At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead pharmacy services for neurology and biologics, improving patient care and developing new services.
- Company: Join the innovative team at Milton Keynes University Hospital, a University Teaching Hospital.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting time to join as we expand our facilities and services for the community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on patient care while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experienced pharmacist with a passion for patient care and service development.
The predicted salary is between 64750 - 64750 £ per year.
Principal Pharmacist - Neurology & Biologics
Department: Pharmacy
Band 8a, £57,528 - £64,750 Per annum pro rata
Hours: Full time, 37.5 per week, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
Are you an experienced pharmacist with a passion for improving patient care? Would you like to be involved in the development of new services? Are you keen to work as part of the wider multi-disciplinary team? If your answer to these questions is yes, we invite you to get in touch with us.
Now is an excellent time to become part of the pharmacy team at MKUH; we are a friendly, forward-thinking, and innovative department who continue to grow in both size and influence. Recent enhancements to our working environment include a major departmental refurbishment, the introduction of a new Pharmacy Robot, the establishment of a new Pharmacy and Aseptic Unit in the Cancer Centre, and the opening of a new Outpatient Pharmacy.
'We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute'
Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
Interview date: w/c 31st August 2026
Main duties of the job
Our services are evolving to provide our pharmacists and pharmacy technicians with more time to work alongside patients while supporting their medical and nursing colleagues. Our commitment is to ensure that every patient receives safe, high-quality care, placing our patients at the heart of our mission. This role is an ideal opportunity for a skilled and dedicated pharmacist looking for experience at a more senior level.
As a trust we are currently repatriating the care of our MS patients on disease modifying therapies from our tertiary centre to MKUH. To support this move and develop the service we can offer to our MS patients we are looking for an enthusiastic, highly motivated pharmacist to join our team and become the pharmacy lead for neurology and biologics.
Working alongside colleagues in different specialties, you will be responsible for the development and delivery of the pharmacy services to support the care of our MS patients and for the management of biologic medicines across the trust. You will have a regular clinical pharmacy commitment and will also be responsible for the line management of allocated members of the clinical pharmacy team.
About us
Milton Keynes University Hospital, in proud partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through cutting-edge research and education. With a 'Good' rating from the CQC and significant investment underway, this is an exciting time to join our team and grow your career.
As a medium sized general hospital, we provide a full range of general medical and surgical services, including a busy Emergency Department, Maternity, and Paediatrics. As the population of our city and surrounding areas continues to grow rapidly, we are expanding and enhancing our facilities to meet rising demand and improve access to care for all our communities.
We are also proud to offer a growing portfolio of specialist services. In January 2025 we opened our state-of-the-art Radiotherapy Centre, bringing advanced cancer treatment closer to home. Our services also include neonatology, specialist surgical care, and a wide range of diagnostics, supported by the new Community Diagnostic Centre at Whitehouse Health Centre. We have just opened the Oak Wards - a new ward block featuring two 24-bed wards.
Further investment is underway, including the recently approved Women and Children's Centre, set to open by 2030.
Details
Date posted: 03 August 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 8a
Salary: £57,528 to £64,750 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: A
Job locations: Pharmacy (Dept), Milton Keynes, MK6 5LD, United Kingdom
Job responsibilities
NHS Staff Survey: Our staff scored Autonomy and Control at 7.19, well above the national average. Here, you're trusted to lead, innovate, and shape your work. We are looking for an individual who shows a commitment to delivering excellence and working with us to make pharmacy a great place to be, for all staff in our wider team. A can-do approach and commitment to self and service development is essential. If you are passionate about patient care and developing pharmacy services for the future, this post is an ideal opportunity for you to build upon your clinical experience and further develop your management and leadership skills.
This role is crucial to the delivery, development, and evaluation of pharmaceutical services across the hospital. It plays a key part in helping divisions optimise medicines use within available resources.
Our standard working hours consist of four long days (8 am to 6.00 pm) per week; in addition you will be required to work Saturdays, Sundays, and
Principal Pharmacist employer: National health service
The London Ambulance Service NHS Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises patient safety and service improvement. With a strong commitment to employee development, including leadership training and apprenticeship programmes, staff are empowered to grow their skills while contributing to the health of London. The Trust's inclusive culture and focus on quality management ensure that employees feel valued and supported in their vital roles.
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We think this is how you could land Principal Pharmacist
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We think you need these skills to ace Principal Pharmacist
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.
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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
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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.
