Senior Clinical Trials Pharmacist with certificate of sponsorship to the UK
Visa Note
While this employer offers a certificate of sponsorship for eligible candidates, applicants must verify their visa/work permit eligibility directly with the employer. The certificate of sponsorship does not guarantee visa approval, and applicants should check UK immigration requirements before applying.
About the Role
The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Senior Clinical Trials Pharmacist to join our Pharmacy Research and Development (R&I) service. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced pharmacist to contribute to the safe and effective conduct of clinical trials while working within a supportive and diverse healthcare environment. The position offers a competitive salary of £47,810 to £54,710 per annum on a fixed-term contract for 12 months, working full-time.
Job Summary
The Senior Clinical Trials Pharmacist will hold responsibility for the professional and operational aspects of the Pharmacy Research and Development (R&I) service delivered by the Trust. This includes ensuring the provision of a high-quality, compliant, and efficient service that supports the safe and effective conduct of clinical trials. The postholder will work collaboratively with colleagues across the Pharmacy and R&I teams to provide expert pharmaceutical advice and contribute to the ongoing development and enhancement of the clinical trials pharmacy service within the Trust.
Key Responsibilities
In the absence of the Lead Pharmacist for Clinical Trials, the postholder will act as deputy, assuming leadership responsibilities to maintain service continuity and uphold governance requirements. The role also encompasses teaching, mentoring, and supervising junior pharmacists, students, and rotational staff within the department, fostering professional development and ensuring knowledge transfer. Additionally, the postholder will assist the Lead Pharmacist for Clinical Trials in ensuring full compliance with all applicable regulations governing the pharmacy aspects of clinical trials, including Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations, and other relevant standards.
Main Duties
The successful candidate will maintain and develop standard operating procedures for clinical trials in collaboration with trial leads, ensuring compliance with GCP, GMP, and all relevant legislation and national guidelines. You will provide pharmaceutical and technical input into the feasibility, setup, design, and delivery of clinical trials, including critical review of trial protocols for pharmacy impact such as packaging, labeling, and documentation. The role requires ensuring service provision is flexible and responsive to research teams, pharmacy, and patient needs while delivering high-quality, patient-focused pharmaceutical services across inpatient, outpatient, and day clinic settings.
Clinical Operations
You will screen prescriptions on ARIA, Chemocare, and EPMA systems for clinical appropriateness, safety, and legality, while championing the use of pharmacy tracking systems. The postholder will oversee compliance with approvals (R&I, ethics, MHRA) prior to trial commencement and confirm pharmacy capability and capacity for trial involvement. Additionally, you will monitor drug accountability, maintain confidentiality of trial protocols, and ensure adherence to regulations for storage and dispensing of trial medications, SACT, unlicensed medicines, and controlled drugs.
Financial Management
A key aspect of this role involves managing financial aspects of trials, including calculating Excess Treatment Costs, costing pharmacy staff time, agreeing budgets with sponsors, and invoicing as per contracts. The Senior Clinical Trials Pharmacist will support recruitment, training, and supervision of pharmacy R&I staff, and contribute to service development and medicines-related change initiatives within the Trust.
Person Specification
Knowledge-based
Essential: Communication skills.
Desirable: Years of experience and values & professionalism.
Experience, Knowledge & Skills
Essential: Years of experience and achieved grades.
Desirable: Values and behaviors, skills and competence.
About Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
Diversity makes us interesting… Inclusion is what will make us outstanding. Inequality exists and the journey to eliminate it is not easy. Every step we take will be a purposeful step forward to deliver a truly inclusive culture where all our people are enabled to deliver outstanding care, where background is no barrier, and where everyone can be their authentic self and we truly represent our patient community.
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where possible. All applicants who have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the post can opt for a guaranteed interview. The Trust holds several accreditations including Apprenticeships, CQC Good rating, Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver, Disability Confident Employer, MINDFUL employer, Smoke free, and Stonewall.
Location and Working Environment
The position is based at Royal Berkshire Hospital, located at 1 Craven Road, Reading, RG1 5AN. The hospital provides a modern working environment with state-of-the facilities and is easily accessible by public transport. Reading offers an excellent quality of life with good transport links to London and other major cities, making it an attractive location for international professionals relocating to the UK.
Professional Development
The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is committed to the continuous professional development of its staff. As a Senior Clinical Trials Pharmacist, you will have access to various training opportunities, conferences, and workshops to enhance your skills and knowledge. The Trust encourages staff to pursue further qualifications and supports career progression within the organization.
Benefits Package
In addition to the competitive salary, the Trust offers a comprehensive benefits package including membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, generous annual leave, access to the NHS staff discount scheme, and occupational health services. The Trust also provides support for relocation where applicable and assistance with finding accommodation in the local area.
Working Pattern
This is a full-time position working 37.5 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday. The Trust operates on a flexible working pattern where possible, and there may be opportunities for hybrid working depending on the specific requirements of the role and department needs.
Certificate of Sponsorship
The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is able to offer a certificate of sponsorship to eligible international candidates who require skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK. Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information regarding UK visas and immigration requirements, please visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. All applicants must be prepared to undergo this check if successful in their application.
UK Professional Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration to be considered for this position. For further information regarding UK registration requirements, please see the NHS Careers website for overseas healthcare professionals. The Trust can provide support with the registration process for eligible candidates who are relocating to the UK.
Criminal Records Check
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found on the UK government website regarding criminal records checks for overseas applicants.
Contact Information
For questions about the job, please contact Tolu Okeke, Lead Pharmacist Clinical Trials, via email at tolu.okeke@royalberkshire.nhs.uk or by phone at 01183226996. The recruitment team can also be reached on 0118 322 6997 or 0118 322 5342 for additional assistance with your application.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please visit the NHS Jobs website at https://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/ and search for reference number 193-7737633COR. International applicants should ensure they have the necessary documentation ready, including proof of qualifications, professional registration, and evidence of English language proficiency if applicable. All applicants must verify their visa eligibility directly with the employer before applying, as the certificate of sponsorship is subject to UK immigration requirements and approval.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 02 March 2026. Early application is encouraged as interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis. The Trust reserves the right to close the vacancy early if sufficient applications are received. All applicants will be notified regarding the outcome of their application in due course.
Privacy Notice
For information on how your personal data will be processed, please refer to the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust’s privacy notice available at https://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/privacy-policy/. The Trust is committed to protecting your data and complying with data protection legislation.
Supporting Documents
Applicants are required to submit their CV along with a supporting statement that demonstrates how they meet the person specification for this role. The application should include details of relevant experience, qualifications, and skills. Two supporting documents are available for download: Senior Clinical Trials Pharmacist.pdf (233 KB) and Senior Clinical Trials Pharmacist.pdf (394 KB), which provide additional information about the role and the Trust.