Head of Pharmacy Clinical Trials

About the role

The Head of Pharmacy Clinical Trials will provide strategic, clinical and operational leadership for the Pharmacy Clinical Trials Unit at UCLH. This senior position oversees a portfolio of around 600 commercial and non‑commercial studies, including cancer, neurology and early‑phase programmes, and ensures safe, efficient patient access to investigational therapies.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute the unit’s strategy to meet Trust research ambitions and national priorities.
• Ensure compliance with GCP, legislation and regulatory frameworks for investigational medicinal products (IMPs) and ATIMPs.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team of pharmacists and technicians, driving service improvement and risk management.
• Collaborate with R&D, clinical teams, sponsors and national networks to align pharmacy services with research demand.
• Contribute to national guideline and policy development through Shelford Group, NIHR Pharmacy Working Group and ATMP networks.
• Provide senior expertise to internal and external auditors and regulators.
• Deputise for the Chief and Deputy Chief Pharmacists on clinical trials and ATIMP matters.

Required profile

• Extensive experience as a clinical trials pharmacist, preferably within a large research‑intensive NHS Trust.
• Proven leadership of multidisciplinary pharmacy teams.
• Deep knowledge of GCP, IMPs, ATIMPs and relevant UK legislation.
• Strong track record of managing complex, high‑volume trial portfolios.
• Ability to influence national policy and work with external stakeholders.

Required skills

• Good Clinical Practice (GCP) implementation
• Regulatory compliance and audit readiness
• Investigational medicinal products (IMPs) management
• Advanced therapy investigational medicinal products (ATIMPs) expertise
• Pharmacy service delivery in clinical trials
• Risk management and mitigation
• Strategic planning and operational leadership