Pharmacy Technician Team Lead, Clinical Trials
NHS Lothian Pharmacy & Medicines Service
Royal Infirmary and Western General Hospital
2 x Band 6 | 1.0 WTE (36 Hours)
£43,231 - £52,679 per annum
(with some weekend and public holiday working)
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. These roles have arisen due to promotion within the team and additional investment.
These roles offer 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 will play a pivotal role in the delivery of clinical trials including advanced therapies and emerging innovative treatments, aligned with NHS Lothian’s pharmacy and research strategies.
About the Role
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 are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic pharmacy technician team lead with strong professional judgement to join our well-established multidisciplinary team.
We have 2 new roles that have come from a recent service redesign. In these roles, you will be responsible for the technical delivery of clinical trials within either our cancer trials portfolio or our non-cancer trials portfolio across the sites including prioritising and organising the workload to ensure the highest standards apply to all aspects of service provision. You will also contribute to the review of clinical trial protocols and subsequent amendments and advise the team on the likely workload implications for the technical aspects of the trial, focussing on available resources, facilities and skills required to deliver the trial within NHS Lothian. You will develop the technical team within this team’s structure ensuring a resilient and responsive workforce to underpin the skill set required to deliver this essential function of clinical trial delivery.
There are two posts available:
Post 1: based at the Western General Hospital for the delivery of the cancer trial portfolio
Post 2: based at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for the delivery of the non-cancer portfolio
Although primarily site based, these positions will require regular presence at other NHS sites.
Why Join Us?
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 will 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 new drugs from different clinical specialties.
Join a dynamic organisation that values innovation, research, and excellence in healthcare delivery.
About You
Essential Qualifications and Competencies
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Registered as a Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council
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National Certificate in Pharmacy Services or equivalent
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Hold a National Certificate in Pharmacy Services and Scottish Vocational Qualification Level 3 in Pharmacy Services or equivalent.
HN Unit: Procedures for Pharmacy Dispensary Checking Technicians OR Accuracy Checking Pharmacy Technician Award (provided by Buttercups or NPA, 2019 or before).
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Candidates should normally hold a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Pharmacy Services Development and Management. However, applicants who do not possess this qualification but can demonstrate equivalent professional experience may also be considered. In such cases, a completed Mapping Assessment Form and a supporting Portfolio of Evidence must be submitted as part of the application process (copies are included with the Job Description and Person Specification with this advert). Applicants who are shortlisted will receive detailed guidance, including instructions and timelines, for completing and submitting this documentation.
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D32/33 Work Based Assessor Certificate (to be obtained within 24 months of appointment to post if not already in place)
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Formal Certification in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) to be obtained within 3 months of starting post if not already in place.
Experience and Knowledge
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Experience of working in a pharmacy technician role at a senior level with leadership and staff management experience.
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Specialist knowledge and experience of working in clinical trials gained through relevant training courses (must be completed within the first 12 months in post) e.g. NES Pharmacy Clinical Trials module, NIHR IMP management module, Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP) eLearning.
About NHS Lothian
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.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
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.
Reach out to:
Jacqueline Waters, Pharmacy Technician Team Manager, Clinical Trials
[email protected] 0131 537 1208
OR
Ben Elliott, Lead Pharmacist, Clinical Trials
[email protected] 0131 537 3805
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.
Due to legislative changes from 1 April 2025, this post may require a different level of criminal records check done than is currently the case. If the post is assessed as a "regulated role", your appointment will be subject to joining the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. If there is any change to what is currently required, this will be confirmed by either the Hiring Manager or the Recruitment Team. For more details on these changes please visit: Disclosure Scotland Changes.
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.
