Specialist Pharmacist Clinical Trials

Job Summary We are seeking enthusiastic, motivated and dynamic pharmacists who would keen to take the next step in their career development and specialise in clinical trials. This post provides comprehensive training to develop skills in all aspects of clinical trials with learning outcomes and training opportunities linked to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Frameworks. The role supports the Trust's growing portfolio of clinical research across all clinical specialties, with a focus on oncology and haematology studies from phase 1 to phase 4. The Trust has also been at the forefront of COVID-19 vaccine studies and plans to grow its portfolio of Phase 1 studies within our Clinical Research Facility. For an informal discussion or to arrange a site visit please contact Lai Fai (Ruth) Mak, Advanced Specialist Pharmacist Clinical Trials.

Main duties of the job You will be involved in checking and releasing aseptically prepared products to ensure they are prepared in accordance with GMP principles and, when applicable, GCP and trial protocols and study materials. The post holder will comply with current national legislation, regulations and guidelines including the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Research (2020) and ICH GCP for the conduct of clinical research. Participate in the Aseptic Services on-call and out-of-hours service on a rotational basis. Undertake teaching and clinical supervision of pharmacy staff and other healthcare employees. Undertake audits and engage with Quality Improvement and practice research projects. Work with and support senior pharmacists, clinical and governance teams to develop guidelines and protocols within clinical trials.

Preference Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who have recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.

We are a people business—where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team dedicated to innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. We offer opportunities for career development in a progressive working environment. The role is based at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth.

Date posted: 14 January 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 a year Per Annum pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: 216-EG-CO7712850
Job locations: Pharmacy Department, Level 5, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, PL6 8DH

Job responsibilities

• To assist the Advanced Specialist Pharmacist Clinical Trials in ensuring that the documentation, processes and procedures for the handling of IMPs meet current UK/European legislation, ICH GCP guidelines and GMP principles required by MHRA, NPSAS, Regional Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance Services and relevant sponsors.
• To assist in coordinating pharmaceutical input into setting up, designing and running clinical trials, liaising with pharmacy, nursing, medical staff and R&D.
• To act as deputy to the lead pharmacist for provision of IMPs for all active clinical trials.
• To support critical review of clinical trial protocols and their impact on pharmacy (packaging, labeling, documentation) with input from specialist pharmacists as required.
• To assist the Pharmacy Clinical Trials Team in producing and checking costings for clinical trials.
• To assist with raising, completing and implementing all relevant IMP/NIMP documents, controlled procedures, feasibility assessments, prescriptions, dispensing procedures, accountability logs and stock management records.
• To ensure appropriate use of IMPs and support in dispensing procedures for all CTIMPs.
• To provide written instructions and training for pharmacy staff on dispensing, labeling, checking, handling IMPs and code-breaks.
• To assist with training and accreditation of pharmacy staff for clinical trials.
• To liaise with the Pharmacy Clinical Trials Team to assess the impact of substantial amendments on local trial documentation.
• To accurately screen, dispense, check prescriptions and counsel patients as required by study protocol and templates.
• To supervise the initial check and preparation of IMPs/NIMPs and undertake final release of medicines to patients including intrathecal products.
• To support investigations into study issues and incidents involving IMPs, ensuring documentation and actions are completed.
• To maintain relationships with sponsors, monitors, the R&D department, auditors and regulatory authorities.
• To ensure confidentiality and security of information about study subjects and trials.
• To maintain personal Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
• To ensure medicines are prescribed and administered in line with local and national policies within the legal framework.
• To provide day-to-day supervision and support to pharmacy clinical trials staff and rotational pharmacists.
• To coordinate daily workload of injectable IMPs/NIMPs with the Clinical Trials Specialist Assistant Technical Officer, considering clinical priority and capacity planning.
• To be on the Trust register for the release of intrathecal chemotherapy from the pharmacy department according to relevant guidelines and policy.
• To ensure safe systems of work in the unit in compliance with COSHH (1988) regulations.
• To undertake audits and engage with Quality Improvement and practice research projects.

• Education and Training
• Design and participate in training programmes for pharmacy, medical and nursing staff, where necessary.
• Technical supervision and mentoring of ward-based staff, including pharmacists, technicians, pharmacy support assistants and undergraduate students.
• Provide competency-based assessment of junior pharmacists, trainee pharmacists and pharmacy technicians using work-based assessment tools.
• Train trainee pharmacists to meet the GPhC competency requirements, acting as an accredited educational supervisor if required.

Essential

• Qualifications: Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in Pharmacy; current registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council.

Desirable

• Master’s degree in oncology/haematology or Pharmaceutical Technology and Quality Assurance; management training; ICH GCP training; UKCPA membership; postgraduate diploma in clinical pharmacy; member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

Aptitude and Abilities

• Good communication skills (written and verbal), time management.

Knowledge

• Essential: post-registration experience as a pharmacist in the UK, broad knowledge of clinical areas, and experience in a range of clinical specialties; strong knowledge of general clinical pharmacy and drug use; excellent communication skills.
• Desirable: understanding of NHS priorities; knowledge of the clinical research process including GCP and governance; experience in a clinical trials environment; completed rotations in Medicine, Surgery, Medicines Information, Aseptics, Cancer Services; oncology/haematology drug knowledge; experience in manufacturing environments and GMP practices.

Other

Disclosures: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act; Disclosure to the DBS will be required. Certificate of Sponsorship information applies for skilled worker applicants. UK registration required. See employer details for more information.