Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Science Manufacturing Technician Apprentice

The closing date is 13 August 2025

Job summary

Science Manufacturing Technician Apprentice: full time band 3, with progression to band 4 once completed the apprenticeship, professional registration with the Institute of Science and Technology and internal competencies.

Hello! My name is Emma and I am the Accountable Pharmacist for the Clinical Trials Aseptic Services Unit in Oxford.

We have an exciting role available to train an individual with the knowledge and skills required to work in aseptic dispensing within Oxford University Hospitals. This role would be suitable for staff working in a pharmacy team that have an BTEC 2 or equivalent and are interesting in working in an aseptic team preparing doses for patients, or school/collage leavers looking to start their working career. Applications will be considered from candidates that do not have the pharmacy BTEC 2 but are willing to undertake this prior to enrolling on the SMT apprenticeship course.

I am privileged to manage and support our fantastic technical team of Pharmacy Technicians, Science Manufacturing Technicians , Clinical Trial Practitioners , Assistants and Apprentices as we provide support services to clinical trial research teams on all our Trust sites throughout Oxfordshire.

If you are interested in an informal discussion about the apprentice role offered within our team then I would be very pleased to chat with you.

Main duties of the job

The main role of this post is to participate in a programme of work based training and development to gain knowledge and experience across the range of aseptic dispensing and manufacture in Oxford University Hospitals. The role will predominantly be based in the Clinical Trials Aseptic Services Unit undertaking a variety of technical roles, but will involve rotating into the Radiopharmacy and Quality Assurance Team.

The Clinical Trials Aseptic Services Unit (CTASU) is responsible for aseptically preparing clinical trial doses for patients to several departments across the Trust and maintaining up to date documentation according to Good Clinical Practice (GCP).

Under the direction of the Accountable Pharmacist and Aseptic Services Manager or Deputy the post holder will be responsible for the provision of day to day activities associated with all aspects of aseptic services in order to support the needs of patients and which meet standards of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Clinical Practice (GCP)

This role will involve regular weekend working to support the requirement for Clinical Trial doses at the weekend.

About us

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research. The Trust comprises four hospitals - the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury. For more information on OUH please view OUH At a Glance by OUHospitals - Issuu

Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community.

We call this Delivering Compassionate Excellence and its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence.

These values put patients at the heart of what we do and underpin the quality healthcare we would like for ourselves or a member of our family. Watch how we set out to deliver compassionate excellence via the OUH YouTube channel.

Details

Date posted

30 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum pro rata, with progression to band 4

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

321-CORP-7370634-B3-PUB

Job locations

Churchill Hospital / John Radcliffe Hospital

Churchill Drive, Headington

Oxford

OX3 7LE


Job description

Job responsibilities

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required

1. Undertake a work based programme that meets the standards set in the Science and Manufacturing Apprenticeship. This will include 20% off the job training, which includes attendance at the virtual college.

2. Undertake assessment and build a portfolio of evidence of achievements against the standards set in the Science and Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship

3. As part of the Apprenticeship complete the Level 3 Diploma in the Principles of Aseptic Pharmaceuticals Processing

4. Have the ability to work at an isolator fully gloved and gowned

5. Have the skills to enable effective delivery of patient services whilst maintaining a high level of accuracy

6. Communicate effectively and accurately both verbally and in writing with a range of people at different levels both internal and external to the Trust, including Doctors, pharmacists, nursing staff and Clinical Research Associates (CRAs).

7. Be competent in the use of Microsoft office based computer programmes.

Core Role

1. To participate in the day to day running of the CTASU in line with the rota

2. To participate in safe systems of work and documentation of these

3. To ensure all expected prescriptions are received in CTASU, and to communicate with the clinical teams if there are any missing prescriptions

4. To receive prescriptions into CTASU and file for the appropriate date

5. To ensure the CTASU calendar is updated with the workload required for each day

6. To answer telephone and answer queries regarding when doses are expected to be ready and when these will be delivered

7. To escalate queries when appropriate

8. To be responsible for the accurate completion of product worksheets and labels, assigning batch number to aseptically prepared products

9. To accurately and safely label aseptically prepared products

10. Assemble drugs and consumables required for the preparation of aseptic products, accurately recording batch numbers and expiry dates

