Science Manufacturing Technician Apprentice

Science Manufacturing Technician Apprentice NHS AfC: Band 3 Main area Pharmacy Grade NHS AfC: Band 3 Contract Permanent: 1 weekend day per 6 week period Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week (1 weekend day per 6 week period) Job ref 321-CORP B3

Site Churchill Hospital / John Radcliffe Hospital Town Oxford Salary £24,937 - £26,598 per annum pro rata, with progression to band 4. Salary period Yearly. Closing 21/01/:59. Interview date 26/01/2026

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, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington, and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.

Our values, standards, and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we build with patients, colleagues, and the wider community. We call this Delivering Compassionate Excellence and focus on the values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement, and excellence.

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

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

We are looking to train an individual to work in aseptic dispensing within Oxford University Hospitals. The role is suitable for staff working in a pharmacy team with a BTEC Level 2 (or equivalent) and an interest in working in an aseptic team preparing doses for patients, or school/college leavers starting their career. Applicants without the BTEC level 2 may apply if willing to undertake it before enrolling in the SMT apprenticeship course. Previous applicants need not apply.

Main Duties of the Job The main role is to participate in a programme of work based training and development to gain knowledge and experience across aseptic dispensing and manufacturing. The role will primarily be based in the Clinical Trials Aseptic Services Unit (CTASU) but will involve rotating into the Radiopharmacy and Quality Assurance Team.

The CTASU prepares clinical trial doses aseptically for various departments and maintains up to date documentation in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP). Under the direction of the Accountable Pharmacist, Aseptic Services Manager, or Deputy, the post holder will manage day to day activities in aseptic services to support patient needs while meeting Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and GCP standards. The role will involve regular weekend work to support clinical trial doses.

Detailed Job Description and Main Responsibilities Main Tasks and Responsibilities

• Undertake a work based programme that meets the standards set in the Science and Manufacturing Apprenticeship (including 20% off the job training and attendance at the virtual college).
• Undertake assessment and build a portfolio of evidence of achievements against the apprenticeship standards.
• Complete the Level 3 Diploma in the Principles of Aseptic Pharmaceutical Processing.
• Work at an isolator fully gloved and gowned.
• Maintain a high level of accuracy and effective patient service delivery.
• Communicate effectively and accurately, both verbally and in writing, with a range of people at different levels within the Trust (doctors, pharmacists, nurses, CRAs).
• Be competent in the use of Microsoft Office suite.
• Participate in day to day running of CTASU in line with the rota.
• Participate in safe systems of work and their documentation.
• Ensure all expected prescriptions are received in CTASU and communicate with clinical teams if prescriptions are missing.
• Receive prescriptions into CTASU and file for the appropriate date.
• Keep the CTASU calendar updated with the workload required for each day.
• Answer telephone queries regarding dose preparation times and delivery schedules.
• Escalate queries when appropriate.
• Accurately complete product worksheets and labels, assigning batch numbers to aseptically prepared products.
• Accurately and safely label aseptically prepared products.
• Assemble drugs and consumables required for preparation, recording batch numbers and expiry dates.
• Prepare a wide range of aseptic products safely and accurately, including cytotoxics, epidurals, antibiotics, injectables, novel agents, and monoclonal antibodies.
• Maintain expertise, skills, and knowledge of technical aspects of aseptic and non aseptic dispensing.
• Facilitate quality assurance of products and notify the Senior Aseptic Services Technician of incidents or procedural deficiencies.
• Ensure finished products are packed before distribution for prompt and safe delivery.
• Transport finished products in the appropriate environment, considering physical and legal requirements.
• Unpack and receipting of deliveries.
• Perform regular expiry date checks to identify expired or short dated stock.
• Monitor drug stock and consumable levels and replenish as necessary.
• Ensure all equipment within CTASU is in good working order and serviced regularly.
• Participate in the clean room/isolator cleaning rota.
• Assist with environmental and physical monitoring of CTASU.
• Maintain departmental records, including staff training, environmental monitoring, cleaning, maintenance logs, and worksheets.
• Deliver drugs to clinical areas where applicable.
• Report deviations from SOPs and complaints promptly to the Accountable Pharmacist or Aseptic Services Manager/Deputy.
• Undertake aseptic preparation in compliance with GPhC code of ethics, GMP, GCP, Aseptic Dispensing guidance, Health & Safety Act, Medicines Act, Human Medicines Regulations, Misuse of Drugs Act, COSHH regulations, and departmental procedures.
• Adhere to CTASU, Pharmacy, and Trust SOPs.
• Ensure safe disposal or recycling of medicinal products in accordance with Health & Safety and COSHH.
• Maintain GCP training and apply GCP principles to clinical trial management.
• Work within Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trial) Regulations 2004 and EU directive relating to Clinical Trials.
• Maintain clinical trial filing systems and drug accountability documentation.
• Participate in invoicing, setup, and closure of clinical trials.
• Participate in a programme of work based training, development, and appraisal, including rotations into Radiopharmacy and QA.
• Induct pre registration students, technicians, and assistants when required.
• Ensure work in CTASU complies with quality management, legislation, codes of practice, national protocols, and Trust policies.
• Carry out Continuous Professional Development as required by relevant professional bodies.
• Maintain safe working practices and environment at all times.
• Work the necessary hours, including flexible working, early shifts, weekend, evening, bank holiday, and seven day working as per rota.
• Maintain skill set through rotated slots in the dispensary when required.
• Produce consistently accurate work in a timely manner, even under pressure.
• Maintain a tidy and efficient working environment.
• Ensure compliance with all procedures and protocols in the area of responsibility.
• Behave courteously and professionally, delivering high level customer service.
• Operate at high concentration levels, calculating, drawing up, and measuring patient doses with precision and within tight deadlines.
• Stand for long periods during disinfection and preparation of products within the confined space of an isolator.
• Operate expensive and complex equipment safely, including Grade A isolators, lasers, etc.
• Observe patient confidentiality and comply with the Data Protection Act.
• Adhere to hygiene and clothing requirements, including removal of jewellery and wearing of protective clothing.
• Perform other appropriate duties requested by CTASU management.

Person Specification Criteria

• Ability to work at an isolator fully gloved and gowned
• Enthusiastic and responsible attitude
• Professional approach
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Uses own initiative
• Team player
• Adaptable to change
• Clinical trials experience
• Well organised
• Experience of working on own initiative
• Experience of team working
• Experience of a changing working environment

Qualifications and Experience

• BTEC Level 2 in Pharmaceutical Sciences or equivalent (or willingness to undertake)
• Previous NHS experience

COVID 19 The COVID 19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, your family, colleagues, and patients. While vaccination is not a condition of employment, we encourage staff to get vaccinated. Unvaccinated staff should see the Oxfordshire County Council website for information on accessing vaccination.

Vacancy Closures Please note this vacancy may close early if a high volume of applications is received.

Probation Period This post is subject to a 6 month probationary period. If you currently hold a contract with Oxford University Hospitals, this will not apply . click apply for full job details