At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and handle investigational medicines in a dynamic clinical trials environment.
- Company: Fortrea, a leading early-phase clinical research organisation with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Full training, competitive salary, and the chance to impact new medicines.
- Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities in a unique research pharmacy role.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of first-in-human studies and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: MPharm degree, GPhC registration, and pharmacy experience in clinical settings.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 44000 € per year.
What if your pharmacy experience helped new medicines take their first step in human clinical trials? Fortrea is one of the world’s largest and longest‑established early‑phase clinical research organizations. We operate Phase I Clinical Research Units (CRU) globally, including our world‑class Leeds CRU. Just a 7‑minute walk from the train station, this is one of the few MHRA‑accredited Phase I units in the UK, purpose‑built to deliver first‑in‑human studies.
As a Pharmacist I, you will work as part of a specialist clinical trials pharmacy team, contributing to the preparation and handling of investigational medicinal products (IMP) during live clinical research activity, while developing your experience in an early‑phase environment. This is a full‑time, permanent role, based on site at Fortrea’s Leeds Drapers Yard Clinical Research Unit.
WHY IS THIS JOB DIFFERENT?
This is a rare research pharmacy job in the UK, where you work at the heart of first‑in‑human clinical research. At Fortrea Leeds, the clinic and cGMP pharmacy sit under the same roof. As a Pharmacist, you will work alongside specialist pharmacy, clinic and quality teams, preparing and handling investigational medicines just steps away from where first‑in‑human dosing takes place. Everything happens in one integrated environment, enabling real‑time collaboration. As a result, you experience the direct impact of pharmacy work on live first‑in‑human studies, gaining insight that is rarely accessible in traditional pharmacy roles.
IN THIS JOB YOU WILL
- Prepare and handle investigational medicinal products (IMP) within a clean room environment, applying sterile techniques and GMP ways of working during live early‑phase clinical studies.
- Work hands‑on in pharmacy production, supporting the accurate preparation, assembly, and dispensing of study medications used in first‑in‑human trials.
- Partner closely with Technical Officers, working in pairs to support pharmacy operations, study readiness, and the safe handling of materials.
- Support study set‑up activities, including pharmacy manuals, batch records, preparation logs, and dose and component calculations to ensure investigational medicines are prepared accurately and ready for study start.
- Use, check, and maintain pharmacy equipment in line with SOPs, ensuring it is fit for purpose and ready to support clinical research activity.
- Monitor and maintain storage conditions for investigational products and materials, including temperature and environmental controls, to ensure compliance and product integrity.
WHAT YOU BRING
Qualifications
- Essential
- A Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degree from an accredited university
- Registered Pharmacist with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) in the UK
- Experience as a pharmacist, gained in a clinical research, hospital, or industry setting.
- Ideal professional experience
- Exposure to clinical trials, investigational medicines, or research pharmacy activities
- Familiarity with clean room environments, for example through hospital aseptic services, institutional pharmacy, or clinical research settings
- Familiarity with GMP ways of working, gained through hospital aseptic units, manufacturing or preparation activities or quality‑driven pharmacy services.
- Able to use standard digital tools such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Any experience supporting sponsor, auditor, or inspector visits within a pharmacy or clinical setting.
Important to know: you do not need to meet every desirable criterion to apply. We are keen to hear from pharmacists with strong core skills, curiosity, and the motivation to develop within clinical research and investigational pharmacy. Full training and support will be provided.
If you want to apply your pharmacy leadership at the point where new medicines first reach humans, we’d like to hear from you.
Clinical Trials Pharmacist in Leeds employer: Fortrea
Fortrea is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for Clinical Trials Pharmacists to work at the forefront of first-in-human clinical research in a collaborative and integrated environment. Located in Leeds, just a short walk from the train station, our purpose-built facility fosters a supportive work culture with ample opportunities for professional growth and development, ensuring that you can make a meaningful impact on the future of medicine while enjoying a fulfilling career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Clinical Trials Pharmacist in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the clinical trials field on LinkedIn or at industry events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of investigational medicinal products and GMP practices. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for clinical research during interviews. Share any relevant experiences, even if they’re from your studies or previous roles. We want to see your enthusiasm for being part of first-in-human trials!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Clinical Trials Pharmacist in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Pharmacy:Let us see your enthusiasm for pharmacy and clinical trials in your application. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your interest in investigational medicines and how they can impact patient care.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your experience in clinical settings, especially if you've worked with investigational products or in clean room environments. We want to see how your background aligns with what we do!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Fortrea.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fortrea
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of investigational medicinal products (IMPs) and GMP practices. Familiarise yourself with the specific processes involved in clinical trials, especially those related to first-in-human studies. This will show that you're not just a qualified pharmacist, but someone who understands the unique environment at Fortrea.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous pharmacy experience, particularly any roles in clinical research or hospital settings. Highlight any exposure you've had to clean room environments or GMP ways of working. Use specific examples to illustrate how your background makes you a great fit for this role.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team you'll be working with. Inquire about the collaboration between pharmacy and clinical teams, or ask about the types of studies you might be involved in. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since this role involves close collaboration with Technical Officers and other specialists, emphasise your ability to work well in a team. Share examples of how you've successfully partnered with others in past roles, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to a cohesive team environment at Fortrea.
