Senior Pharmacist - Clinical Trials

NHS; Orpington; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job description

Job summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic and devoted pharmacist to join our Pharmacy Clinical Trials team at King's College Hospital (KCH) NHS Foundation Trust - Denmark Hill (DH) and the Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH).

The successful applicant will be a team player with excellent interpersonal skills, a strong desire to learn and a meticulous attention to detail.

Our portfolio is expanding and we are managing over 400 trials in pharmacy for a wide range of specialities including neurology, stroke, paediatrics, liver, renal, haematology, rheumatology, ophthalmology and more across the KCH sites.

The post holder will work closely with the research teams at PRUH and DH to set up and maintain the pharmacy aspect of clinical trials.

This post will be based at the PRUH site; however, travel to DH and the South Sites may also be required.

Interviews for this post will be held on 13th May 2025 at the PRUH site.

Main duties of the job

To work as part of a dedicated pharmacy team to lead, develop, deliver and manage clinical trials at KCH (including the PRUH, DH and the South Sites).

To provide support to the Specialist Pharmacist in clinical trials to ensure safe and efficient service provision.

To provide specialist input and advice on all aspects of medicines management in clinical trials, in particular safe management of Investigational Medicinal Products (IMPs) within the Trust.

To be responsible for the pharmaceutical elements of clinical trials to be compliant with National and European legislative requirements and to ensure that King's meets strict deadlines for local feasibility review and trial set-up.

To ensure the safe and secure storage and handling of clinical trial medicines at the Trust.

About us

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK's largest and busiest teaching Trusts with a turnover of c£1.8 billion, 1.5 million patient contacts a year and more than 15,000 staff based across South East London. The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King's to another level.

We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.

King's is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone's contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust's carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.

Date posted: 15 April 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 7

Salary: £51,883 to £58,544 a year per annum incl HCA

Contract: Fixed term

Duration: 12 months

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: 213-CAY-7068758

Job responsibilities

To support clinical pharmacy services for clinical trials for patients at KCH (including DH, PRUH and the South Sites) in conjunction with the Associate Chief Pharmacist - Clinical Trials. Liaising with the appropriate clinical pharmacy team, clinical trial research teams, the KHPCTO staff, Clinical Research Associates, R&D staff, Investigators and other staff groups involved in Clinical trials as appropriate.

To lead and manage the workflow of Clinical Trials Pharmacy at PRUH. To manage operational activities and personnel resources by compiling the departmental PRUH CT pharmacy rota and ensure staffing is adequate for the requirement of the service on a day-to-day basis.

To provide education and training to pharmacy and other staff in relation to clinical trials.

To supervise the dispensing of clinical trials medicines and ensure safe dispensing of (IMPs and Non-Investigational Medicinal Products (NIMPs)) at KCH.

To proactively develop pharmacy services in relation to clinical trials in line with national objectives and Kings Health Partners strategies.

To establish and maintain processes for measuring standards of service and reporting on performance.

To provide advice on pharmaceutical aspects of clinical trials involving Investigational Medicinal Products (CTIMPs) and ensure that all legal and statutory requirements are met and activities performed in adherence with Good Clinical Practice.

To identify and manage the risks associated with the medicines use process relevant to clinical trials.

To participate regularly in key clinical trials meetings and other clinical meetings, as appropriate.

To be responsible for the supervision of monitoring visits from organisations throughout the trial.

To propose changes to working practices that will maximise the potential for efficiency and safety.

To propose and implement policies, guidelines and procedures designed to improve the pharmacy service to patients in conjunction with the Associate Chief Pharmacist - Clinical Trials.

To participate in the clinical screening of prescriptions, including clinical trial and chemotherapy regimens.

To contribute to and participate in the clinical/ward pharmacy service and to provide highly specialised evidence-based clinical advice and information to pharmacy, nursing, medical and other healthcare professionals on the care and treatment of patients.

To provide specialist advice in relation to clinical trials for patients and recommendations to principal investigators of clinical trials on matters related to the pharmaceutical and legal aspects of clinical trial development.

To manage the Clinical Trial Co-ordinator (PRUH), taking responsibility for their training requirements and ensuring annual appraisals and periodic one-to-one meetings are held.

To work cross-site at the DH Clinical Trials Pharmacy department as rostered (and the south sites as required), providing service support and for additional exposure to development opportunities.

To ensure specific storage conditions are adhered to, including the regular monitoring of temperature and following correct procedures in the event of temperature excursions.

To be responsible, with management support, for own personal development and to actively contribute to the development of colleagues.

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Pharmacist with the General Pharmaceutical Council (Significant competency assessed and examined professional registration)

Desirable

• Valid Good Clinical Practice Certificate

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Pharmacy experience in hospital
• Experience of supervising others
• Previous clinical pharmacy experience in relevant area
• Experience of practice research or audit

Desirable

• Experience in clinical trials
• Experience in managing staff
• Clinical / Technical specialisation especially In Haematology & Oncology
• Experience in the use of EPIC or alternative electronic prescribing system

Skill and Competencies

Essential

• Be able to communicate effectively in both written and verbal formats with staff and patients
• Track record of successful team working
• Be able to influence Junior medical 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.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer details

Employer name: King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address: Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough Common, Orpington, BR6 8ND

Employer's website: https://www.kch.nhs.uk/