Research Pharmacy Technician

Description

Join an innovative oncology research team where your attention to detail directly supports life-changing clinical trials. As a Research Pharmacy Technician, you will play a vital role in the preparation, accountability, and management of investigational medications advancing the future of cancer care.

At Highlands Oncology Group we know that every single job is important. It takes each one of us, clinical and non-clinical, to provide exceptional and compassionate care to our amazing patients.

Highlands Oncology began in 1996 with three physicians and a desire to change the face of oncology care in our community. Our founding physicians knew that patients do better at home, in the community where they live and work, and where their support system is already in place. In furthering that goal, Highlands has grown with the region from a single location 26 years ago, to 6 locations in Northwest and Northcentral Arkansas today employing more than 750 diverse team members. We have a caring multidisciplinary team focused on treating patients as family.

Highlands Oncology research department has provided clinical trials to our community for over 30 years, including many first-in-human cancer treatments. Our department is committed to remaining on the cutting edge to ensure our community has access to many clinical trial opportunities. We have worked with the pharmaceutical industry to develop many treatments that are standard practice today.


This position is on-site in Springdale, Arkansas.

Job Summary: The Research Pharmacy Technician, under the supervision of a licensed Research Pharmacist, will assist in the various activities of the Research Department not requiring professional judgment of the pharmacist. The Research Pharmacy Technician will function in strict accordance with standard, written procedures, and guidelines. Any deviation from this must be approved by the Research Pharmacist. The Research Pharmacy Technician is responsible as a research representative for maintaining clinical trials in a manner consistent with Good Clinical Practice guidelines, Highlands Oncology Group policies and procedures, and sponsor requirements within the assigned setting.

Job Duties / Responsibilities:

• Research IMP admixture, Research IMP dispensation and Research IMP receipt.
• Dispensation of blind IMP from clinic paper drug accountability system.
• Ability to work in an environment that has potential exposure to hazardous drugs as identified by NIOSH.
• Maintenance of the Research Pharmacy area.
• Understanding and appropriate use of pharmaceutical-medical terms, abbreviations, and symbols common to prescribing, dispensing, and charting of medications.
• Maintain a working knowledge of the general physical properties of IMP managed in the Clinic and Research Pharmacy. This includes identifying medications that are light sensitive, hazardous or that require refrigeration.
• Carry out the calculations required for the usual dosage determinations and IV preparation.
• Performs the essential functions relating to IMP inventory control.
• Maintain a working knowledge of USP 795, 797 and 800 guidelines and able to demonstrate aseptic technique.
• Perform aseptic compounding of parenteral admixtures. This includes the practice of good aseptic technique, proper procedures for preparing all types of parenteral admixtures, preparation of labels, and documentation of quality control and environmental control in the clean room.
• Maintain temperature documents within electronic drug accountability system.
• Maintain calibration certificates within electronic drug accountability system.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn when mixing or handling IMP. Must adhere to proper donning, doffing and application of PPE.
• Other duties as assigned by the Clinical Research Pharmacist

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Maintain a working knowledge of Federal and State laws governing the practice of pharmacy.
• Demonstrates a high level of professionalism and responsiveness when interacting with research and pharmacy departments, physicians, nurses, and other ancillary departments.
• Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates flexibility in schedule to accommodate workload.

Certifications/Licenses/Education/or Experience in a related field:

• Must be a high school graduate or higher education.
• Must register with the State Board of Pharmacy.
• Possess excellent organizational skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Applications, including MS Word and Outlook.
• Must complete registration with ID.me.
• After two years of research experience, Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) is encouraged and preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Standing and Walking: Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Lifting and moving patients: Ability to lift, move, and assist patients, often requiring more than 50 pounds.
• Pushing and Pulling: Must be able to push and maneuver equipment and patient transport devices.
• Fine Motor Skills: Requires good hand-eye coordination to operate controls and handle small objects.
• Repetitive Motions: Frequent use of hand and fingers for operating machinery and adjusting settings.
• Bending and Reaching: Must bend, stoop, twist, and reach to position patients and operate equipment.
• Sitting for prolonged periods of time at a desk.
• Computer use that requires visual acuity, typing, use of mouse/keyboard, and staring at a screen for extended periods of time.

Work Environment:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Due to the nature of our business and the use of radiation and hazardous chemicals, it is imperative that all employees foster a culture and environment of safety.
• Safety Sensitive: In accordance with the Arkansas code this position is designated as a safety sensitive position wherein the employee performing the job duties under the influence may constitute a threat to health or safety.