Pharmacist, Research Operations

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Inc.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 124,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA seeks a Research Operations Pharmacist II to oversee preparation, compounding, and dispensing of investigational medications in a high-stakes oncology research setting.

The role emphasizes compliance with clinical trial protocols, safety reporting, and collaboration with care teams to ensure timely, accurate dispensing of investigational products in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• Pharmacy degree (PharmD or BS in Pharmacy) from an accredited college.
• Minimum 2 years in hospital or retail/specialty pharmacy with at least 1 year in oncology or clinical trials.
• Massachusetts pharmacist license.

Responsibilities

• Oversee preparation, compounding and dispensing of investigational pharmaceuticals including sterile products and hazardous drugs.
• Ensure compliance with protocols, safety reporting, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain investigational drug inventory, cycle counts, and documentation.

Skills

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Training new staff

Safety in high-volume setting

Education

Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy or Doctor of Pharmacy

Job description

The Research Operations Pharmacist II is responsible for the oversight of the preparation, compounding, and dispensing of investigational pharmaceuticals. Research Operations Pharmacist II is responsible for the safe and efficient dispensing of medications according to the laws and regulations governing pharmacists and the practice of pharmacy.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physicians/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Practices as a pharmacist in accordance with all federal, state, DFCI, DF/HCC, and Joint Commission policies, regulations, and standards.
• Appropriately prepares and dispenses pharmaceuticals, including non-sterile and sterile products, investigational medications, hazardous drugs, biologics, and controlled substance medications clarifying order appropriateness with other health care providers when necessary.
• Ensure that investigational products are being prepared according to the established protocol and in consideration of patient parameters from the set-up of the trial from an operational perspective to the review of the final dispense.
• Documents and reports clinical interventions in the safety system; detects and reports safety concerns accurately, in a timely manner, and per policy.
• Participates in investigational drug inventory management and investigational drug accountability (e.g., drug procurement, expiration date updates, cycle counts, drug destruction, receipt verification of investigational products, compounding records, etc.).
• Effectively communicates with other members of the pharmacy, the patient, or care team to provide timely updates on status and order prioritization patient delays, issues, or concerns.
• Operates pharmacy-specific equipment and troubleshoots errors.
• Responsible for proactive process management.
• Participates in the interviewing, onboarding, and training of new staff members.
• May participate in assigned Institute multidisciplinary committees and clinic conferences as assigned.
• May participate in the creation of continuing education content as assigned.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to effectively work and communicate with other pharmacy team members, patients, providers, and other institutions.
• Proficient in the use of all technology, references, workflows, safety reporting and protocol documentation required to perform primary job functions.
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, work independently to meet deadlines, and adapt to changes in high-volume situations; accepts additional responsibilities based on the changing needs of the work setting.
• Ability to train and orient new pharmacy technicians and pharmacists.

Minimum Job Qualifications

All Pharmacists require a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy or Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an accredited college of Pharmacy. 2 years of experience in hospital pharmacy or retail/specialty pharmacy experience with a minimum of 1 year of oncology or clinical trial experience required.

License/Certification/Registration Required

Must be licensed to practice pharmacy in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Supervisory Responsibilities

No

Patient Contact

No

Special Working Conditions

Routine, direct exposure to chemotherapeutic agents, biologic agents, investigational agents, gene therapy, potentially dangerous and flammable chemicals. Potential for sticks or cuts by needles and other sharp items. Potential for exposure to infectious patients and/or materials. Rotating shifts required (currently not weekends/evenings).

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

EEO Poster

Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

$124,000.00 - $159,800.00