Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The CRDC is transforming the delivery of commercial clinical research across the South East, creating opportunities for patients to access cutting-edge medicines and therapies while supporting the growth of the life sciences sector. As Lead Pharmacist, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the safe, effective and efficient delivery of investigational medicinal products across a diverse and expanding portfolio of commercial studies.

Working closely with clinical, research, operational and industry partners, you will lead the development of pharmacy services that enable high-quality research delivery while maintaining the highest standards of governance, regulatory compliance and patient safety. Your expertise will help shape the future of research pharmacy services, supporting the organisation's commitment to innovation, excellence and improved outcomes for patients.

You will provide professional leadership to research pharmacy teams involved in commercial research delivery, acting as the key pharmacy advisor for the CRDC and contributing to strategic planning across the organisation and wider region. The role requires strong collaboration with principal investigators, research nurses, clinical trial practitioners, research management teams, sponsors and external stakeholders to ensure studies are delivered successfully and to agreed timelines.

The post holder will be responsible for developing and implementing research pharmacy strategies, overseeing investigational medicinal product management, supporting regulatory inspections and audit activity, identifying opportunities for service improvement, and ensuring research pharmacy services remain responsive to the needs of a growing commercial portfolio.

Reporting to the UHS Chief Pharmacist (CRDC host organisation), with close working relationships across the Research and Development Directorate, Commercial Research Delivery Centre leadership team and wider pharmacy services, you will provide expert professional leadership and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary colleagues to deliver world-class research opportunities for patients.

This is a fixed-term opportunity with the potential to shape the future of research pharmacy services within the CRDC, with the post holder expected to help build the activity, partnerships and sustainability required to secure ongoing funding for the role.

This role offers an exceptional opportunity to influence research strategy, drive innovation in medicines development, and contribute to the continued success of a nationally significant research programme.

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for pharmacy services within the Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC), ensuring the safe, efficient and compliant management of investigational medicinal products across a diverse portfolio of commercial clinical trials.

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of research pharmacy services, working with multidisciplinary teams, research leaders, study sponsors and external partners to maximise research opportunities and support the delivery of high-quality studies.

• Act as the senior pharmacy professional for commercial research activity, providing expert advice on regulatory compliance, governance, risk management, quality assurance and medicines management in accordance with national legislation, Good Clinical Practice and sponsor requirements.

• Support the growth and success of the CRDC by identifying opportunities for innovation, service expansion and operational efficiency, enabling more patients to access cutting-edge therapies and clinical research opportunities.

What experience/skills are needed:

• You will be a registered pharmacist with substantial post-registration experience, including significant experience in clinical governance, clinical research, investigational medicinal products or specialist pharmacy services.

• You will have a proven track record of leading and developing services, delivering complex programmes of work and influencing senior stakeholders across multidisciplinary teams.

• You will possess an in-depth understanding of research governance, medicines legislation, Good Clinical Practice and the regulatory frameworks that support the delivery of commercial clinical trials.

• You will demonstrate excellent leadership, communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with clinical teams, sponsors, researchers, industry partners and external organisations.

Additional Information:

• The role may require travel across partner organisations and regional research sites, and applicants must be able to meet these travel requirements.

• Experience of working within an NHS organisation, academic institution or commercial research environment is highly desirable.

• A postgraduate qualification in clinical pharmacy, research, leadership or a related discipline, or equivalent experience, is desirable.