Principal Pharmacist – Clinical Trials Cardiff

Job summary

Are you an experienced clinical trials pharmacist looking for an exciting leadership opportunity?

Velindre Cancer Services is seeking an exceptional Principal Pharmacist for Clinical Trials to lead and develop our expanding clinical trials pharmacy service during a period of significant transformation and growth. The service supports a large portfolio of cancer clinical trials and research studies, with increasing opportunities to bring innovative treatments to patients.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of clinical trials pharmacy as we prepare to move into our state-of-the-art new cancer centre opening next year, delivering world-class facilities for patients, staff and research.

You will provide strategic and operational leadership for the clinical trials pharmacy team, working closely with Research & Development colleagues, clinical teams and external partners to ensure safe, effective and innovative delivery of investigational medicinal products and research services.

We are looking for a pharmacist with:

• Significant experience in clinical trials pharmacy practice
• Strong leadership and service development skills
• A passion for research, innovation and patient-centred cancer care
• he ability to inspire, develop and support a highly skilled multidisciplinary team

Join us at an exciting time as we build the future of cancer care and research in Wales.

Main duties of the job

To manage, develop and be responsible for Clinical Trials pharmacy services for Velindre Cancer Service (VCS).

To support the Chief Pharmacist in developing, in an innovative way, the overall strategy for Research and Development and Clinical trials agenda at VCS in a manner that reflects Pharmacy, Trust, regional and NHS Wales national strategic priorities.

To work in conjunction with the Principal Pharmacists (Clinical, Technical and Digital Services) and Quality Assurance specialists to develop the provision of an efficient, high quality, professional and well‑coordinated Pharmacy service capable of meeting all statutory, regulatory and NHS requirements relating to Clinical Trials.

To provide expert advice to the Trust's Research & Development Department and Clinical Trials Principal Investigators in respect of all aspects of IMP preparation, procurement and use and of adherence to associated legislation.

To lead Pharmacy support at MHRA GCP inspections ensuring access to documentation.

To provide regular direct patient facing clinical pharmacy services as an advanced oncology specialist pharmacist.

About us

At Velindre University NHS Trust, we are proud to deliver specialist services across Wales through the Velindre Cancer Centre and Welsh Blood Service, supported by our corporate teams and partnerships with NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership and Health Technology Wales.

As we look to the future, we are preparing for the opening of the new Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC) in Spring 2027 -- an exciting milestone that will transform cancer care for our population. Located within easy reach of the vibrant city of Cardiff and the stunning Brecon Beacons, we offer a unique working environment that combines innovation, collaboration and an excellent quality of life.

Since our formation in 1994, our dedicated workforce has remained committed to delivering the principles of prudent healthcare across a wide range of roles. We continue to play a vital role in our communities and have ambitious plans to further improve the services we provide.

Everything we do is underpinned by our Trust values. We are caring, respectful, and accountable in how we work with patients, donors, partners and each other -- ensuring we deliver the highest standards of care while continuously striving to improve.

If you want to work for an organisation that makes a real difference, embraces innovation, and offers rewarding career opportunities in an inspiring setting, Velindre University NHS Trust is the place for you.

Job responsibilities

You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents.

If you have further questions, or wish to arrange a visit please contact Anthony Cadogan, Deputy Chief Pharmacist anthony.cadogan@wales.nhs.uk or Bethan Tranter, Chief Pharmacist) bethan.tranter@wales.nhs.uk (029 20 615888 ext 6742).

Qualifications and Knowledge

Essential

• MPharm (or equivalent) degree
• Demonstrates knowledge of all aspects of GCP, GMP, QA and other pertinent legislation
• Registered as a Pharmacist with the General Pharmaceutical Council
• Post-registration Foundation/Diploma/MSc in Clinical Pharmacy (or equivalent)
• Expert knowledge of pharmacy services including Clinical Governance and Risk Management.

Desirable

• Formal leadership/management qualification(s)
• Member of relevant national specialist pharmacist group
• Further qualification in Clinical Trials
• Prince2 (or equivalent) qualification
• Member of the Royal College of Pharmacy
• Independent Prescriber Registration with GPhC

Skills and Attributes

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills, both verbal and written
• Empathy with patients and relatives
• Confident and assertive; able to defend opinions in a constructive manner when challenged
• Proven ability to influence and negotiate with relevant senior clinicians, managers and stakeholders.
• Experience of writing compelling business cases or board reports
• Experience of assessing and minimising risk associated with service provision and within medication processes
• Ability to work alone and make decisions within agreed parameters ; and appropriate referral / escalation as necessary
• Experience in making judgements involving highly complex facts, which require analysis, interpretation and options appraisal e.g. implementation of a new decision support tool.
• Ability to maintain and monitor database of medicines and activity related information e.g. medicines expenditure
• Able to critically analyse complex information and evidence and to communicate the findings clearly in simple terms.
• Evidence of incorporating innovative and 'best practice' into current practice

Desirable

• Ability to speak Welsh
• Experience of pharmacy management at a strategic level
• Experience of working actively on regional/national groups
• Publication of audit/research/clinical work at national level

Other

Essential

• Exhibits behaviours in line with Trust Values
• Flexible approach to work

Desirable

• Welsh Language Level 1

Experience

Essential

• Extensive post registration hospital experience
• Specialist experience in clinical trials and with aseptic services, including costing and feasibility
• Demonstrate experience and ability to manage or supervise a range of projects
• Experience of excellent leadership and management skills
• Experience of line management, including effective performance management, recruitment and allocation of staff

Desirable

• Management of a clinical trials service
• Experience in project management (including department-wide roles) and evidence of completed outcomes.
• Knowledge of handling ATIMPs
• Recent Oncology and/or haematology experience

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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).