Overview
As a patient-focused organization, University of Utah Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. University of Utah Health seeks staff that are committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, diversity, integrity, quality and trust that are integral to our mission. EO/AA
This position provides the technical functions associated with the delivery of pharmacy services for the Investigational Drug Studies Service (IDS). Incumbents will be preparing both inpatient and outpatient prescriptions, including IV medications. In addition, IDS Technicians are required to manage inventories of investigational drugs, provide technical direction and assistance with clinical trial protocols, support drug distribution actives including preparation of both IVs (including chemotherapy) and retail prescriptions, and maintain accurate records (eg temperature logs, dispensing records, audit records, protocol and other IRB records). IDS technicians must have the specialized knowledge of the laws and regulations applicable to drug studies and human studies research in order to keep and maintain the required records and appropriately monitor drug studies. Incumbents will be required to work closely with pharmacy staff within IDS, other pharmacy areas, research study staff and physicians, as well as external study monitors and regulatory auditors. Incumbents complete the essential functions of the job under the direct supervision of a Pharmacist.
Corporate Overview: The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center and is nationally ranked and recognized for our academic research, quality standards and overall patient experience. Our five hospitals and eleven clinics provide excellence in our comprehensive services, medical advancement, and overall patient outcomes.
Responsibilities
- Assists the pharmacist in advanced tasks associated with patient care and all aspects of clinical drug protocols.
- Effectively manages supplies of the department, including investigational products.
- Problem solves operational issues within the department at an extremely high-level and maintains and organizes all activities related to the medication use process for Investigational Drugs.
- Performs protocol monitoring activities directly with external and internal customers as required by Investigational Drug Services protocols. Keeps all appropriate records for drug studies.
- Effectively prioritizes daily tasks and manages multiple tasks appropriately.
- Assists in education and training of staff and other trainees.
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
- Ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined above in an exceptional manner.
- Ability to provide care appropriate to the population served.
- Familiarity with medical terminology.
- Ability to work in a high volume and busy work environment.
- May determine options from a variety of pre-established departmental policies and procedures, but cannot act outside of these unless authorized to do so by a Pharmacist.
- May vary work routines according to patient care priorities.
- Major problems encountered by incumbents include first line screening for protocol variances, IP order errors, protocol deviations and/or consents not received.
- Challenges encountered may include problem solving related to questions from external and internal customers, protocol-specific requirements, IV medication compounding instructions, Investigational Product accountability, receipt and destruction of investigational product, quarantine of investigational product, temperature excursions, and monitoring studies.
- Knowledge and ability to perform mathematical calculations for extemporaneous compounding and special dose preparation, rectifying drug distribution errors, reconciling billing and administration records, etc.
- Must demonstrate the knowledge of the state and Federal laws and regulations related to the handling of investigation products human studies investigation.
- Must exert extreme and accurate attention to detail in the monitoring of studies and recordkeeping required for investigational studies.
- Must have ability to track multiple details on multiple items throughout the day, accurately. This includes coordinating patient schedules, emails, phone calls, and other details related to patients throughout the day, and letting others know of changes to schedule, etc.
- Must have pass IV center training and chemotherapy preparation training within 1 month of hire.
- Excellent communication skills a must.
Qualifications
Qualifications
Required
- At least two years' experience as a Pharmacy Technician II or equivalent experience
- At least 6 months experience working with a research program working with investigational drugs with demonstrated knowledge of regulations and laws concerning investigational drugs and requirements for human studies investigation.
Licenses Required
- Current Pharmacy Technician licensure in the State of Utah.
Qualifications (Preferred)
Preferred
- Associate or bachelor's degree in a science field
- Experience in both retail and hospital settings
- Experience with preparing IV medications including chemotherapy.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
Employee must be able to meet the following requirements with or without an accommodation.
- This position involves light work that may exert up to 20 pounds and may consistently require light work involving lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling or otherwise moving objects. This position involves standing for extended periods of time and is not exposed to adverse environmental conditions.