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.
Details
Date posted
07 November 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 4
Salary
27,485 to 30,162 a year 27,485 - 30,162 Per Annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
216-AM-C7543380
Job locations
Derriford Hospital Plymouth, Pharmacy Dept, Level 5
Derriford
Plymouth
PL6 8DH
Job description
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. Job description
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
Essential

• 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

Desirable

• oProven knowledge of analytical techniques and equipment.
• oAttendance on Leeds aseptic preparation and dispensing of medicines course (or equivalent). Training can be provided.

Qualifications
Essential

• 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.

Desirable

• 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
Essential

• 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.

Desirable

• oAbility to motivate others

Disposition, attitude and motivation
Essential

• 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
Essential

• 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.

Person Specification
Knowledge and experience
Essential

• 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

Desirable

• oProven knowledge of analytical techniques and equipment.
• oAttendance on Leeds aseptic preparation and dispensing of medicines course (or equivalent). Training can be provided.

Qualifications
Essential

• 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.

Desirable

• 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
Essential

• 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.

Desirable

• oAbility to motivate others

Disposition, attitude and motivation
Essential

• 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
Essential

• 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.

Skills Required