Job summary
Are you interested in science, healthcare and medicines? East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust is offering an exciting opportunity to join our Pharmacy Manufacturing Unit as a Trainee Science and Manufacturing Technician while undertaking a fully supported Level 3 Science and Manufacturing Technician (SMT) qualification. This two-year apprenticeship-style role combines practical workplace experience with specialist training, allowing you to develop the knowledge and skills required to become a registered SMT. You will work alongside experienced pharmacy professionals in a highly specialised environment, supporting the preparation and supply of chemotherapy and other medicines used to treat patients across the Trust. See Job description for Key responsibilities. We are looking for motivated individuals with GCSEs (or equivalent) in English, Mathematics and Science, strong attention to detail, excellent organisational skills, and a commitment to learning. Pharmacy experience is desirable but not essential.

Please note salary: Year 1 is 70% of top of band 4 and year 2 is 75% of top of band 4

At the heart of everything we do are our core values: Include, Respect, and Improve. We encourage you to embrace these values throughout the recruitment process and in your role with us.

Main duties of the job
This is an excellent opportunity to start a rewarding career in NHS pharmacy manufacturing, contributing directly to patient care while gaining a recognised professional qualification within a supportive and innovative teaching NHS Trust.

Requirement to attend study days weekly. Successful completion of the qualification will enable you to be registered as a Science Manufacturing Technician. You will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs A*-C (or equivalent 9-5) grade which must include Maths, English, Chemistry and Biology (double science accepted).

• To assist with the provision of pharmaceutical services to the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust.
• To undertake the Science and Manufacturing Technician Level 3 qualification to become a qualified registered Science and Manufacturing Technician ensuring all course deadlines are met.
• To participate in providing a comprehensive pharmacy service whilst following a structured training programme.
• To work with pharmacists and technicians to ensure patients treated within Lister Macmillan Cancer Centre (LMCC) receive the best possible drug treatment, delivered safely and with a good patient experience.
• To utilise isolator technology and clean room facilities to safely prepare and label chemotherapy medicines/ extemporaneous medicines for human use.
• Act as an in-process checked (require accreditation)
• Dispense individual chemotherapy doses using "batch" product.

About us
At East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, we are proud of the range of general & specialist services we provide & our 6,000 or so dedicated staff ensure our patients get the best care. Our ability to be flexible & innovative in the way in which we work and deliver our services to our catchment has never been more important than it is now.

We run the following hospitals:

• The Lister Hospital, Stevenage
• New Queen Elizabeth II (New QEII), Welwyn Garden City
• Hertford County, Hertford
• Mount Vernon Cancer Centre (MVCC), Northwood

We have ambitious plans to become an outstanding, patient-led Trust where dedicated staff provide high-quality, compassionate care to our patients. We continue to undergo significant transformation; our staff & patients are at the heart of delivering this ambitious agenda.

We understand that finding and starting a new job is an important life decision. If you need reasonable adjustments for a disability, or a life event, such as menopause - so that we can consider your application fairly & to get the best out of you during the selection process, please let us know.

We are committed to a positive work life balance for our employees. Employees are entitled to seek to work flexible working patterns & we are committed to listen and consider all requests. Such requests, of course, have to be made & considered formally, & will need to be balanced against service needs, but our starting point will always be to find ways to support making them happen.

Details
Date posted: 30 October 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 4
Salary: £28,392 to £31,157 a year per annum
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 2 years
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 361-8241956-C
Closing date: 13 November 2026

Person Specification
Qualifications/Training

• Essential: 5 GCSEs/or equivalent at grade A* - C or 9-5 (must include Mathematics, English Language and Science)
• Essential: Ability to complete the Science and Manufacturing Technician qualification in the 2 year timeframe
• Desirable: NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services or equivalent
• Desirable: A Levels or equivalent

Previous Experience

• Essential: Teamwork
• Desirable: Pharmacy experience (hospital or community)
• Desirable: Experience of training others
• Desirable: Customer service

Other Requirements

• Essential: Understanding of, and commitment to, equality, diversity and inclusion
• Essential: Role model our Trust values every day
• Essential: Commitment to study outside of working hours
• Essential: Physically able to carry out isolator manipulations

Knowledge

• Essential: Awareness of Science and Manufacturing Technician job role
• Essential: IT skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel

Skills

• Essential: Accurate
• Essential: Able to use initiative; proactive and self motivated
• Essential: Good time management
• Essential: Able to perform under pressure

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.

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Pharmacy Technician Specialist Technical Services, Edward Foster, edward.foster1@nhs.net, 01438285394