Pharmacy Technician IV - Research Pharmacy

University of Arkansas System•Little Rock, AR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Pharmacy Technician IV will also participate in the education and training of pharmacy students, pharmacy residents, and new employees. They will be knowledgeable about computer programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel, purchasing software, electronic health records, and work practices related to investigational drug accountability and sterile compounding. Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Director, the Pharmacy Technician IV in the Research Pharmacy will work to support the daily operations of the investigational drug service (or Research Pharmacy department). The Pharmacy Technician IV will function as the lead technician and work closely with the Research Pharmacy Specialists to support the management of investigational drug inventory, supply purchasing, preparation of investigational products, maintenance of information, and keeping of clinical trials records, and participating in department quality and support measures.

Requirements

HS/GED plus 4 yrs Pharmacy Tech Experience or Bachelor's Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences
National Technician Certification (PTCB)
Arkansas Pharmacy Technician Licensure
1 year to obtain ASHP/ACPE-accredited technician training or certificate program
Proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

Knowledgeable about computer programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel, purchasing software, electronic health records, and work practices related to investigational drug accountability and sterile compounding.

Responsibilities

Will assist the pharmacist with compounding, which may include, but is not limited to, placebo capsule preparation, study drug packaging for dispensing, and IV dose preparation.
Proves competent in sterile compounding by successful completion of sterile product validation and gloved fingertip testing according to policy and procedure.
Performs basic pharmaceutical calculations.
Assembles products for the preparation of oral and parenteral investigational medications.
Complete all documentation needed for compounding sterile and non-sterile products.
Reconstitutes, measures, and adds medications to a parenteral fluid under the supervision of and final check by a pharmacist.
Maintains sterile compounding competencies for USP 797 and USP 800 to assist with intravenous drug preparation and performance of routine cleaning procedures.
Troubleshoot and corrected drug delivery and equipment issues as needed.
Is proficient in the use of all required technology related to supply purchasing (i.e., Workday, etc.).
Is proficient in the use of the electronic drug accountability system.
Is primarily responsible for the purchasing of medications and supplies for the assigned work area.
Maintains appropriate records for all procurement activities.
Assists with establishing and maintaining appropriate par levels for investigational agents and supplies.
Helps ensure proper storage conditions for all investigational medications.
Removes expired drugs from assigned areas monthly, or more frequently if required.
Performs inventory audits on study drug supply stored in all investigational drug storage areas on a routine basis.
Reports any inventory errors to the Research Pharmacy Specialist and works to resolve error(s), and asks for assistance from the Research Pharmacy Specialist as needed.
Documents used and/or unused investigational drug returned by study subjects per Research Pharmacy standard operating procedures.
Communicates with Research Pharmacy Specialist(s) regarding issues with investigational drug shipments or supplies.
Maintains the security of investigational controlled substances.
Maintains order and cleanliness of all investigational drug storage areas.
Assists pharmacists with any drug investigational drug shipments (ex. NCI expired drug returns).
Using the nCoup IDS system ensures that bar codes from the system, along with assigned protocol numbers, are placed on all investigational drug stock.
Promotes a safe working environment.
Maintains device calibration records, as well as preventive maintenance documentation as required by pharmacy law, investigational drug standards, and guidelines.
Ensures these documents are available for study monitors or study-specific auditors, which may include the FDA.
Checks expiration dating on all study drug inventory, to ensure expired medications are quarantined at the appropriate time to avoid expired product being dispensed.
Complies with all departmental and institutional policies and procedures.
Understands and follows USP <795> as well as other applicable standards, regulations, and policies related to non-sterile compounding.
Understands and follows USP <797> and <800>, as well as all other applicable standards, regulations, and policies related to sterile compounding and hazardous drug handling.
Understands rules and ethics related to Human Research, by completing CITI Biomedical Research Certification, and maintains certification by completing renewal every 3 years.
Understands and follows all standard operating procedures related to the investigational drug services.
Reviews temperatures for rooms, refrigerators, and freezers on a daily basis in a wireless temperature monitoring system, and reports any issues to research pharmacists immediately to ensure all issues are addressed on time.
Reviews all temperature monitoring logs related to investigational drug storage, and maintains records for easy retrieval for study sponsor monitors, etc.
Reports to the pharmacist temperature monitoring errors, which include data omission, etc., and helps with documentation of temperature monitoring errors per study drug affected.
Promptly reports to supervisor or other appropriate individual if there are any deficiencies or problems with any equipment, facilities, or drug distribution.
Ensures that all documents related to a study (ex. Drug expiration notices) are stored in the correct study binder while the study is open.
Ensures all closed study drug records are stored in the electronic drug accountability system per standard operating procedures.
Throughout the life of a study, handle interdepartmental Research Pharmacy billing, based on individual budget per study.
Assist with setting up all monitoring appointments for the research pharmacy.
Assistant Research Pharmacists respond to monitor or auditor queries per drug study.
Assist the Research Pharmacist with preparation for monitor/auditor visits to the pharmacy, as well as assist the monitor/auditor with questions during scheduled visits.
Participate in the education of students, pharmacy residents, and new employees.
Accepts responsibility for the work area.
Participates in educating & training students and new employees.
Keeps visiting and other non-work activities to a minimum while there is work to do.
Displays initiative to learn new jobs and solve problems.
Handles problems with professionalism.
Adheres to the UAMS Code of Conduct.
Protect confidential information.
Works effectively with all employees, colleagues, patients, and guests as a team.
Adheres to institutional and departmental dress code.
Maintains professional behavior and mutual respect toward all employees, colleagues, patients, and guests.
Other duties as assigned.