11. To undertake safe and accurate preparation of a wide range of aseptic products on a daily basis, including cytotoxics, epidurals, antibiotics, injectables, novel agents and monoclonal antibodies

12. To maintain expertise, skills and necessary knowledge of the technical aspects of aseptic and non aseptic dispensing

13. To facilitate the quality assurance of products and to notify the Senior Aseptic Services Technician of any incidents, and procedural deficiencies

14. To be responsible for ensuring finished products ae packed prior to distribution to ensure prompt and safe delivery

15. To ensure finished products are transported in the appropriate environment taking into account any physical and legal requirements

16. To be responsible for the unpacking and receipting of deliveries

17. Undertake regular expiry date checking to identify expired or short dated stock

18. To be responsible for monitoring drug stock and consumable levels and replenishing where necessary

19. To ensure that all equipment within CTASU is in good working order and serviced regularly

20. To participate in the clean room/isolator cleaning rota

21. To assist with the environmental and physical monitoring of CTASU

22. To be involved in the maintenance of departmental records including staff training, environmental monitoring, cleaning, maintenance logs and worksheets

23. Where applicable be involved with the delivery of drugs to clinical areas

24. To promptly report deviations from SOPs and complaints to the Accountable Pharmacist and Aseptic Services Manager or Deputy

Regulatory

1. To undertake aseptic preparation in accordance with the GPhC code of ethics and current legislation and guidance including Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Guidance on Aseptic Dispensing for NHS Patients, Health and Safety Act, Medicines Act, Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trial) Regulations and the Human Medicines Regulations and Misuse of Drugs Act, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations and Departmental Procedures

2. To ensure you are familiar with and adhere to CTASU, Pharmacy and Trust standard operating procedures (SOPs)

3. To ensure the disposal or recycling of medicinal products is carried out in a safe and efficient manner, in accordance with Health & Safety, COSHH regulations and Departmental Standard Operating Procedure

Clinical Trials

1. To obtain and maintain Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training

2. To apply principles of GCP in the management of clinical trials

3. To work within the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trial) Regulations 2004 and EU directive relating to Clinical Trials

4. To maintain clinical trial filing systems and drug accountability documentation for clinical trials

5. To be involved in the invoicing, set up and close down of a clinical trial

Teaching and Training

1. To participate in a programme of work based training, development and appraisal. The majority of this training will be completed in CTASU, however training will include short rotations into Radiopharmacy and Quality Assurance

2. To undertake the Science and Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship, and as part of this complete the Level 3 Diploma in the Principles of Aseptic Pharmaceuticals Processing

3. To participate in the training and induction of pre-registration students, technicians and assistants (if required)

Professional

1. To ensure that all aspects of the work in CTASU are provided in accordance with the quality management system and conform to relevant legislation, codes of practice, national protocols and Trust policies

2. To carry out Continual Professional Development as required by the relevant professional body and to otherwise maintain the skills and knowledge necessary for the responsibilities of the post

3. Ensure safe working practices and a safe working environment at all times

General responsibilities

1. Work the hours necessary for the proper and efficient performance of the work, within the flexible working system set up in the Department. The post requires participation in rotation of the CTASU early shifts (with working hours adjusted accordingly 07:00-15:00 or 08.00-16.00)

2. To participate in weekend, evening, bank holiday and seven day working according to rota

3. To complete regular rotated slot in dispensary to maintain skill set, if required

4. Producing consistently accurate work in a timely manner when under pressure

5. To assist in the maintenance of a tidy and efficient working environment

6. To ensure compliance with the procedures and protocols in the areas of work for with the post holder carries responsibility

7. Behave courteously and professionally at all times and seek to ensure that the highest level of service is provided by CTASU

8. Operating at frequently high concentration levels on calculating, drawing up and measuring patient doses and maintaining a high level of accuracy whilst working within narrow margins for error and within tight deadlines

9. Daily work involves standing for long periods of time during the setting up, disinfection and preparation of products while working in the confined space of an isolator

10. Producing consistently accurate work in a timely manner when under pressure

11. Responsible for safely operating expensive and complex equipment, including amongst others, Grade A isolators, lasers, etc.

