Science Manufacturing Technician Apprentice | Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Oxford; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare institution in Oxford seeks a Science Manufacturing Technician Apprentice to provide support in aseptic dispensing within clinical trials. The role includes comprehensive training towards a Level 3 Diploma and hands-on experience in preparation of aseptic products. Ideal for BTEC 2 holders or school leavers aiming to start a healthcare career. The position calls for effective communication and attention to detail in patient services during this full-time apprenticeship.

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate effectively with a range of professionals.
• Competence in using Microsoft Office programs.
• Willingness to undertake the pharmacy BTEC 2 if not already obtained.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the day to day running of the CTASU in line with the rota.
• Ensure safe and accurate preparation of aseptic products.
• Accurately complete product worksheets and labels.

Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Computer skills

Education

BTEC 2 or equivalent

Job description

Science Manufacturing Technician Apprentice: full time band 3, with progression to band 4 once completed the apprenticeship, professional registration with the Institute of Science and Technology and internal competencies.

Introduction

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 an BTEC 2 or equivalent and are interested in working in an aseptic team preparing doses for patients, or school/college 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.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

1. Undertake a work based programme that meets the standards set in the Science and Manufacturing Apprenticeship. This will include 20% off the job training, which includes attendance at the virtual college.
2. Undertake assessment and build a portfolio of evidence of achievements against the standards set in the Science and Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship.
3. As part of the Apprenticeship complete the Level 3 Diploma in the Principles of Aseptic Pharmaceuticals Processing.
4. Have the ability to work at an isolator fully gloved and gowned.
5. Have the skills to enable effective delivery of patient services whilst maintaining a high level of accuracy.
6. Communicate effectively and accurately both verbally and in writing with a range of people at different levels both internal and external to the Trust, including Doctors, pharmacists, nursing staff and Clinical Research Associates (CRAs).
7. Be competent in the use of Microsoft office based computer programmes.

Core Role

1. To participate in the day to day running of the CTASU in line with the rota.
2. To participate in safe systems of work and documentation of these.
3. To ensure all expected prescriptions are received in CTASU, and to communicate with the clinical teams if there are any missing prescriptions.
4. To receive prescriptions into CTASU and file for the appropriate date.
5. To ensure the CTASU calendar is updated with the workload required for each day.
6. To answer telephone and answer queries regarding when doses are expected to be ready and when these will be delivered.
7. To elevate queries when appropriate.
8. To be responsible for the accurate completion of product worksheets and labels, assigning batch number to aseptically prepared products.
9. To accurately and safely label aseptically prepared products.
10. To assemble drugs and consumables required for the preparation of aseptic products, accurately recording batch numbers and expiry dates.
11. To 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. To maintain expertise, skills and necessary knowledge of the technical aspects of aseptic and non aseptic dispensing.
13. To facilitate the quality assurance of products and to notify the Senior Aseptic Services Technician of any incidents, and procedural deficiencies.
14. To be responsible for ensuring finished products are packed prior to distribution to ensure prompt and safe delivery.
15. To ensure finished products are transported in the appropriate environment taking into account any physical and legal requirements.
16. To be responsible for the unpacking and receipting of deliveries.
17. Undertake regular expiry date checking to identify expired or short dated stock.
18. To be responsible for monitoring drug stock and consumable levels and replenishing where necessary.
19. To ensure that all equipment within CTASU is in good working order and serviced regularly.
20. To participate in the clean room/isolator cleaning rota.
21. To assist with the environmental and physical monitoring of CTASU.
22. To be involved in the maintenance of departmental records including staff training, environmental monitoring, cleaning, maintenance logs and worksheets.
23. Where applicable be involved with the delivery of drugs to clinical areas.
24. To promptly report deviations from SOPs and complaints to the Accountable Pharmacist and Aseptic Services Manager or Deputy.

Regulatory

1. To undertake aseptic preparation in accordance with the GPhC code of ethics and current legislation and guidance including Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Guidance on Aseptic Dispensing for NHS Patients, Health and Safety Act, Medicines Act, Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trial) Regulations and the Human Medicines Regulations and Misuse of Drugs Act, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations and Departmental Procedures.
2. To ensure you are familiar with and adhere to CTASU, Pharmacy and Trust standard operating procedures (SOPs).
3. To ensure the disposal or recycling of medicinal products is carried out in a safe and efficient manner, in accordance with Health & Safety, COSHH regulations and Departmental Standard Operating Procedure.

Clinical Trials

1. To obtain and maintain Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training.
2. To apply principles of GCP in the management of clinical trials.
3. To work within the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trial) Regulations 2004 and EU directive relating to Clinical Trials.
4. To maintain clinical trial filing systems and drug accountability documentation for clinical trials.
5. To be involved in the invoicing, set up and close down of a clinical trial.

Teaching and Training

1. To participate in a programme of work based training, development and appraisal. The majority of this training will be completed in CTASU, however training will include short rotations into Radiopharmacy and Quality Assurance.
2. To undertake the Science and Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship, and as part of this complete the Level 3 Diploma in the Principles of Aseptic Pharmaceuticals Processing.
3. To participate in the training and induction of pre-registration students, technicians and assistants (if required).

Professional

1. To 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.
2. To carry out Continual Professional Development as required by the relevant professional body and to otherwise maintain the skills and knowledge necessary for the responsibilities of the post.
3. 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 (with working hours adjusted accordingly 07:00-15:00 or 08.00-16.00).
2. To participate in weekend, evening, bank holiday and seven day working according to rota.
3. To complete regular rotated slot in dispensary to maintain skill set, if required.
4. Producing consistently accurate work in a timely manner when under pressure.
5. To assist in the maintenance of a tidy and efficient working environment.
6. To ensure compliance with the procedures and protocols in the areas of work for with 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. Operating at frequently high concentration levels on calculating, drawing up and measuring patient doses and maintaining a high level of accuracy whilst working within narrow margins for error and within tight deadlines.
9. Daily work involves standing for long periods of time during the setting up, disinfection and preparation of products while working in the confined space of an isolator.
10. Producing consistently accurate work in a timely manner when under pressure.
11. Responsible for safely operating expensive and complex equipment, including amongst others, Grade A isolators, lasers, etc.
12. To observe patient confidentiality and to work within the requirements of the Data Protection Act.
13. To adhere to associated hygiene and clothing requirements of individual work areas. This may involve: removal of jewellery, wearing of protective clothing including hats, facemasks if necessary, gloves, gowns and overshoes.
14. To perform other appropriate duties which may be 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 the 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 29 Oct 2025.