Job Description
Role Overview
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Highly Specialist Chemotherapy Production Pharmacist to play a senior leadership role within its Pharmacy Chemotherapy Preparation and Dispensing Unit (CPDU). This position acts as the Deputy Accountable Pharmacist, supporting the safe, effective, and compliant delivery of chemotherapy production services across the Trust.
Working within one of the UK’s largest cancer centres, you will provide professional leadership across aseptic services, ensure regulatory compliance, and support the ongoing development of high-quality chemotherapy and clinical trial production services.
Service Context
The CPDU is a highly specialised aseptic unit delivering over 4,000 chemotherapy doses each month. The service works closely with oncology, haematology, clinical trials, and operational teams to support both routine patient care and research activity.
The department values teamwork, inclusivity, and continuous professional development, with a strong emphasis on maintaining the highest standards of patient safety and pharmaceutical quality.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Accountability
- Act as Deputy Accountable Pharmacist in line with Quality Assurance of Aseptic Preparation Services (QAAPS) guidance
- Support the strategic and operational leadership of chemotherapy production services
- Deputise for the Accountable Pharmacist when required
Quality & Governance
- Maintain and continuously develop the Pharmaceutical Quality Management System (QMS)
- Ensure full compliance with QAAPS standards, NHS guidance, and national regulatory requirements
- Monitor deviations, investigate incidents, and implement corrective and preventative actions
- Ensure compliance with GMP, GDP, GCP, COSHH, and Health & Safety legislation
Operational Oversight
- Lead the day-to-day delivery of chemotherapy production services
- Supervise Technical and Clinical Pharmacists, Principal and Chief Technicians
- Ensure all aseptic products are prepared, checked, and released in accordance with approved procedures
- Oversee validation of facilities, equipment, and processes
Clinical Trials & Innovation
- Work closely with the Clinical Trials team to support the preparation of investigational medicinal products
- Ensure regulatory compliance for Trust-led and commercially sponsored chemotherapy trials
- Support service development and innovation within aseptic and production services
Workforce Development
- Provide mentorship, supervision, appraisal, and professional development for staff
- Support training programmes that promote competence, confidence, and continuous improvement
- Lead and manage change effectively within production services
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
- MPharm (Master of Pharmacy)
- Registered Pharmacist with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
- Competency assessed and authorised for aseptic services
Desirable Qualifications
- Specialist postgraduate qualification in Technical or Aseptic Services
(e.g. MSc Pharmaceutical Technology & Quality Assurance) - Relevant postgraduate short courses in aseptic or technical pharmacy services
Essential Experience
- Proven experience supervising aseptic production services
- Product release responsibility in licensed or unlicensed manufacturing units
- Experience handling chemotherapy products within aseptic environments
- Demonstrated experience in mentoring, training, and staff development
Essential Skills & Knowledge
- In-depth practical knowledge of GMP, GCP, QA, and aseptic regulations
- Ability to manage deviations, out-of-specification results, and risk within a QMS
- Strong understanding of validation principles for facilities, equipment, and products
- Effective leadership, staff management, and service improvement skills
- Ability to lead and manage change in complex production environments
Compliance & Pre-Employment Requirements
- Appointment subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
- Applicants requiring Skilled Worker visa sponsorship are welcome to apply
- Overseas applicants must provide criminal record certificates for relevant countries
Useful UK Government Guidance (External Links)
For further information, please refer to the following official GOV.UK resources:
- General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registration
- Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidance
- Skilled Worker visa information
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks
- Criminal record checks for overseas applicants
Employer Details
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
Guy’s Cancer Centre
Great Maze Pond
London, SE1 9RT