BHSCT Clinical Trials Pharmacist Band 8A

Job details

• Branch: Belfast HSCT
• Location: TOWER BLOCK
• Salary: Band 8a (£55,690 - £62,682 )
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Opening Date: 25/06/26
• Closes: Thu, 09 July 2026 @ 4:30 PM
• Interview Dates: TBC

Notes

We accept online applications only Applications received after the advertised closing date/time cannot be considered, so please allow enough time for postage. “A waiting list may be created for similar posts that may arise while the waiting list is live, this may include temporary or part-time posts. This will be managed in line with the updated HSC waiting list principles effective from 1 April 2026”. Where a part-time waiting list is required, one part-time waiting list will be created- regardless of any specific hours advertised, this waiting list will cover all future vacancies where part-time posts arise. A part-time post is defined as any post that has less than 37.5 hours per week.” Please remember to save or print a copy of the job description before submitting your application, as it will not be accessible afterwards. Flexible Working We welcome flexible working requests from day one. All HSC organisations offer a range of flexible working options. The options available for this post will depend on the requirements of the role. Find out more about flexible working options on our website

JOB DESCRIPTION

POST: Clinical Trials Pharmacist

LOCATION: Satellite Pharmacy, BCH

BAND: Band 8A

REPORTS TO: Pharmacy Adult Cancer and Aseptic Services Lead

RESPONSIBLE TO: Professional Manager Pharmacy Services, Specialist & Community Services

Job Summary / Main Purpose

The post holder will work alongside other Clinical Trials staff to lead, develop, evaluate and be responsible for Pharmacy Clinical Trials service delivery within adult cancer services in BHSCT.

They will predominantly be based at Satellite Pharmacy, Belfast City Hospital but may be expected to work flexibly across the Trust Pharmacy sites.

The post-holder will work to achieve objectives and priorities set in collaboration with the Lead Clinical Trials Pharmacist, the Pharmacy Adult Cancer and Aseptic Services Lead, and other relevant multi-professional research representatives. They will lead and manage service development initiatives as required.

The post holder will provide pharmaceutical input to the conduct of clinical trials and research to ensure appropriate use of medicines in accordance with relevant research approvals, legislation and medicines management policies.

To achieve this, the post holder will work closely with Trust multi-professional research teams, Research and Development (R&D) staff, pharmacy teams and commercial/non-commercial study Sponsor organisations at all stages from planning and feasibility assessment through to completion of the research.

Periodically for business continuity purposes and ensuring service delivery you will be required to work, within your sphere of competence, on other pharmacy sites within the Trust.

Main Duties / Responsibilities

For each of the following, the post holder will;

Clinical Trials Practice

Review and critically appraise proposed clinical trials involving medicines liaising with relevant Trust researchers, R&D staff, pharmacy staff and study Sponsor to determine feasibility, cost and resource implications, divergence from standard care practice and capacity for pharmacy to support.

Determine regulatory status of medicines involved in clinical trials to ensure relevant regulatory, ethical and management approvals are in place.

Write or approve procedures and work instructions to enable relevant pharmacy staff to deliver the clinical trial.

Prepare or approve prescription templates/regimens (electronic and paper) for Systemic Anti Cancer Therapy (SACT) and other treatments and associated accountability documents as required for clinical trial medicines.

Maintain the necessary records required to document management of medicines in a clinical trial.

Document capacity and capability and financial assessment as a component of the Trust R&D approval system.

Negotiate financial agreements with clinical trial Sponsors, recover associated income or reimbursement of costs for supply of hospital pharmacy medicines stock, monitor income and generate income reports.

Report incidents/near misses in line with Trust incident-reporting procedures and clinical trial Sponsor requirements. Participate in the management of incidents involving medicines used in a clinical trial setting to contribute to appropriate corrective and preventative action plans.

Provide medicines information and advice on drug availability, storage and handling requirements, procurement and cost implications for an active clinical trial to clinical pharmacists and other clinical staff within the relevant directorate.

Participate in multidisciplinary meetings with regard to specific clinical trials. Represent Pharmacy and act as a pharmacy advisor for other healthcare professionals for help and information regarding clinical trials.

Provide pharmaceutical advice on study design, protocol development and regulatory submission and approval process for Trust-sponsored research as required.

Leadership

Maintain and develop the Clinical Trials section of the Pharmacy Department working in collaboration with Clinicians, other Trust Research Personnel and the wider NHS research infrastructure under the direction of the Lead Pharmacist for Clinical trials.

Be accountable for the delivery of the pharmaceutical components of research and clinical governance to clinical trials and actively contribute to the wider governance agenda to ensure adherence to legal and professional requirements and best practice standards

Be responsible for delivery of a clinical trials service under the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004 and subsequent amendments while ensuring compliance to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) in relation to management of medicines in clinical trials.

Co-ordinate the development, maintenance and monitoring of a single system of standard operating procedures for clinical trials within pharmacy under direction of Trials lead.

Collate statistical and workload activity in clinical trials to analyse trends and influence decisions on service developments.