12. To observe patient confidentiality and to work within the requirements of the Data Protection Act.

13. To adhere to associated hygiene and clothing requirements of individual work areas. This may involve: removal of jewellery, wearing of protective clothing including hats, facemasks if necessary, gloves, gowns and overshoes

14. To perform other appropriate duties which may be requested by CTASU management.

Liaises with:

Other rotational CTASU staff, consultants, Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, Radiographers, Technicians, Physicists, Managers and other health care professionals as necessary for the efficient performance of the duties. Also occasionally liaises with support staff from within the Trust and staff from other trusts, engineers and representatives.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required

1. Undertake a work based programme that meets the standards set in the Science and Manufacturing Apprenticeship. This will include 20% off the job training, which includes attendance at the virtual college.

2. Undertake assessment and build a portfolio of evidence of achievements against the standards set in the Science and Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship

3. As part of the Apprenticeship complete the Level 3 Diploma in the Principles of Aseptic Pharmaceuticals Processing

4. Have the ability to work at an isolator fully gloved and gowned

5. Have the skills to enable effective delivery of patient services whilst maintaining a high level of accuracy

6. Communicate effectively and accurately both verbally and in writing with a range of people at different levels both internal and external to the Trust, including Doctors, pharmacists, nursing staff and Clinical Research Associates (CRAs).

7. Be competent in the use of Microsoft office based computer programmes.

Core Role

1. To participate in the day to day running of the CTASU in line with the rota

2. To participate in safe systems of work and documentation of these

3. To ensure all expected prescriptions are received in CTASU, and to communicate with the clinical teams if there are any missing prescriptions

4. To receive prescriptions into CTASU and file for the appropriate date

5. To ensure the CTASU calendar is updated with the workload required for each day

6. To answer telephone and answer queries regarding when doses are expected to be ready and when these will be delivered

7. To escalate queries when appropriate

8. To be responsible for the accurate completion of product worksheets and labels, assigning batch number to aseptically prepared products

9. To accurately and safely label aseptically prepared products

10. Assemble drugs and consumables required for the preparation of aseptic products, accurately recording batch numbers and expiry dates

11. To undertake safe and accurate preparation of a wide range of aseptic products on a daily basis, including cytotoxics, epidurals, antibiotics, injectables, novel agents and monoclonal antibodies

12. To maintain expertise, skills and necessary knowledge of the technical aspects of aseptic and non aseptic dispensing

13. To facilitate the quality assurance of products and to notify the Senior Aseptic Services Technician of any incidents, and procedural deficiencies

14. To be responsible for ensuring finished products ae packed prior to distribution to ensure prompt and safe delivery

15. To ensure finished products are transported in the appropriate environment taking into account any physical and legal requirements

16. To be responsible for the unpacking and receipting of deliveries

17. Undertake regular expiry date checking to identify expired or short dated stock

18. To be responsible for monitoring drug stock and consumable levels and replenishing where necessary

19. To ensure that all equipment within CTASU is in good working order and serviced regularly

20. To participate in the clean room/isolator cleaning rota

21. To assist with the environmental and physical monitoring of CTASU

22. To be involved in the maintenance of departmental records including staff training, environmental monitoring, cleaning, maintenance logs and worksheets

23. Where applicable be involved with the delivery of drugs to clinical areas

24. To promptly report deviations from SOPs and complaints to the Accountable Pharmacist and Aseptic Services Manager or Deputy

Regulatory

1. To undertake aseptic preparation in accordance with the GPhC code of ethics and current legislation and guidance including Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Guidance on Aseptic Dispensing for NHS Patients, Health and Safety Act, Medicines Act, Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trial) Regulations and the Human Medicines Regulations and Misuse of Drugs Act, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations and Departmental Procedures

2. To ensure you are familiar with and adhere to CTASU, Pharmacy and Trust standard operating procedures (SOPs)

3. To ensure the disposal or recycling of medicinal products is carried out in a safe and efficient manner, in accordance with Health & Safety, COSHH regulations and Departmental Standard Operating Procedure

Clinical Trials

1. To obtain and maintain Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training

2. To apply principles of GCP in the management of clinical trials

3. To work within the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trial) Regulations 2004 and EU directive relating to Clinical Trials

4. To maintain clinical trial filing systems and drug accountability documentation for clinical trials

5. To be involved in the invoicing, set up and close down of a clinical trial

Teaching and Training

1. To participate in a programme of work based training, development and appraisal. The majority of this training will be completed in CTASU, however training will include short rotations into Radiopharmacy and Quality Assurance

