must have lived in the UK for at least three years
12. Must not be currently enrolled in another qualification
Desirable:
13. NVQ Level 2 / Apprenticeship in Pharmacy Services
About the Apprenticeship:
Successful candidates will undertake the Science Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship, which includes:
14. Attending study sessions and completing distance learning
15. Engaging in 20% off-the-job training
16. Completing online assignments and preparing for the End Point Assessment (EPA)
On-the-job training will be provided to support you in developing the skills and competencies required for the role.
Main duties of the job
17. Maintain effective communication with aseptic teams across both sites, as well as with colleagues in the wider Pharmacy Department.
18. Liaise with the Quality Control team regarding environmental monitoring activities and results.
19. Communicate regularly with tutors, mentors, and administrators at West Suffolk College, as well as with external training providers, qualification assessors, and quality assurers.
20. Coordinate with nursing staff on the Day Units and Chemotherapy Ward to ensure timely delivery of treatments.
21. Engage with other Pre-Registration Science Manufacturing Technicians to share learning and best practice.
22. Undertake study supported by full-time work experience and structured practical instruction from qualified pharmacy practice supervisors at the base hospital(s).
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. 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 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and 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 and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.
Detailed Job Description
As a Pre-Registration Science Manufacturing Technician, you will be fully supervised throughout the two-year training contract and receive structured training to support the development of decision-making skills and professional behaviours. A key focus of the apprenticeship is understanding your scope of practice and limitations, while building strong technical and professional competencies.
Core Responsibilities:
23. Develop awareness of environmental monitoring action limits and the appropriate corrective measures in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and departmental policies.
24. Support cost-effective and efficient dispensing by identifying opportunities for multiple dispensing of extended treatment regimes, considering expiry dates and vial sharing protocols.
25. Assess returned cytotoxic and monoclonal medications from wards and departments for suitability for re-issue, following departmental guidelines and SOPs, including accurate documentation on the CMM system.
26. Contribute to stock wastage reduction by promoting the efficient use and reuse of cytotoxic and monoclonal drugs.
27. Liaise across sites to optimise the use of stock with short expiry dates.
28. Ensure adequate stock levels of cytotoxic and monoclonal medications are maintained, and that stock is rotated appropriately to minimise waste.
Systems and IT Competency:
29. Access and interpret patient prescriptions using Chemocare® and Aria®.
30. Generate worksheets and labels using Episys Ultimate®.
31. Use Microsoft Windows and Office applications (Word, Excel) confidently for documentation and communication.
32. Operate the CMM system for dispensing, stock checking, and ordering.
Person specification
Essential
Essential criteria
33. Maths and English GCSE A-C or 4+
34. Substantial experience working in an Aseptic Unit
Desirable criteria
35. Pharmacy Level 2 NVQ or Apprenticeship
36. Science GCSE
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
37. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
38. 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