Participate in the planning, promotion and subsequent implementation of approved service developments

Participate in audit (internal and external) and inspection of pharmacy clinical trials services and implement improvements as required.

Inspire others by acting as a role model, demonstrating commitment to the service and behaving consistently and in a way that reflects the principles and values of the Trust.

Establish and promote a supportive, fair and open culture that encourages shared learning and clearly aligned goals and objectives, to achieve continuous improvement in the services they deliver.

Encourage and empower others in their team to achieve their goals and reach their full potential through regular supportive conversation and shared decision making.

Management

Act as a Responsible Pharmacist when required.

Manage a pharmacy clinical trials team.

Manage a pharmacy clinical trials service in accordance with objectives set by Lead Pharmacist for Clinical Trials and the post holder to ensure the appropriate use of medicines in a clinical trial setting.

Identify and prioritise service provision.

Action local, regional and national priorities within the Trust relevant to delivery of research and the hospital pharmacy clinical trials service.

Work across professional boundaries and communicate effectively across any barriers.

Identify and manage change.

Identify and manage risk including recording, investigation and monitoring of clinical trial medication incidents and implementing any necessary changes to practice.

Delegate duties appropriately to other pharmacy staff.

Manage HR related process for pharmacy staff-recruitment, management of leave and sickness, dealing with performance and conduct.

Evaluate the performance of other members of pharmacy staff in association with Lead Pharmacist for Clinical Trials.

Provide detailed, interpreted reports on clinical trials/research drug expenditure and pharmacy research income.

Identify emerging treatments that may impact on future budget or service provision (horizon scanning).

Manage, as required, patient clinical trial exit arrangements including set up of compassionate, expanded access or Early Access to Medicines schemes and associated applications to be submitted to the New Drugs Committee in compliance with Trust Unlicensed Medicines and Zero-Cost Medicines Policies.

Identify resources required to improve hospital pharmacy clinical trials services.

Deputise for the Lead Pharmacist for Clinical Trials during their absence and when appropriate.

Research and Development

Demonstrate a critical approach towards delivery of pharmacy clinical trials services.

Participate in relevant local and national professional forums to contribute to best practice evidence and shared learning, actively seeking to improve service delivery.

Undertake service audit.

Guide and support others undertaking research.

Education and Training

Identify training needs of staff in order to undertake the roles required.

Develop and deliver Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training relevant to pharmacy staff working in a dedicated clinical trials role and to general pharmacy staff.

Develop strategies to meet the training needs of staff.

Participate in delivery of clinical trials training to pharmacy support, technical and pharmacist staff as part of core departmental competency training programs.

Monitor the core competencies of the staff providing the pharmacy clinical trials service and produce action plans for any shortfall.

Maintain a current knowledge base of pharmacy clinical trials practice taking account of regulatory and governance updates (e.g. by National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) research and pharmacy group membership, regular review of Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), Health Research Authority (HRA) and local HSC R&D guidance.

Share learning and experience with staff from other NHS Trusts/ organisations and non NHS personnel on request/ as required.

Contribute to the teaching and training of Foundation Training Year (FTY) pharmacists.

General Requirements

Participate in dispensary duties when required.

Participate in the Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) aseptic preparation and dispensing service when required.

Act as a Responsible Pharmacist when required

Participate, if required, in the BHSCT Extended Hours Service.

Participate, if required, in the BHSCT On-Call / Senior On-Call Rota.

Participate in the Saturday and Bank Holiday Rota.

Support the Trust in its drive for seven day working in order to ensure it best meets the needs of our patients.

The post holder will be expected to participate in life-long learning, maintain awareness of current practice, a current CPD Portfolio and attend such courses and training as may be deemed necessary by the Lead Pharmacist for Clinical Trials.

The duties and responsibilities outlined in this job description are neither meant to be definitive nor restrictive and may be modified to meet changing needs. It should be noted therefore that duties, designation and location of post might be subject to change in the future to meet the changing requirements of the service.

Pharmacy Services are provided from a number of locations across the Belfast Trust and you will be required to work from any of those Trust sites during the Saturday, EHS or On-call service.

General Responsibilities

Employees of the Trust are required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service for which they are responsible and:

At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner.

Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them.

Comply with the Trust’s Smoke Free Policy.

Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with the Health and Safety Policies and Statutory Regulations.

Adhere to Equality and Good Relations duties throughout the course of their employment.

Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in-service provision.

Maintain high standards of personal accountability.

The post holder will promote and support effective team working, fostering a culture of openness and transparency. The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns raised with them seriously and act in accordance with Belfast Trust’s Whistleblowing Policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.

The post holder will, in the event of a concern being raised with them, ensure it is managed correctly under the Belfast Trust’s Whistleblowing Policy, and ensure that feedback/learning is communicated at individual, team and organisational level regarding the concerns raised, and how they were resolved.

Information Governance

All employees of Belfast Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including e-mails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant and to comply with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust policies on Information Governance including for example the ICT Security Policy, Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy and to seek advice if in doubt.

