Senior Technician - Aseptic Services

An exciting and unique opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, dynamic and self-motivated professional to join our aseptic team at the Sutton site of the Royal Marsden. You will be part of a team consisting of Pharmacists, Technicians and Assistants, who are always striving for excellence in all aspects of our work. We are working collaboratively as part of a Multi-Disciplinary Team to ensure we always deliver outstanding care to our patients.

It is an exciting time to join the Royal Marsden Hospital Aseptic Department. Our service is built around providing a high-quality service to our patients and staff of the Trust. The department works closely with the Institute of Cancer Research and the post-holder will be supporting the development of innovative new cancer medicines as these drugs enter early phase clinical trials. The Oak Cancer Centre (a new, state-of-the-art treatment and research facility) opened in June 2023 in Sutton which will speed up the translation of world-leading research into breakthroughs in treatment and care, transforming the lives of cancer patients at The Royal Marsden and beyond.

The hospital introduced the EPIC digital health record system in March 2023 and are looking to become a truly paperless department in 2026. Over the next year a brand-new state of the art aseptic suite will be opening at the Sutton site to facilitate the growth of the aseptic service.

Main duties of the job:

• To support the day to day, effective and safe daily running of the Technical Services aseptic suite.
• In providing a quality, GMP compliant service, supplying aseptically prepared medicines including clinical trials, fit for their intended use, in a timely manner to all service users.
• To act as a supervisor under the direction of the Deputy Chief Technician in the aseptic suite or its support areas.
• To line manage and act as a role model for junior members of staff.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities:

• Support the maintenance and development of the highest standards of patient-focused care in the provision of aseptic services to all patients at the Sutton site of the Royal Marsden.
• Participate in the education and training of pharmacists, technicians & assistants in aseptic services.
• Line manage and appraise junior members of the team and support the training and development of Pharmacy Technicians, Aseptic Services Technicians and Assistants working within the aseptic unit.
• Support the effective use of resources, including medicines, within the aseptic unit to minimise wastage.
• Plan and prioritise workload and supervise staff and processes in aseptic unit and support areas.
• Participate in the education and training of Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, Aseptic Services Technicians and Assistants Officers relevant to new products or processes (Commercial and Clinical Trial).
• Participate in the induction, education and training of Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, Aseptic Services Technicians and Assistants Officers new to the aseptic unit.

Education/Qualifications:

• Educated to A level and/or degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences or equivalent.
• Science Manufacturing Technician Level 3, BTEC in Pharmaceutical Sciences or NVQ Level 3 in Pharmacy Services or equivalent Technical Modules or equivalent experience.
• Registered with General Pharmaceutical Council.
• Post qualification course on aseptic preparation and dispensing of medicines/GMP/QA or equivalent.
• Practice supervisor / Educational supervisor / Train the Trainer or equivalent.
• Accredited Checking Pharmacy Technician (ACPT) qualification or working towards ACPT qualification.

Experience:

• Experience of working in an aseptic unit in a hospital or industry aseptic facility minimum 1 year.
• Appropriate experience in aseptic compounding.
• Experience in staff training in a hospital or industry aseptic facility.
• Good knowledge and understanding of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
• Validation, accreditation & training records.
• Knowledge of principles and practice of Quality Assurance (QA) in an unlicensed unit.
• Clinical trial experience and understanding of Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
• Working knowledge/experience of writing SOPs.
• Knowledge of chemotherapy and safe handling requirements of cytotoxic drugs and preparing cytotoxic chemotherapy.
• Experience as a team leader or supervisor of staff members.

Skills Abilities/knowledge:

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and act as a role model.
• Able to work effectively and accurately and follow written procedures under pressure.
• Ability to be supportive and demonstrate self-motivation and to motivate others.
• Effective interpersonal skills with particular ability to communicate in clear English with staff members, members of the public and healthcare professionals.
• Good leadership qualities: able to take responsibility and to delegate effectively and able to work without direct supervision.
• Use of pharmacy computer systems and knowledge of EPIC.

The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential. We are committed to this because we know that greater diversity and inclusion will lead to an even greater positive impact for the people we serve.

Flu Vaccination – What We Expect of our Staff:

At The Royal Marsden we have an immune compromised patient population who we must protect as much as we can against the flu virus. Each year, seasonal flu affects thousands of people in the UK. Occurring mainly in winter, it is an infectious respiratory disease capable of producing symptoms ranging from those similar to a common cold, through to very severe or even fatal disease. The wellbeing of our staff and patients is of the utmost importance to us, and it is the expectation of The Royal Marsden that all patient-facing staff have an annual flu vaccination, provided free of charge by the Trust.

Employer certification / accreditation badges: You must have appropriate UK professional registration. This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.