Senior Pharmacy Technician Aseptic Services

NHS; Orpington; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare provider in Orpington is seeking a motivated Senior Pharmacy Technician to join the aseptic team. This role supports the Aseptic Services Manager, focusing on chemotherapies and related preparations, while ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices. Candidates should possess an NVQ Pharmacy Services Level 3 or equivalent, along with experience in a hospital aseptic unit. Leadership abilities and strong communication skills are essential for this position, which includes participating in rotas covering weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

• Experience in a hospital aseptic unit is essential.
• Demonstrable knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practice.
• Supervisory and training delivery experience required.

Responsibilities

• Manage a section within the Aseptic Services Department.
• Supervise the preparation of chemotherapy and related medicines.
• Encourage adherence to Aseptic Services and GMP procedures.

Skills

Team worker with good interpersonal skills

Good problem-solving abilities

Education

NVQ Pharmacy Services Level 3

BSc related to medicines for human use

Job description

Job Summary

We currently have a vacancy for a motivated Senior Pharmacy Technician to join our small aseptic team working at the Princess Royal University Hospital in Orpington, Kent.

The aseptic unit at the Princess Royal University Hospital prepares chemotherapy and monoclonal antibody doses in house and dispenses TPN bags for patients receiving treatment on site.

The post will support the Aseptic Services Manager in providing aseptic services and deputise as necessary in the management of the service, including set‑up, training staff, dispensing, and maintaining haematology and oncology trials at the PRUH site.

Applicants should be highly motivated, accurate, organised and able to prioritise work effectively, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Experience in a hospital aseptic unit is essential.

Extended‑hours rota will include weekends and bank holidays in the main pharmacy dispensary.

Main Duties

The post holder will manage a section within the Aseptic Services Department, working to Good Manufacturing Practice principles and supervising the day‑to‑day preparation of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, CIVAS, parenteral nutrition and clinical trial doses.

They will contribute to a high‑quality, patient‑focused service through training junior staff, dispensing, checking, stock management, documentation, and QA/QC activities.

Job Responsibilities

• Maintain equipment according to procedures and document all activity appropriately.
• Encourage adherence to Aseptic Services and GMP procedures.
• Accurately complete all documentation for QA, including procedures, archives and filing.
• Perform in‑process accuracy checks for other staff after competency acquisition.
• Generate worksheets and labels using the pharmacy computer system.
• Advise the Chief Technician and Deputy Director on improving work practices and documentation.
• Assist the aseptic services managers in developing new services for the Trust.
• Participate in on‑call and early‑morning rotas for trials, short‑dated aseptically produced drugs, cleaning, out‑of‑hours, weekend and bank holiday rotas.
• Work at isolators for long periods, sit or stand as required.
• Be responsible for aseptic preparation, clinical trials, or stock control services on a rotational basis, prioritising and delegating work.
• Ensure QA activities such as environmental monitoring, sterility testing, validations and media incubation are timely and recorded.
• Allocate and daily plan workload in the aseptic department section.
• Assist in recruitment and selection of technicians, cleanroom supervisors and ATOs.
• Demonstrate and teach aseptic skills to pharmacists, trainees, technicians and ATOs.
• Act as line manager for technical staff, handling disciplinary, probationary and workload allocation procedures.
• Support team wellbeing, morale and a zero‑tolerance culture for bullying and harassment.

Person Specification – Education and Qualifications (Essential)

• NVQ Pharmacy Services Level 3 plus accredited underpinning knowledge (BTEC in Pharmaceutical Sciences or equivalent) or equivalent plus Professional registration as a Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council; or
• Completion of a Science Manufacturing Technician Level 3 apprenticeship; or
• Academic qualification (at least BSc) related to medicines for human use plus substantial experience in a GMP‑compliant facility preparing/manufacturing medicines for human use.

Desirable

• Pre and In‑Process Checking Accreditation (PIPC).

Knowledge and Experience (Essential)

• Demonstrable knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practice.
• Considerable experience working in an aseptic unit and using aseptic technique.
• Supervisory and training delivery experience.
• Familiar with handling and preparing cytotoxic drugs following approved procedures.

Desirable

• Knowledge of regulations and legislation relevant to Clinical Trials.

Skills and Competencies (Essential)

• Team worker with good interpersonal and communication (written and oral) skills.
• Good problem‑solving abilities, able to work on own initiative.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer Details

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust – Princess Royal University Hospital, Orpington, BR6 8ND.

Contact

For further information please visit the Trust website.