For further information on how we use your personal data within HR, please refer to the Privacy Notice available on the HUB or Your HR

Environmental Cleaning Strategy

The Trusts Environmental Cleaning Strategy recognizes the key principle that “Cleanliness matters is everyone’s responsibility, not just the cleaners” Whilst there are staff employed who are responsible for cleaning services, all Trust staff have a responsibility to ensure a clean, comfortable, safe environment for patients, clients, residents, visitors, staff and members of the general public.

Infection Prevention and Control

The Belfast Trust is committed to reducing Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and all staff have a part to play in making this happen. Staff must comply with all policies in relation to Infection Prevention and Control and with ongoing reduction strategies. Standard Infection Prevention and Control Precautions must be used at all times to ensure the safety of patients and staff.

This includes:-

Cleaning hands either with soap and water or a hand sanitiser at the appropriate times (WHO ‘5 moments’);

Using the correct ‘7 step’ hand hygiene technique;

Being ‘bare below the elbows’ when in a clinical environment;

Following Trust policies and the Regional Infection Control Manual (found on intranet);

Wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);

Ensuring correct handling and disposal of waste (including sharps) and laundry;

Ensuring all medical devices (equipment) are decontaminated appropriately i.e. cleaned, disinfected and/or sterilised;

Ensuring compliance with High Impact Interventions.

Values

The Belfast Trust aims to recruit staff not only with the right skills but also with the right values to ensure the delivery of excellent patient care and experience. Staff will be expected to be committed to provide safe, effective, compassionate and person centered care by:-

Treating Everyone with Dignity and Respect

Displaying Openness and Trust

Being Accountable

Being Leading Edge

Maximising Learning and Development

By embedding the above values we will make a significant contribution to the delivery of the Trust’s Vision.

Personal Public Involvement

Staff members are expected to involve patients, clients, careers and the wider community were relevant, in developing, planning and delivering our services in a meaningful and effective way, as part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to Personal Public Involvement (PPI).

Please use the link below to access the PPI standards leaflet for further information.

http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/PPI_leaflet.pdf

Clause: This job description is not meant to be definitive and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE / BAND: Pharmacist, Clinical Trials

DEPT / DIRECTORATE: Pharmacy Services / Cancer& Specialist Services

Notes to applicants

You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.

Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note the Trust reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined below at shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria.

Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage.

You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.

Factor

Criteria

Method of Assessment

Experience

Qualifications

Registration

M. Pharm or equivalent.

Be a member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland or eligible to register.

Two years hospital experience at band 7 or above.

Minimum of a post-graduate Masters or higher qualification or minimum of a post-graduate Diploma and currently undertaking the final year to complete the masters qualification

Experience of hospital pharmacy clinical trials service delivery.

Experience in the delivery of SACT

Shortlisting by Application Form

Other (e.g. Driving etc.)

Be able to respond to an emergency call within 30 minutes under normal travelling conditions.

Have access to transport in order to be able to respond to an emergency call-out.

Must have a valid driving licence and access to transport.

‘Where disability prohibits driving, this criteria will be waived if the applicant is able to organise suitable alternative arrangements.’

Shortlisting by Application Form

Knowledge

Skills

Abilities

Excellent communication skills.

Evidence of team working, building working relationships.

Ability to motivate self and others.

Knowledge of relevant legislation and governance in relation to use of medicines in a clinical trial setting

Ability to develop service policies, procedures and guidelines.

Interview

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

Desirable criteria will ONLY be used where it is necessary to introduce additional job related criteria to ensure files are manageable. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how you meet these. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Factor

Criteria

Method of Assessment

Experience

Qualifications

Registration

Clinical Trials: Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Training

Shortlisting by Application Form

NOTE

Where educational/professional qualifications form part of the criteria you will be required, if shortlisted for interview, to produce original certificates and one photocopy of same issued by the appropriate authority. Only those certificates relevant to the shortlisting criteria should be produced. If educational certificates are not available an original letter and photocopy of same detailing examination results from your school or college will be accepted as an alternative.

If successful you will be required to produce documentary evidence that you are legally entitled to live and work in the United Kingdom. This documentation can be a P45, Payslip, National Insurance Card or a Birth Certificate confirming birth in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland. Failure to produce evidence will result in a non-appointment.

Where a post involves working in regulated activity with vulnerable groups, post holders will be required to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority.

Healthcare Leadership Competencies

Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will need to demonstrate at interview that they have the required competencies to be effective in this demanding leadership role.

The competencies concerned are set out in the NHS Healthcare Leadership Model, details of which can be found at:

http://www.leadershipacademy.nhs.uk/resources/healthcare-leadership-model.

Particular attention will be given to the following

Inspiring shared purpose

Leading with care

Evaluating information

Connecting our service

Sharing the vision

Engaging the team

Holding to account

Developing capability

Influencing for results

HSC Values

Whilst employees will be expected to portray all the values, particular attention is drawn to the following values for this role