Specialist Technical Officer

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.

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 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

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 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.

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.