Senior Pharmacy Technician - Limerick Cancer Centre

Senior Pharmacy Technician - Limerick Cancer Centre

Location: Limerick Cancer Centre
Job type: Permanent

Overview of role

UPMC is seeking to recruit a Senior Pharmacy Technician for Limerick Cancer Centre. The post holder will play a key role in the delivery, coordination, and development of Pharmacy Technical Services, with a particular focus on oncology/haematology services and the future establishment and ongoing operation of aseptic compounding for cytotoxic systemic anti cancer therapy (SACT). The role requires a highly motivated and experienced technician who will demonstrate leadership, technical expertise, and a commitment to quality, safety, and continuous service improvement across the UPMC Cancer Network.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities 1. Professional Practice and UPMC Values

• Act at all times to ensure that patient care and safety are prioritised.
• Demonstrate and promote UPMC core values: Quality and Safety, Dignity and Respect, Caring and Listening, Responsibility and Integrity, Excellence and Innovation.
• Maintain competence in relevant clinical and pharmacy information systems, including ARIA and other systems relevant to the role.
• Work flexibly across the UPMC Cancer Network and support a standardised and integrated approach to Pharmacy services.

2. Operational Pharmacy Technical Services

• Undertake and supervise core Pharmacy Technical Services activities, including assembly of prescriptions and ward requisitions, extemporaneous compounding and pre packaging, top up distribution systems, procurement, stock management, and inventory control.
• Ensure the safe receipt, checking, storage, and distribution of medicines in line with legislation, professional guidance, and best practice.
• Support proactive and cost effective management of medicine shortages across Limerick Cancer Centre and the wider UPMC network.
• Contribute to formulary management and the introduction of new medicines.

3. Oncology, Haematology and SACT Services

• Support the safe and effective delivery of Oncology/Haematology Pharmacy services.
• Participate in the review and implementation of SACT protocols.
• Maintain awareness of best practice standards and competency frameworks in oncology and aseptic services.

4. Aseptic Compounding and Cytotoxic SACT Services

• Play a key role in the planning, development, implementation, and ongoing operation of aseptic compounding services at Limerick Cancer Centre.
• Provide technical input to the planning, specification, and design of aseptic compounding facilities, ensuring alignment with recognised standards and best practice.
• Support the development of safe and efficient aseptic workflows, including process layout, equipment selection, environmental controls, and contamination control measures.
• Participate in commissioning, qualification, validation, and operational readiness activities in collaboration with Pharmacy, Quality and Patient Safety, Infection Prevention and Control, Facilities, and external partners.
• Develop, implement, and maintain SOPs and controlled documentation for aseptic compounding, including cytotoxic SACT preparation; environmental monitoring and cleaning; gowning and aseptic technique; equipment operation, maintenance, and validation; and labelling, storage, transport, and disposal of cytotoxic products.
• Support the implementation and maintenance of a robust Quality Management System (QMS), including environmental and microbiological monitoring; process validation and media fill testing; deviation, incident, and CAPA management; change control and document control; and internal audit processes.
• Develop and deliver structured training and competency assessment programmes for staff involved in aseptic compounding, including initial qualification and ongoing reassessment.
• Promote a culture of safety, accuracy, compliance, and continuous quality improvement within aseptic services.
• Work collaboratively with Pharmacy leadership to ensure services are delivered safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory and governance requirements.

5. Quality, Governance and Risk Management

• Support the development, implementation, and audit of SOPs across Pharmacy Technical Services.
• Ensure procedures are aligned with legislation, professional standards, and local governance requirements.
• Identify and address risks and deficiencies in medication management systems.
• Report, and promote the reporting of, incidents and near misses to support learning, risk mitigation, and service improvement.
• Contribute to the development and monitoring of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

6. Leadership, Training and Staff Development

• Act as a leader and role model within Limerick Cancer Centre and across the UPMC Pharmacy network.
• Support induction, training, and ongoing development of Pharmacy Technicians and student technicians.
• Contribute to structured competency, training, and performance management programmes.
• Participate in the Engagement and Competency Review process.
• Support the management of performance issues in line with UPMC policies.
• Promote a culture of accountability, professional development, and psychological safety within the Pharmacy team.

7. Service Development and Innovation

• Support the integration and standardisation of Pharmacy Technical Services across UPMC Ireland.
• Contribute to the development and advancement of the Pharmacy Technician role to optimise skill mix and enhance service delivery.
• Identify and lead opportunities for innovation, process improvement, and technological advancement.
• Support the implementation of the UPMC Pharmacy Transformation Strategy.

8. General Responsibilities

• Coordinate day to day technical operations to ensure effective and cohesive service delivery.
• Liaise with multidisciplinary stakeholders including Nursing, Quality and Patient Safety, Laboratory, and Finance.
• Ensure compliance with UPMC HR policies and procedures.
• Participate in accreditation processes and sustainability initiatives.
• Engage in continuous professional development relevant to the role.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the post as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience Essential Criteria

• Eligible applicants must possess:
  • The Pharmaceutical Technicians Diploma awarded by the University of Dublin
  • Or the Pharmacy Technicians qualification at QQI Level 6 awarded by the Technological University Dublin, Atlantic Technological University (Letterkenny), Technological University Shannon (Athlone), or South East Technological University (Carlow)
  • Or the Pharmacy Services Certificate (NVQ 3) offered by the Irish Pharmaceutical Union
  • Or a relevant qualification at least equivalent to the above.
• Have at least 3 years satisfactory post qualification hospital experience.
• Possess the requisite specialised Oncology/Haematology/Aseptics knowledge and ability for the proper discharge of the duties of the role.
• Demonstrate evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development and role specific learning.
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and understanding of all relevant aspects of Hospital Pharmacy Technical services.
• Possess a current clean driving licence and ability to travel between UPMC sites. This role may require occasional work on other UPMC sites as dictated by service needs.

Desirable Criteria

• Formal leadership or management training.
• Experience in oncology/haematology pharmacy services.
• Experience with oncology information systems, e.g. ARIA, Clinichemo, NCIS.
• Experience in procurement and stock management.
• Demonstrated experience in leadership and people management, SOP development and audit, quality improvement and change management, and performance management/appraisals.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

This job description is intended to be an outline of the areas of responsibility. As UPMC and the post holder develop, this job description may be subject to review in light of the changing needs of the business.

Equal Opportunity Statement

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Benefits

• Fully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents.
• Competitive Pension Plan.
• Company funded Death in Service Benefit (x 3 times).
• Critical Illness cover for all employees up to the age of 66.
• Rewards for performance that support the goals and mission of UPMC through our annual ACES programme.
• Enhanced annual leave up to a maximum of 27 days.
• Flexible working opportunities to support you to work around external family commitments.
• Opportunities for each employee to reach their career goals through continued learning and/or advancement.