Lead Pharmacist Clinical Trials

Nhsayrshireandarran; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 45,000 - GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Edinburgh is seeking a Lead Pharmacist for Clinical Trials to oversee pharmacy services across NHS Lothian. The role involves setting the strategic direction, managing service delivery, and ensuring compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) regulations. The ideal candidate should possess a Master of Pharmacy, have proven leadership skills in clinical trials, and the ability to collaborate with various teams. The position offers competitive benefits and the chance to make a significant impact in patient care.

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in developing healthcare initiatives.
• Significant experience in clinical trials.
• Strong decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop pharmacy clinical trial services.
• Set strategic direction and ensure GCP compliance.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Collaborative service development

Clinical trials planning

Leadership and management

Pharmaceutical law knowledge

Excellent communication skills

Education

Master of Pharmacy Degree

Registration with GPhC

Postgraduate Diploma or MSc in Clinical Pharmacy

Job description

Overview

Lead Pharmacist Clinical Trials. Primary base: Usher Building, Little France, Edinburgh. Travel across NHS Lothian acute sites is required.

Organization

NHS Lothian Pharmacy & Medicines Service. We are pleased to offer a rare opportunity for an experienced pharmacist to lead and develop pharmacy clinical trial services across NHS Lothian. Clinical trials are vital to advancing patient care and improving health outcomes. The successful candidate will set the strategic direction, manage service delivery, and ensure compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and relevant legislation. Working closely with Research & Development (R&D), multidisciplinary teams, and regional partners, you will drive innovation and resilience in clinical trial pharmacy services.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop pharmacy clinical trial services across NHS Lothian.
• Set the strategic direction, manage service delivery, and ensure compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and relevant legislation.
• Work closely with Research & Development (R&D), multidisciplinary teams, and regional partners to drive innovation and resilience in clinical trial pharmacy services.

Essential Qualifications And Competencies

• A Master of Pharmacy Degree (or equivalent).
• Registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
• Completed Postgraduate Diploma or Masters of Science (MSc) or demonstrate substantial progress across the four pillars of the RPS Core Advanced Pharmacist Curriculum through:
• Engagement with the RPS Core Advanced Curriculum.
• Active participation in a community of practice/peer network.
• Submit a screenshot of portfolio (programme of learning page).
• Complete the RPS learning needs analysis tool to assess progress with the Core Advanced Curriculum and any gaps that will need addressed as part of PDP plans.
• Candidates who have completed a Postgraduate Clinical Pharmacy Diploma or MSc in Clinical Pharmacy should complete the learning needs analysis (LNA) using the LNA tool in the RPS e-portfolio, identifying any gaps that will need addressed as part of PDP plans.

Experience And Knowledge

• Proven expertise in collaborative service development, including design and implementation of healthcare initiatives.
• Significant experience in clinical trials planning, delivery and monitoring.
• Proven leadership and management experience at a senior level.
• Strong knowledge of pharmaceutical law, ethics, and governance relating to research.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, enabling effective decision-making.

About NHS Lothian

NHS Lothian covers Edinburgh city, East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian. We serve a population of 900,000 and provide a range of primary, community-based and acute hospital services, as well as regional and national services across clinical specialties. The Pharmacy & Medicines service aims to deliver clinically led, person-centred services to ensure patients get the best from their medicines and pharmacy services.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

For information on the role and the skills/experience we’re looking for, please refer to the job description and person specification linked below. We encourage informal conversations to learn more about this opportunity.

To Start The Conversation Contact

Melinda Cuthbert, Associate Director Pharmacy (Acute) – 0791 888 9003
[e-mail]

Hazel Milligan, Lead Pharmacist Clinical Trials
[e-mail]

We will fully support disabled candidates and those with long-term conditions or who are neurodivergent by making reasonable adjustments to our recruitment policy and practices.

To work in the United Kingdom, you must have the relevant permission to work in the country. This is granted by the UK Visas and Immigration Service. Further information can be found in the vacancy details.

As from 1/4/26, the Agenda for Change full-time working week will be reducing from 37 to 36 hours per week. Part-time hours will be reduced pro-rata, with a corresponding increase in hourly rate. Please note: we anticipate a high level of interest and may close the vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications are received.

NHS Scotland is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of society. The post may require PVG Scheme membership/record. If the post is deemed a regulated role, appointment will be subject to PVG checks. For details on changes, please visit Disclosure Scotland Changes.