At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop clinical trials pharmacy services, ensuring safe handling of investigational products.
- Company: Velindre Cancer Centre, a leader in cancer care and research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to shape future cancer care.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for leadership and innovation in clinical trials.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cancer research and patient care during an exciting transformation.
- Qualifications: MPharm degree, registered pharmacist, and extensive hospital experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Overview
In this role you will lead Velindre’s expanding clinical trials pharmacy service, guiding strategic development during a period of transformation.
You will work with Research & Development, clinical teams and external partners to ensure safe, effective handling of investigational medicinal products and research services.
The role combines strategic direction with operational management to deliver world‑class cancer trials facilities and patient care.
A key focus is shaping the future of cancer care and research at Velindre as we near the new cancer centre opening.
You will influence cross‑functional teams and drive innovation in trial delivery.
Responsibilities
- Manage and develop the Clinical Trials pharmacy services for Velindre Cancer Centre
- Support the Chief Pharmacist in shaping the R&D and Clinical Trials strategy in line with NHS Wales priorities
- Collaborate with Principal Pharmacists and QA specialists to provide a high‑quality, compliant pharmacy service for trials
- Provide expert advice on IMP preparation, procurement, use, and related legislation to the Trust’s R&D and Principal Investigators
- Lead Pharmacy support for MHRA GCP inspections and ensure documentation readiness
- Deliver regular patient‑facing clinical pharmacy services as an advanced oncology specialist
- Key requirements
- MPharm (or equivalent) degree
- Registered Pharmacist with GPh C
- Extensive post‑registration hospital experience with specialist clinical trials and aseptic services
- Expert knowledge of GCP, GMP, QA and relevant legislation
- Post‑registration qualifications in Clinical Pharmacy or equivalent (Foundation/Diploma/MSc)
- Proven leadership, project management and performance management experience
- Ability to influence, negotiate with senior clinicians and stakeholders
- Experience writing business cases or board reports
- Experience in risk assessment and management of service provision and medication processes
- Experience with costings and feasibility in trials management
- Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills
- Empathy for patients and relatives
- Confident and assertive; constructive challenge when needed
- Formal leadership/management qualification (desirable)
- Further qualification in Clinical Trials (desirable)
- Prince2 (or equivalent) (desirable)
Principal Pharmacist – Clinical Trials in Cardiff employer: National Health Service
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for healthcare professionals in North Wales. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on compassionate care, staff have access to continuous professional development opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in both acute and community paediatrics. The Health Board's integrated approach ensures that employees are part of a dynamic team dedicated to improving health outcomes for the local population.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Pharmacist – Clinical Trials in Cardiff
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We think you need these skills to ace Principal Pharmacist – Clinical Trials in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in the pharmaceutical industry, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Whether that's internships, lab work, or even related coursework, make sure to weave this into your CV and cover letter. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're applying for at National Health Service!
Emphasise Your Understanding of Regulations:The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated, so it's important to indicate your familiarity with industry standards and regulations. In your cover letter, mention any training or certifications you've received that are relevant, or discuss projects where you’ve navigated compliance. This will show National Health Service that you're not just a fit for the job but also a safety-conscious candidate!
Tailor Your CV to Be Result-Driven:Craft your CV to highlight quantifiable achievements, especially if you have previous roles in pharmaceuticals or related fields. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact, such as improved processing times or successful project completions while working on trials. This analytical approach will resonate well with hiring managers at National Health Service!
Convey Your Passion for the Industry:In your cover letter, express why you are passionate about working in the pharmaceutical sector. Whether it’s your desire to contribute to groundbreaking drug research or improve patient outcomes, let it shine through! At National Health Service, we value candidates who are truly enthusiastic about their work—you might just stand out from the crowd.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Health Service
✨Understand the Science
Make sure you brush up on key pharmaceutical concepts and recent developments in the industry. You might get asked some technical questions during the interview at National Health Service that show your grasp of drug development processes or regulatory requirements, so be ready to discuss them clearly.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
If you have any hands-on experience or internships in a laboratory setting, be sure to highlight these in your responses. Think about the projects you worked on, the methodologies you used, and the impact you made. It's all about telling a story that connects your background to the role you're applying for.
✨Know Their Products
Take some time to familiarise yourself with National Health Service’s product range and recent breakthroughs. Understanding their portfolio not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also allows you to ask insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in actively contributing to their projects.
✨Be Ready for Regulatory Scenarios
In a full-time pharmaceutical role, understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial. Prepare for situational questions that may test your problem-solving skills concerning compliance and safety standards. You could be asked how you'd handle a hypothetical issue regarding a drug’s market release, so think through your approach.