Job reference: 263973
Salary: Band 5 (£34,544 - £43,039)
Job closing date: 17/11/2026
Location: Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh/Western General Hospital
Employment type: Permanent
Hours Per Week: 36
Employer (NHS Board): NHS Lothian
Department: Pharmacy

Job Advert
NHS Lothian Pharmacy & Medicines Service
Pharmacy Technician – Higher Level
Clinical Trials
Western General Hospital/Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
2 x Band 5 | 1.0 WTE (36 Hours)
£34,544 - £43,039 per annum
(includes weekend and public holiday working)

Are you ready to take on your next big challenge?

Step into the world of Clinical Trials and be part of something extraordinary. This is your chance to help deliver cutting-edge, life-changing therapies that are shaping the future of medicine. Join us on the front line of innovation where every day brings new discoveries, and your work truly makes a difference.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of medicine through research, contributing to the delivery of NHS Lothian's ambitious clinical trials portfolio across a wide range of specialties. You'll play a pivotal role in the delivery of clinical trials including advanced therapies and emerging innovative treatments, aligned with NHS Lothian's pharmacy and research strategies.

About the Role
NHS Lothian Pharmacy Clinical Trials Team plays a vital role in delivering around 200 clinical trials across multiple sites, covering a broad spectrum of clinical specialties.

We're looking for motivated and enthusiastic pharmacy technicians to join our team who are keen to develop specialist knowledge and skills within clinical trials. You will work closely with specialist pharmacy technicians, pharmacists, research nurses, investigators and study sponsors, supporting all aspects of clinical trial IMP management, trial set up and ensuring compliance with study protocols and regulatory requirements.

The role of the band 5 pharmacy technician will expand to support trial set up, amendment assessment of technical aspects of the trials, reviewing and updating in-house documents as well as having time to be proactive on income reclamation steps. Working collaboratively with the aseptic teams will ensure timely worksheet development for novel drugs.

There are two posts available:

• Post 1: based at the Western General Hospital for the delivery of the cancer trial portfolio
• Post 2: based at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for the delivery of the non-cancer portfolio

Why Join Us?

• This a fantastic opportunity to join our forward-thinking and innovative team, dedicated to modernising pharmacy services and expanding the roles of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and support staff in delivering high-quality clinical trials.
• You will play a key role in supporting services that improve patient access to clinical trials and enhance how we deliver care. Your work will give you exposure to a wide range of new drugs from different clinical specialties.
• Join a dynamic organisation that values innovation, research, and excellence in healthcare delivery.

About You
Essential Qualifications and Competencies

• National Certification in Pharmaceutical Sciences or equivalent.
• SVQ Level III qualification in pharmacy sciences or equivalent.
• Candidates should hold a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Pharmacy Services Development and Management. However, applicants who do not possess this qualification but can demonstrate equivalent professional experience may also be considered. In such cases, a completed Mapping Assessment Form and a supporting Portfolio of Evidence must be submitted as part of the application process. Applicants who are shortlisted will receive detailed guidance, including instructions and timelines, for completing and submitting this documentation.
• HN Unit: Procedures for Pharmacy Dispensary Checking Technicians or Accuracy Checking Pharmacy Technician Award (provided by Buttercups or NPA, 2019 or before).
• Registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council.
• Formal Certification in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) – to be obtained within 3 months of starting post if not already in place.

About NHS Lothian
NHS Lothian covers Edinburgh city, East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian. We are the second largest health system in NHS Scotland and one of only four teaching Boards. We have strategic partnerships with local Universities, Local Authorities and our four Integration Joint Boards. We serve a population of 900,000, providing a range of primary, community based and acute hospital services.

We foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional development, making NHS Lothian an exciting place to work and grow your career.

Ready to Take the Next Step?
For further information on what is included in the role and the skills/experience we're looking for, please refer to the job description and person specification. We warmly encourage you to get in touch with the hiring manager. This is a great chance to have an informal discussion, ask questions, and explore how this role aligns with your career goals.

Reach out to:

• Jacqueline Waters, Pharmacy Technician Team Manager, Clinical Trials – jacqueline.waters@nhs.scot – 0131 537 1208 or 0131 242 2916
• Angie Crawford, Pharmacy Technician Team Lead, Clinical Trials (non-cancer portfolio) – angie.crawford@nhs.scot – 0131 242 2916
• Lucy Clarke, Pharmacy Technician Team Lead, Clinical Trials (cancer portfolio) – lucy.clarke@nhs.scot – 0131 242 2916

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To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. We will fully support disabled candidates, and candidates with long-term conditions or who are neurodivergent by making reasonable adjustments.

This post requires the post holder to have a PVG Scheme membership/record. If the post holder is not a current PVG member for the required regulatory group then an application will need to be made to Disclosure Scotland and deemed satisfactory before they can begin in post.