Senior Assistant Technical Officer - Aseptic Services

NHS; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in Birmingham seeks a motivated Senior Assistant Technical Officer to join their Pharmacy Department team. Collaborating closely in a clean room environment, you will be responsible for preparing chemotherapy medication and maintaining aseptic standards. Previous pharmacy experience is a plus, but extensive training is provided. The position offers a permanent contract with a salary range from £24,937 to £26,598 per year, working full-time with flexible patterns.

Qualifications

• GCSE in Maths and Science.
• NVQ2 in Pharmaceutical Science or willingness to work toward it.
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development.

Responsibilities

• Becoming a competent cleanroom operator through in-house training.
• Maintaining the aseptic unit and equipment to required standards.
• Setting up work trays and coordinating deliveries of treatments.

Skills

Attention to detail

Manual dexterity

Teamwork

Education

GCSE in Maths and Science

NVQ2 in Pharmaceutical Science

Job description

Job Summary

Due to the expanding needs of the service we are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated person with good manual dexterity and attention to detail to join our Technical Services Team as a Senior Assistant Technical Officer (SATO) in the Aseptic Unit within the Pharmacy Department at Sandwell Hospital. Working closely within a small team you will primarily act as a clean room operator preparing chemotherapy medication for our patients.

Previous experience working within a regulated environment, in Pharmacy cleanrooms or laboratories is desirable, but as all training will be given in‑house, it is not essential.

If you are enthusiastic about pharmacy, able to work as part of a busy team and follow procedures, we look forward to hearing from you.

Main Duties

The successful applicant will undertake in‑house training to become a competent cleanroom operator and to undertake a wide range of other day‑to‑day activities in the aseptic unit. In‑house specialist training in GMP principles will be provided. Other duties include cleaning and maintaining the aseptic unit and its associated equipment to required standards, setting up work trays and liaising with other departments/wards to co‑ordinate timely supply and delivery of treatments. You will participate in weekend and bank holiday rotas as required.

Applicants should ideally hold an NVQ Level 2 Dispensary Assistant qualification, a Community Pharmacy Dispensing qualification or be willing to work toward achieving this.

Qualifications – Essential

• GCSE in Maths and Science
• NVQ2 in Pharmaceutical Science or willingness to work toward it
• Evidence of CPD

Qualifications – Desirable

• Lloyds dispensing certificate
• Boots dispensing certificate

Experience – Essential

• Working knowledge of a broad range of medicines and their safety issues
• Experience of working within a pharmaceutical team
• Ability to handle safely and competently pharmaceutical equipment and medicines used in the dispensing process
• Experience of working as an ATO
• Responsible for complying with your agreed personal development programme to meet set knowledge and competencies
• Understanding of clinical governance and its implications for service, including quality and audit
• Experience of data input with regard to invoice/credit note information
• Experience of efficient filing systems
• Experience of stores/warehouse duties

Experience – Desirable

• Self‑motivated, able to work within a team
• Follows procedures
• Experience of reception duties
• Experience of working as an ATO in an Aseptic Unit
• Experience of working in a hospital setting

Aseptic Experience – Desirable

• Previous experience of working in an Aseptic Unit or laboratory‑based employment

Job Details

Date posted: 06 November 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for Change

Band: 3

Salary: £24,937 to £26,598 per year

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full‑time, Flexible working

Reference number: 381‑CO‑7505593

Job locations: SWB NHS Trust, Hallam Street, Birmingham, B71 4HJ

Contact to Apply

For more information, please read the linked documents or contact Denise Turner (Lead Pharmacy Technician, Aseptics) at [e-mail] or Leanne Betham (Senior Pharmacy Technician, ChemoCare/Aseptics) at [e-mail].

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires submission of a Disclosure and Barring Service check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer Details

Employer name: Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust

Address: SWB NHS Trust, Hallam Street, Birmingham, B71 4HJ

Website: https://www.swbh.nhs.uk/