2. To undertake the Science and Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship, and as part of this complete the Level 3 Diploma in the Principles of Aseptic Pharmaceuticals Processing

3. To participate in the training and induction of pre-registration students, technicians and assistants (if required)

Professional

1. To ensure that all aspects of the work in CTASU are provided in accordance with the quality management system and conform to relevant legislation, codes of practice, national protocols and Trust policies

2. To carry out Continual Professional Development as required by the relevant professional body and to otherwise maintain the skills and knowledge necessary for the responsibilities of the post

3. Ensure safe working practices and a safe working environment at all times

General responsibilities

1. Work the hours necessary for the proper and efficient performance of the work, within the flexible working system set up in the Department. The post requires participation in rotation of the CTASU early shifts (with working hours adjusted accordingly 07:00-15:00 or 08.00-16.00)

2. To participate in weekend, evening, bank holiday and seven day working according to rota

3. To complete regular rotated slot in dispensary to maintain skill set, if required

4. Producing consistently accurate work in a timely manner when under pressure

5. To assist in the maintenance of a tidy and efficient working environment

6. To ensure compliance with the procedures and protocols in the areas of work for with the post holder carries responsibility

7. Behave courteously and professionally at all times and seek to ensure that the highest level of service is provided by CTASU

8. Operating at frequently high concentration levels on calculating, drawing up and measuring patient doses and maintaining a high level of accuracy whilst working within narrow margins for error and within tight deadlines

9. Daily work involves standing for long periods of time during the setting up, disinfection and preparation of products while working in the confined space of an isolator

10. Producing consistently accurate work in a timely manner when under pressure

11. Responsible for safely operating expensive and complex equipment, including amongst others, Grade A isolators, lasers, etc.

12. To observe patient confidentiality and to work within the requirements of the Data Protection Act.

13. To adhere to associated hygiene and clothing requirements of individual work areas. This may involve: removal of jewellery, wearing of protective clothing including hats, facemasks if necessary, gloves, gowns and overshoes

14. To perform other appropriate duties which may be requested by CTASU management.

Liaises with:

Other rotational CTASU staff, consultants, Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, Radiographers, Technicians, Physicists, Managers and other health care professionals as necessary for the efficient performance of the duties. Also occasionally liaises with support staff from within the Trust and staff from other trusts, engineers and representatives.

Person Specification

Criteria

Essential

  • Ability to work at an isolator fully gloved and gowned
  • Enthusiastic and responsible attitude
  • Professional approach
  • Attention to detail
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills
  • Uses own initiative
  • Team player
  • Adaptable to change
  • IT skills e.g. Word processing, spreadsheets

Desirable

  • Previous aseptic experience
  • Clinical trials experience
  • Well organised
  • Experience of working on own initiative
  • Experience of team working
  • Experience of a changing working environment

Qualifications and experience

Essential

  • BTEC Level 2 in Pharmaceutical Sciences OR equivalent (or willingness to undertake)

Desirable

  • Previous NHS experience
Person Specification

Criteria

Essential

  • Ability to work at an isolator fully gloved and gowned
  • Enthusiastic and responsible attitude
  • Professional approach
  • Attention to detail
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills
  • Uses own initiative
  • Team player
  • Adaptable to change
  • IT skills e.g. Word processing, spreadsheets

Desirable

  • Previous aseptic experience
  • Clinical trials experience
  • Well organised
  • Experience of working on own initiative
  • Experience of team working
  • Experience of a changing working environment

Qualifications and experience

Essential

  • BTEC Level 2 in Pharmaceutical Sciences OR equivalent (or willingness to undertake)

Desirable

  • Previous NHS experience

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Churchill Hospital / John Radcliffe Hospital

Churchill Drive, Headington

Oxford

OX3 7LE


Employer's website

https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Churchill Hospital / John Radcliffe Hospital

Churchill Drive, Headington

Oxford

OX3 7LE


Employer's website

https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Accountable Pharmacist CT Aseptic Services

Emma Wilcock

emma.wilcock@ouh.nhs.uk

01865572166

Details

Date posted

30 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum pro rata, with progression to band 4

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

321-CORP-7370634-B3-PUB

Job locations

Churchill Hospital / John Radcliffe Hospital

Churchill Drive, Headington

Oxford

OX3 7LE


Supporting documents

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