Pharmacy Science Technician

Overview

Job Summary: Assist in the supporting of academic staff and other technical staff in the delivery of teaching and other learning activities within the Faculty of Health Innovation Technology and Science. This role supports the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Science (PBS) with a focus on pharmaceutical sciences and nutrition. University Context: A Technical role within the Faculty of Health Innovation Technology and Science (HITS) to facilitate the running of taught practical classes. This is an essential role in contributing to the student experience; the post holder will be based within the laboratories and practice suites in a front facing role to support students within their undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

Responsibilities

• Working in partnership with academic and other technical staff to support the faculty\’s objectives relating to learning and teaching and research.
• Establishing and maintaining effective and proactive communication and working arrangements between academic staff and technical staff to ensure that requirements and expectations on the technical service are understood and implemented.
• Upkeep of designated technical resource areas, ensuring the preparation, maintenance, and review of procedures to support the effective use of spaces and/or equipment.
• Ensuring the adequate preparation of facilities and availability of technical support as required by staff for teaching and research.
• Supporting the effective management of School assets, e.g., via use of appropriate databases and development of a loans/booking system for staff and students borrowing equipment.
• Supporting on and off-site public events, exhibitions, conferences, public lectures, degree shows, etc. on behalf of the school.
• To provide high quality technical support to the Faculty of HITS teaching laboratories and practice suites as required, directed by the appropriate Senior Technician and Team Leader.
• Assist with routine administration including record maintenance, and stock controls including the ordering of consumable items via i-Buy (a university purchasing portal).
• Attend and contribute to staff meetings and contribute to a supportive working environment and productive working relationships with other team members.

Technical Activities

• Providing technical demonstrations, workshops, and practical sessions to students; development of supporting materials and documentation (written, online and interactive) to underpin these sessions and/or as stand-alone aids.
• Supervision, training and development of staff and students in extemporaneous dispensing and other activities covered in MPharm and PGT Clinical Pharmacy teachings.
• Involvement with preparation, delivery, and assessment of pharmacy skills.
• Assisting academic colleagues in checking students dispensing work and giving feedback as required; encouraging students in their development of pharmacy skills.
• Assist with routine administration including record maintenance, ordering and stock controls, including the safe and correct storage of medicines and date checking.
• Maintenance and upkeep of the dispensing suite systems including electronic prescribing, record-keeping and labelling.
• Assist academic and technical staff in the preparation of materials for laboratory practical classes.
• Assisting in the maintenance and upkeep of teaching simulation manikins and other teaching aids; utilisation and upkeep of audiovisual systems within the simulation suite.
• Assisting in the set up of AI patients within the simulation suite for both in person and offsite virtual placements.
• Ensuring the availability of technical support and providing guidance to students undertaking activities, projects, etc., in designated technical areas.
• Training and development of staff and students in a technical specialism.
• Assist with the setting up and clean down of practical classes in own area and providing support to other practical classes when required.
• Attend training on specific items of equipment as deemed necessary by the Laboratory Team Leader. Contributing to the development and implementation of innovative methods of learning by keeping abreast with the latest developments in the designated technical area.

Health and Safety

• Responsible for the proactive management of health and safety in a designated technical area, ensuring compliance with University health and safety policies, procedures, and codes of practice.
• Responsible for writing and updating documentation related to area of responsibility such as risk assessments, COSHH assessments and standard operating procedures.
• Routine laboratory cleanliness, basic equipment testing, maintenance, audit, and safety checks.
• Ensure awareness of changes to local Health and Safety regulations and implement any necessary procedures.
• Assisting with the induction, demonstration, training and recording of technical systems, machinery, equipment, and processes.
• Ensuring a high standard of housekeeping in technical areas.

Additional Duties

• Contribute to wider school/university activities (e.g., open days, student welcome, graduation and clearing events).
• Act as an ambassador for the University in all interactions with current and prospective staff and students, visitors, external partners, and the general public.
• Promote the University\’s values of an inclusive and diverse community.
• Any duties commensurate with the grade, level of experience and training as deemed necessary by the Teaching Technical Resource Manager.
• Commitment to LJMU\’s values and regulations, including equal opportunities policy; awareness of social, economic and environmental responsibilities and contribution to LJMU\’s Environmental Policy.
• Mandatory Health and Safety responsibilities as agreed by the University\’s Strategic Management Team, contained in the Safety Management Code of Practice.

Qualifications and Skills

• The person specification describes the skills, experience, knowledge and aptitude required to perform the duties of this post effectively. The criteria order should not imply relative importance. Both paid and unpaid experience may be relevant.
• Degree in relevant subject (e.g., Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or Cosmetic Sciences) or equivalent qualification; or proven track record of broad substantial relevant experience with certificates demonstrating general knowledge of technical practice (e.g., pharmacy, physiology, or clinical simulation).
• Experience in a work-based setting (community, primary, or hospital pharmacy) and familiarity with COSHH, risk assessments and standard operating procedures in laboratories.
• Familiar with pharmacy dispensing software and electronic inventories for drugs/assets.
• Excellent communication skills at all levels; IT literate with Microsoft Office; good organisational skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and its implementation in a practical environment; knowledge of pharmacy practice, GPhC standards and associated legislation; working knowledge of pharmacy practice and equipment.
• Personal attributes: helpful, friendly, approachable, enthusiastic, energetic; strong interpersonal skills; willingness to undertake personal development; interest in Pharmacy and Education; ability to work flexibly, including teaching periods (usually Sept–May).
• Additional qualifications in relevant subject (e.g., Degree in Chemistry or Pharmaceutical Sciences), GPhC registration, NVQ in dispensing or equivalent, and experience in higher education laboratory environments or handling chemicals with H&S procedures.

Benefits

• Financial benefits: Competitive salaries based on a 35-hour working week; pension contributions (LGPS for non-academic staff; TPS for teaching staff).
• Work-life balance: 30 days annual leave for support staff and 35 days for staff and senior managers (grade 8+), plus 8 UK bank holidays and up to 5 university closure days.
• Family-friendly policies and flexible working where possible.
• Health and wellbeing: EAP and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year.
• Career benefits: Continuous development opportunities (including LinkedIn Learning).
• Climate action and diversity initiatives; opportunities to volunteer at university events.
• Discounts and other benefits: savings platform, interest-free loans, and gym discounts.