NHSL 237638 (LF) Advanced Pharmacist - Clinical Trials

Advanced Pharmacist Clinical Trials

NHS Lothian Pharmacy & Medicines Service

Western General Hospital

Band 8A | Up to 0.5 WTE (18.5 Hours)

(with some weekend and public holiday working)

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

As from 1st April 2026, the Agenda for Change full-time working week will be reducing from 37 to 36 hours per week. Part time hours will be reduced pro-rata. However, there will be a corresponding increase in the hourly rate so that pay will not be affected.

Please note: we anticipate a high level of interest in this position and may close the vacancy early once a sufficient amount of applications are received. Therefore, please make sure you complete and submit your application at an early stage.

We will fully support disabled candidates, and candidates with long-term conditions or who are neurodivergent by making reasonable adjustments to our recruitment policy and practices.

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. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service. Further information on what NHS Scotland Boards are required to do to check this as well as what your responsibilities include can be found in the further information for this vacancy.

AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot can be great for planning and preparing your application—but your answers must be your own.

• Show us the real you: Your application should reflect your skills, experience, and motivations authentically.
• Use AI wisely: It’s fine to use AI for ideas or to check spelling and grammar, but don’t let it write your answers.
• Why this matters: Applications that rely on AI-generated content may be withdrawn. By applying, you confirm your responses are based on your own knowledge and achievements.

Tip: Think of AI as a helper, not a substitute. We want to understand you—not an AI tool.

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 (i.e. child and/or adult) then an application will need to be made to Disclosure Scotland and deemed satisfactory before they can begin in post.

Please note: As this post is part-time, the salary will be pro-rata.

Are 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 managing and delivering trials focused on non-cancer therapies and emerging innovative treatments, aligned with NHS Lothian’s pharmacy and research strategies.

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 a motivated and enthusiastic pharmacist with strong professional judgement and clinical reasoning to join our well-established multidisciplinary team.

In this role, you’ll help expand our clinical trials portfolio and contribute to the implementation of both local and national strategies. You’ll work collaboratively with pharmacy services and the wider research community to ensure equitable access to clinical trials across NHS Lothian.

Although based at the Western General Hospital, the position requires regular presence at other NHS sites. There is also scope to maintain clinical practice through sessional commitments, with the potential for hybrid working arrangements.

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’ll play a key role in developing services that improve patient access to clinical trials and enhance how we deliver care. Your work will span multiple sites, giving you exposure to a wide range of clinical specialties.

Join a dynamic organisation that values innovation, research, and excellence in healthcare delivery.

Essential Qualifications and Competencies

• A Master of Pharmacy Degree (or equivalent).
• Registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
• An Independent Prescribing Qualification.
• Candidates who have not completed a Postgraduate Clinical Pharmacy Diploma or MSc in Clinical Pharmacy must demonstrate substantial progress across the four pillars of the RPS Core Advanced Pharmacist Curriculum through:
  • Engagement with the RPS Core Advanced Curriculum
  • Active participation in a community of practice/peer network
  • Submit a screenshot of portfolio (programme of learning page)
  • Complete the RPS learning needs analysis tool to assess progress with the Core Advanced Curriculum and any gaps that will need addressed as part of PDP plans
• Candidates who have completed a Postgraduate Clinical Pharmacy Diploma or MSc in Clinical Pharmacy should complete the learning needs analysis (LNA) using the LNA tool in the RPS e-portfolio, identifying any gaps that will need addressed as part of PDP plans.

Experience and Knowledge

• Hospital pharmacy clinical trials service delivery experience and working within relevant clinical specialities.
• Experience in developing procedures, policies and guidelines and providing medicines management advice for pharmacy and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience of working within complex multi-disciplinary environments.

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.

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 linked below. However, we understand that there's only so much a job pack can convey. 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.

For further information on what is included in the role and what skills/experience are being looked for, click on the links at the bottom of the screen to the job description and person specification. If after reading this information you have any questions, please contact Hazel Milligan, Lead Pharmacist, Clinical Trials – or call