Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for anenthusiastic and motivated band 4/5 pharmacy technicians to work as part of our pharmacy clinical trials team here at University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust. Experience and knowledge of ICH good clinical practice and being a current holder of ACPT accreditation would be an advantage but is not essential. 
These permanent posts require specialist training in GCP and IMP management. You will work as a Senior Technician in Clinical Trials Pharmacy and must be committed to providing the highest quality of research and care for patients in all specialities. 

You will be responsible in setting up trials, ensuring that trials run smoothly; this will include accurate record keeping and drug accountability of clinical trials, reviewing protocol specific guidelines and liaising within a multi-disciplinary team. 

You will need to be able to multitask, possess excellent communication skills, meet tight deadlines and thrive in a busy office.

Main duties of the job

Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. We highly recommend you review this document and use it when completing your application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting. 

For an overview of the main duties of the role please see the ‘Job Description and Main Responsibilities’ section below. To understand the day-to-day responsibilities in more detail please read the full job description document attached. 

Working for our organisation

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care. 

All non-clinical roles may involve a mixture of on site and remote working, Specific details and flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Your Responsibilities

What you’ll do
•    Support dispensing of clinical trials prescriptions
•    Once ACPT qualified; support checking of clinical trials prescriptions
•    Setup of assigned clinical trial studies
•    Follow site procedure accurately of set up accurately and promptly
•    Liaise with Clinical Research Associate/Organisation (CRA/CRO) to fulfil workflow tasks need for each assigned study in set up
•    Following up in a timely manner on all queries with Clinical Research Associate/Organisation (CRA/CRO)
•    Efficient production of study site file documentation

What we’re looking for
 
    A strong team player.
    Friendly and approachable manner.
    Polite, sympathetic, patient and diplomatic
    Proven ability to work to deadlines, prioritise and multi-task Able to learn and assimilate complex information quickly. 

Person specification

Trust values

Essential criteria

• Patient First
• Always Improving
• Working Together

Qualifications / training required

Essential criteria

• • Registered pharmacy technician in UK by GPhC or working towards qualifications suitable for registration as a pharmacy technician with the GPhC within the next six months
• Numerate and literate e.g. GCSE in Maths and English A* to C or equivalent or IELTS test score 7 as required by GPhC if overseas candidate

Desirable criteria

• Additional pharmacy qualifications e.g. Completed APTUK Foundation Framework
• Management training
• Practice supervisor or TAQA
• Medicines Management qualification
• PIPC
• ACPT

Previous or relevant experience necessary

Essential criteria

• Accurate dispensing of medicines (in hospital or community pharmacy or aseptics)
• Dealing with customers and / or patients
• Maintaining continuous professional development requirements or training portfolio

Desirable criteria

• Hospital pharmacy experience
• Stock control / ordering experience
• Providing a ward-based medicines management service
• Aseptic pharmacy experience
• Clinical trials or research experience
• Experience of using JAC or similar pharmacy based computer systems

Aptitudes and skills required

Essential criteria

• Communicate accurately and effectively in English with others both in speaking and in writing Application and interview x
• Attention to detail and accurate in work e.g. dispensing, calculations
• Able to use a range information technology programmes effectively
• Demonstrate times when able to work effectively under pressure
• Able to use initiative, but know their own limitations and professional boundaries Application and interview X
• Tactful and show empathy
• Demonstrates being able to organise their and others workload and prioritise effectively
• Effectively work as part of a team

Desirable criteria

• Experience of supervision of staff or trainees
• Participation in team meetings

Please be advised that this vacancy may close earlier than stated if large numbers of applications are received.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to acknowledge receipt of your application. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date of this post, please presume that you have not been selected for interview.

Applicants from University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust whose posts are considered to be ‘At Risk’ will be given prior consideration for this post

Our Trust runs the return to practice course each year for nurses who have been out of the profession and wish to return. To find out more please visit our website:

http://www.uhs.nhs.uk/WorkingHere/Typesofjob/Nurses/Returntonursing.aspx

http://www.discoversouthampton.co.uk/   Information on Southampton as a place to live and enjoy

https://www.uhs-vle.co.uk/   See what fantastic training and development we have on offer at UHS

http://www.youtube.com/user/SouthamptonHospitals learn about the Trust through visiting our YouTube channel 

Getting to Work

Application can be made for parking on site at UHS or through one of the park and ride schemes. This will be based on specific criteria to determine eligibility for site parking as this can be very limited.  UHS encourages staff to utilise other green methods of getting to work such as cycling or walking where possible. UHS is well connected through bus services to the city centre and other areas.

Please note that we will not accept any applications or queries via agencies, under any circumstances.

Our staff are positive about working at UHS and rate us above average compared to other NHS Trusts in the Staff Attitude Survey. We are rated strongly on a number of areas including teamwork, communication and engagement.

Equality remains at the centre of all Trust policy making, service delivery and employment practice with all employees being given equality of opportunity to develop, apply for promotion and have working arrangements that enable them to achieve a manageable work-life balance.

The Trust actively promotes a work environment free from harassment and discrimination and provides training for managers and staff to ensure this happens. The Trust also closely monitors recruitment activity, training and development and employment practices to ensure equality of practice with regard to race, colour, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital status and age.

As a service provider the Trust ensures equality of access and delivery of our services through the provision of interpreter services, facilities for the disabled and sensitivity for patients ethnic and religious differences and needs.

Relocating to Southampton

If you are thinking of moving to the Hampshire area, please find below a link to our website which offers guidance on finding accommodation:

http://www.uhs.nhs.uk/relocating-to-southampton

The Trust is under a duty to protect the public funds it administers, and to this end may use the information you have provided on this form for the prevention and detection of fraud. It may also share this information with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds for these purposes.