Job Description

We are excited to advertise a new role for a Science Manufacturing Technician. There has never been a more exciting time to join our Pharmacy Aseptic Services team at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.



The Aseptic Services Unit at the Christie NHS Foundation Trust is a world leader in the production of phase one clinical trial material, we prepare an extensive portfolio of over 100 different trials alongside Early Access Medicines Scheme, Free of Charge and compassionate use schemes.



The ideal candidate should hold the Level 3 Science Manufacturing Technician qualification or be willing to undertake the qualification as an apprenticeship on a 2-year fixed term contract (band 4 annexe 21), with progression into a band 4 role on succession of qualification and end assessment.



To gain the relevant skills, knowledge and work experience requirements as a Science Manufacturing Technician Level 3 apprentice, trainees will undertake a 2-year work experience to complete the Level 3 Diploma in the Principles of Aseptic Pharmaceuticals Processing for Science Manufacturing Technicians.



The successful candidate will participate in and supervise the aseptic production of injectable medicines used in chemotherapy treatment and clinical trials and will be responsible for the daily supervision of production.



If you have an interest in the safe manufacture of injectable medicines and a desire to develop supervisory skills to help manage a team, then this could be the role for you!



All work is carried out in a clean room environment under the supervision of the Accountable Pharmacist and a highly trained technical team.



Preparation of worksheets and labels for aseptically prepared products



Setting up work trays for aseptically prepared products



Sanitisation and transfer of all materials required for production



Aseptic preparation of injectable materials



Cleaning of facilities and isolators prior to and post production



In process checks



Supervision of junior staff



Recording and maintaining the correct parameters to allow for aseptic manipulation within the isolators



Checking of all components and consumables required for safe manipulation of aseptically prepared products (when suitably trained and qualified)



Taking monitoring samples using TSA and SAB contact and settle plates



We are an ever-expanding multi-disciplinary team of Assistants, Practitioners, Science Manufacturing Technicians, Pharmacy Technicians, and pharmacists who strive to produce exceptionally high-quality injectable medicines to each patient that uses our service.



The Aseptic team is a diverse and dynamic team who work in a specialised cleanroom environment where teamwork is the key to efficiency and managing the patient experience. Each day is both challenging and rewarding in equal measures, with cancer treatments constantly evolving and new types of drugs being trialled each year.



We are at the forefront of development in terms of drug innovation and team development, introducing a new workforce within pharmacy aseptic services of the Science Manufacturing Technician role to our already large portfolio of training and staff qualifications here at The Christie



The Pharmacy department has a developed career pathway for technical staff wishing to progress as far as achievable. Helping support all qualifications and in-house training that allow for this progression should you wish to further your career within the Pharmacy Aseptic team.



So, if you want to work as part of an ever-progressing team and you enjoy a challenge then we could be the team for you.



DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES



To aseptically prepare high quality Cytotoxic/MABS/EAMS etc. in accordance with departmental procedures, Good Manufacturing Practice and COSHH regulations ensuring that all work complies with all regulatory frameworks and standards.



To ensure that cleaning in all areas of the production unit is completed according to GMP and departmental policies and procedures.



To ensure ingredients and disposables are assembled, disinfected and transferred through the Aseptic Services Unit (ASU) appropriately.



To accurately prepare worksheets and labels for aseptic products using CMM and iQEMO program if required.



To assist with the preparation of a variety and routine complex documentation within the ASU.



To assist with the recording and analysis (where appropriate) of data, both manually and on the computer.



To actively participate in the department's training, accreditation, validations and re-validation program.



To be responsible for the maintenance of stock in the ASU including evaluating stock levels within the ASU assisting the ordering technician to ensure adequate stock is maintained at all times.



To ensure all environmental monitoring plates are received and stored in the correct manner to ensure they are protected from contamination.



To prepare environmental samples and checking detailed documentation for dispatch to QCNW.



To be responsible for routinely receiving, analysing and documenting complex environmental reports from QCNW and referring any variances to senior staff in a timely manner, to determine best course of action (e.g. resolving issues).



To undertake any mandatory training, updates and courses in line with local and Trust policies.



To complete all ASU competency-based training packages.



To participate in and co-operate with, individual personal assessment, continuing professional development and continuing education programmes to develop personal competencies and knowledge base.



When appropriate, to demonstrate activities to, work experience students, pre-registration pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, student pharmacy technicians and staff undergoing induction.



Where appropriate, propose improvements to procedures (e.g SOPs in own work area).

Communication and Leadership:

To communicate with other team members regarding activities within the ASU may involve sensitivity and/or complex information.



To carry out and plan on-going general administration tasks according to the ASU on-going requirements and refer queries to the appropriate person.



To ensure effective communication channels are maintained by all staff and any disagreements are dealt with promptly and in line with the Trusts respect policy.



To participate in staff discussions during internal meetings and as part of a group when required.

Finance:

To effectively manage a designated stockholding to ensure that stock wastage is minimised.



To assist the Senior/Specialist Technicians in managing the ASU stocktakes.



To comply with legal and Trust requirements relating to the purchase, supply, use safe custody and destruction of medicines within Pharmacy and other areas of the Trust.

Effort and Environment Factors:

Demonstrable skills for manipulation of pharmaceutical products.



The post holder must have the ability to lift and handle pharmaceutical items.



The post holder must have the ability to work in a cleanroom environment.



Regular use of a PC for data inputting and training.

Policy:

To be responsible for the adherence and upholding of all Trust and departmental policies and procedures.



To comply with the updated national guidance and local Trust policy for the Safe Administration of Intrathecal Chemotherapy.

Other Duties:

To provide a high-quality service delivered in a professional and courteous manner is a requirement of all staff employed by the Pharmaceutical Service.



To participate in the Aseptic on-call preparation service for chemotherapy outside normal working hours on a rotational basis.



To participate in a Saturday/Sunday and Bank Holiday rota, when the service requires which may be on a regular/rota'd basis.



To undertake any other duties of a similar nature requested by the Production Manager/Deputy or the Director of Pharmacy

Responsibility for Patient Care:

To maintain compliance with Rules and Guidance to Good Manufacturing Practice and any other local, regional and national guidance documents.



To assist with the maintaining Quality Assurance standards in accordance with national, regional and local requirements.



To participate in ensuring that the ASU complies with clinical governance strategies, including risk management assessments of working practices, reporting of clinical incidents, pharmacy error reporting schemes, intervention monitoring and risk reduction strategies.



To regularly analyse documented GMP observations, referring issues to Chief Technicians and Aseptic Services Manager/Deputy where non-compliance or deviation identified.