Advanced Specialist Aseptic Services PharmacistNHS

Job summary

This is an exciting and innovative time to join Aseptic Services at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. We offer an excellent opportunity for an experienced pharmacist with a keen interest in aseptic services to join our dynamic team.You will work within a high-performing aseptic unit during a key phase of service development, supporting a diverse portfolio including Phase I clinical trials, gene therapies, Early Access Medicines and compassionate use programmes. The unit operates across two cleanrooms, including a dedicated gene therapy facility, with five negative pressure isolators.Working closely with multidisciplinary teams, you will help ensure patients have timely access to the latest oncology and haematology treatments. You will contribute to both clinical care and research, becoming an integral part of our aseptic and wider pharmacy services.The department is actively involved in collaborative projects and maintains strong links with the University of Manchester. We are committed to staff development and encourage postgraduate study, research and secondment opportunities.

Main duties of the job

o Lead and contribute to all aspects of aseptic preparation under the Section 10 exemption of the Medicines Act 1968, including clinical trial products, ensuring safe, effective and compliant practice.o Support the strategic development of aseptic services through service evaluation, data analysis, horizon scanning and implementation of local and national initiatives.o Act as the Accountable Pharmacist when required, taking responsibility for the preparation and release of medicines in line with Section 10 of the Medicines Act 1968.o Contribute to the planning, design, commissioning and operation of new aseptic facilities and upgrades to existing services.o Provide line management to designated staff, promoting a positive, high-performing team environment.o Ensure all aseptic staff are appropriately trained and competency assessed in line with local, regional and national standards.o Maintain safe, efficient and responsive services, prioritising workload during capacity constraints and liaising effectively with clinical and operational teams.o Support the ongoing development and maintenance of the Quality Management System, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.o Facilitate research and innovation within Aseptic Services, including support for clinical trials and collaborative projects.

Job description

Management Plans, implements and evaluates aseptic services, including staffing, resources and workflows, to ensure safe, efficient and responsive service delivery. Identifies, evaluates and implements new services and service improvements to meet patient need and align with strategic objectives. Develops and maintains effective working relationships with pharmacy, medical and nursing staff to support coordinated patient care. Prepares, reviews and maintains Standard Operating Procedures to ensure compliance with national, regional and Trust standards. Coordinates the use of unlicensed medicines to ensure safe, compliant and cost-effective supply. Oversees equipment validation and maintenance to ensure safe and reliable operation of aseptic facilities. Manages environmental monitoring processes and liaises with external quality providers to ensure compliance and timely resolution of deviations. Investigates and resolves complaints, defects and recalls to maintain quality and patient safety. Manages staff performance, attendance and development in line with Trust policies to maintain a skilled and effective workforce. Analyses data and produces reports to inform decision-making, service improvement and governance requirements.

Leadership Demonstrates professional leadership and promotes a positive team culture to support high-quality service delivery. Provides specialist advice on aseptic services to support clinical and operational decision-making. Represents the department at internal and external meetings to share expertise and communicate key outcomes.

Service Development Evaluates new products, equipment and processes to support innovation and service advancement. Develops business cases and capacity plans to support sustainable service growth. Contributes to facility design, commissioning and upgrades to ensure services meet current and future demands.

Aseptic Services Prepares, checks and releases aseptic products in accordance with Section 10 and GMP principles to ensure products are safe and fit for use. Supervises aseptic operations and coordinates daily workload to meet clinical priorities and capacity plans. Maintains accurate documentation and ensures adherence to cleanroom and hygiene standards to meet regulatory requirements. Performs and verifies complex dose calculations to ensure accuracy and patient safety. Manages stock, procurement and resource use to ensure efficiency and value for money.

Clinical Governance and Quality Maintains and develops the Quality Management System to ensure compliance with regulatory and professional standards. Monitors incidents, deviations and errors and implements corrective actions to support continuous improvement. Conducts audits and supports validation activities to ensure ongoing service assurance. Applies change control processes to ensure safe implementation of new or revised practices.

Education and Training Develops and delivers training programmes to ensure staff competence and compliance with standards. Maintains and develops specialist knowledge to support safe and effective practice. Supports professional development and training of pharmacists, technicians and support staff to sustain workforce capability.

About us

We are an ever-expanding multi-disciplinary team of Assistants, Practitioners, Technicians, and Pharmacists who strive to produce exceptionally high-quality injectable medicines to each patient that uses our service.The Aseptic team is a diverse and dynamic team who work in a specialised cleanroom environment where teamwork is the key to efficiency and managing the patient experience. Each day is both challenging and rewarding in equal measures, with cancer treatments constantly evolving and new types of drugs being trialled each year.We are at the forefront of developments in terms of drug innovation and team development. We were one of the first hospitals to introduce the progression roles for technical assistants and Science Manufacturing Technicians to our ever-expanding portfolio of training and staff qualifications here at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.The Pharmacy department has a developed career pathway for aseptic staff wishing to progress as far as achievable. Helping support all qualifications and in-house training that allow for this progression should you wish to further your career within the pharmacy aseptic team.So, if you want to work as part of an ever-progressing team and you enjoy a challenge then we could be the team for you.