Job summary
Are you interested in developing a specialist technical career in pharmacy aseptic services?

We are looking for motivated, enthusiastic individuals with excellent attention to detail to join our team.

This is a Band 3 to Band 4 progression post - you do not need to be a Pharmacy Technician to apply. Full training will be provided.

You will support the preparation and supply of medicines, including chemotherapy, biological medicines & clinical trial treatments.

Working in our cleanroom and isolator environment, you will develop skills in aseptic preparation, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), quality systems, stock management & other technical activities.

You will complete the Science Manufacturing Technician (SMT) qualification alongside the Trust's aseptic training and competency programme.

Successful completion of the SMT qualification and required Band 4 competencies will lead to progression to Band 4, based on achievement of the development pathway.

At Band 4 you will undertake a wider range of specialist technical activities with greater autonomy and support the training of less experienced staff.

You should be accurate, organised, practical, committed to learning and able to follow detailed procedures, work effectively in a team and maintain high standards of quality and patient safety.

Relevant experience is advantageous, but applicants with the aptitude and commitment to develop are encouraged to apply.

Main duties of the job
The post holder will be a key member of the Pharmacy Aseptic Services team, supporting the safe, effective and timely preparation and supply of aseptically prepared medicines for patients across the Trust.

The post holder will undertake a range of specialist technical activities associated with aseptic preparation, including the assembly, preparation, in-process checking and supply of aseptically prepared medicines, in accordance with their training and demonstrated competence.

The role will support the preparation of a range of products, which may include cytotoxic medicines, monoclonal antibodies, clinical trial medicines and other aseptically prepared products.

The post holder will work in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), the Trust's Pharmaceutical Quality System (PQS), approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), relevant national guidance and local policies and contribute to maintaining the aseptic unit in a state of readiness for internal and external audit and inspection.

The post holder will also support the training, supervision and competency development of less experienced staff and trainees working within Aseptic Services.

About us
The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest District General Hospitals in the country. The hospital achieved Foundation Trust status on 1st June 2006. It was the first Foundation Trust in the South-Central Strategic Health Authority. The Trust has a successful record of delivering high quality acute medical and surgical services for 500,000 patients across West Berkshire, an area extending from Newbury in the west to Henley-on-Thames in the east and including Wokingham and parts of Hampshire to the south and parts of Oxfordshire to the north. The Trust is Reading's biggest employer.

We put our patients at the heart of every element of health and care that we provide. The Trust works together as a community to deliver its vision "Working together to provide outstanding care for our community."

We are Compassionate in our thoughts, words, and actions.

We are Aspirational and have a true desire to be dynamic and to innovate.

We are Resourceful and responsible in the way we work and live.

We are Excellent in our development, fairness and sharing best practice.

The Pharmacy Department is a friendly and progressive team, committed to supporting professional development. The department consists of approximately 120 members of staff and includes Pharmacists, Technicians, Assistants and Admin staff from almost 40 different nationalities.

Amazing things happen at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust delivered by amazing people so why don't you come and join us?

Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details of the job role.

Person Specification
Education, Qualifications & Training
Essential

• GCSE (or equivalent) English and Mathematics
• Level 2 BTEC (Pharmacy Service Skills or Unit 7 - Principles of Safe Preparation and Manufacturing of Medicines and Medicinal Products)
• BTEC in Pharmaceutical Sciences or NVQ level 3 in Pharmacy Services or Science Manufacturing Technician or willingness to complete
• Willingness and ability to undertake the Trust's Aseptic Services competency and validation programme
• Understanding of the principles of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and their application

Desirable

• GCSEs (or equivalent) at Grade 4/C or above in English Language, Mathematics and two Science subjects
• Practice Supervisor, workplace assessor or equivalent training/assessment qualification
• Pre- and In-Process Checking (PIPC) accreditation or equivalent, or willingness to undertake
• Current registration with the Science Council as a Registered Science Technician
• ILM L3 in Leadership and management or equivalent qualification in management

Experience
Essential

• Relevant experience within a GMP / aseptic facility or work as a Band 3 pharmacy assistant or Relevant experience working in a Radiopharmacy (involving the handling of radioactive materials)

Desirable

• Experience of aseptic manufacturing operation for preparation of aseptic products
• Experience of using aseptic quality management software
• Experience of handling cytotoxic materials

Skills, knowledge & abilities
Essential

• Good awareness of manufacturing/aseptic preparation practice
• Demonstrated knowledge of COSHH and Health and Safety at work
• Knowledge of chemotherapy and safe handling requirements of cytotoxic drugs
• Able to work to Standard Operating Procedures
• Ability to use initiative and work independently
• Good organisational and time management skills
• Interest and aptitude for technical processes
• Demonstrates the ability to complete documentation accurately with attention to detail
• Demonstrates the ability to work under pressure and within agreed deadlines
• Is able to undertake the aseptic preparation of medicines in the unit, involving repetitive manual dexterity and concentration
• Ability to perform simple mathematical calculations
• ICT literate and able to use Microsoft office e.g., Microsoft Excel and word

Desirable

• Excellent aseptic technique and clean room behaviour
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice in relation to clinical trial activities
• Ability to teach and coach staff

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.