Specialist Technical Officer

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

Job summary

A prominent healthcare provider in Plymouth is looking for a Specialist Technical Officer to join their pharmacy aseptic services team. This role involves aseptic preparation of injectable pharmaceuticals and supervising other staff to ensure compliance with clinical guidelines. Applicants should have a NVQ Level 3 in pharmacy services and experience in aseptic preparation. Flexible working options are available.

Benefits

Opportunities for career development

Support for flexible working

Qualifications

• Proven knowledge of aseptic preparation regulations.
• Experience in working with isolator technology and laminar flow cabinets.
• Attendance on appropriate aseptic preparation courses.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and prioritize cancer chemotherapy and injectable medicines.
• Supervise aseptically prepared injectable medicines.
• Follow standard operating procedures to ensure product safety.

Skills

Aseptic Preparation

Supervision skills

Good written and verbal communication

Education

NVQ Level 3 in pharmacy services

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

We are excited to seek a Specialist Technical Officer to join our pharmacy aseptic services team at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. If you are enthusiastic, motivated and dynamic we want to hear from you!

You will undertake all technical duties required for the preparation of manufactured injectable pharmaceuticals within the pharmacy aseptic unit, with a particular focus on supporting our growing portfolio of clinical trial studies.

This role requires you to work closely with the pharmacy departments well-established and dedicated clinical trials team to facilitate the set up, maintenance, preparation and delivery of investigational medicinal products (IMPs) for a range of phase 1 to phase 4 studies.

This is a unique and exciting opportunity to join our team as we are a designated "pathfinder" site and in the near future we will be moving to a purpose built, off-site aseptic facility which will significantly expand our capacity.

Please note that sponsorship is not available for this position.

Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS at Risk staff throughout Devon who is able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.

Main duties of the job

To undertake technical duties in the preparation of systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) and injectable clinical trials within the Pharmacy Aseptic Unit ensuring all products are prepared following quality guidelines to ensure patients receive products that are safe to use.

Ensure compliance with current national legislation, the International Conference of Harmonisation Good Clinical Practice (ICH GCP) guidance and the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research (2023) in the conduct of clinical research.

To supervise the work of Assistant Technical Officers, Senior Assistant Technical Officers, rotational technicians and students in conjunction with the Senior Specialist Technicians.

To assist with the environmental monitoring of the aseptic unit and associated activities

About us

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Job responsibilities

Aseptic Preparation

To prepare and prioritise cancer chemotherapy and other medicines for injection, using aseptic technique in laminar airflow cabinets or isolator technology, providing all necessary in-process checks, within the clean room environment, isolated from direct supervision.

To work unsupervised, if necessary, in the preparation of cancer chemotherapy and other medicines for injection.

To supervise the preparation of aseptically prepared injectable medicines and to complete the cleanroom supervision in pharmacy technical services accreditation provided by pharmacy workforce development southwest.

To prepare cancer chemotherapy for intrathecal use according to Department of Health guidelines, local Trust policy and departmental procedures.

To complete the initial check of cytotoxic and non-cytotoxic injectables, completing the in-house competency assessment and the pharmacy workforce development southwest accredited pre and in process checking accuracy accreditation.

To follow carefully all standard operating procedures to ensure all products are made safely and efficiently in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice Guidelines.

To complete any environmental monitoring or operator validation tests and to assist in the planning of new and on-going validations of colleagues.

For further details please see attached JD&PS.

Person Specification

Knowledge and experience

• oGood working proven knowledge of current legislation, department of health guidelines and Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency regulations concerning aseptic preparation and manufacture.
• oPrevious demonstrable experience in aseptic preparation
• oDemonstrable practical experience Of Isolator Technology and Laminar Flow cabinets
• oProven understanding of COSHH
• oBasic proven knowledge of Good Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Practice and Good Laboratory Practice
• oProven knowledge of analytical techniques and equipment.
• oAttendance on Leeds aseptic preparation and dispensing of medicines course (or equivalent). Training can be provided.

Qualifications

• Proven NVQ Level 3 in pharmacy services aseptic elements or equivalent e.g. Science Manufacturing Technician or equivalent demonstrable experience.
• In house competency assessments in areas of specialist work for the assembly, preparation of documentation and preparation of all products.
• oProven knowledge of Microsoft programmes e.g. word / excel.
• oIn house / southwest accreditations for pre and in process checking. Training can be provided.

Aptitude and abilities

• Good written and verbal communication skills with ability to demonstrate fluency, clarity and effectiveness.
• Good training skills
• Ability to work as an individual or part of a team
• Mathematical ability
• Ability to manage own time effectively to meet deadlines
• Ability to motivate self
• oAbility to supervise other staff.
• oAbility to motivate others

Disposition, attitude and motivation

• Ability to use own initiative and take personal responsibility.
• Honest and reliable.
• Willingness to adapt to change.
• Willingness to co-operate and get on well with others.
• Ability to cope within a busy environment

Other factors

• Commitment to participate in the on-call emergency duty rota, assisting the pharmacist.
• Ability to work late nights if required and bank holidays on rota.
• Willingness to adapt to special requirements ie handling of cytotoxic drugs.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

216-AM-C7543380

Job locations