Job Advert
Are Ready to take on your next big challenge? Step into the world of Clinical Trials and deliver cutting-edge, life-changing therapies that are shaping the future of medicine. Working at the intersection of research and clinical practice, this role truly makes a difference, supporting patients to access new treatments and advancing person-centred care.
Following an internal promotion, we are delighted to offer this exciting opportunity to contribute to NHS Lothian’s ambitious clinical trials portfolio across a wide range of specialties. You will play a pivotal role in managing and delivering trials focused on cancer therapies and emerging innovative treatments, aligned with NHS Lothian’s pharmacy and research strategies and national ambitions for the UK to be a world leader in clinical research.
This is a time of significant growth and opportunity for the Pharmacy Clinical Trials Service as we embed a new service structure and look to the future and there is real scope to shape and expand this role as we strive to be a high‑performing team. We are looking for a motivated pharmacist with strong team values, excellent professional judgement, and a passion for quality improvement and innovation to join our well-established multidisciplinary team.
About the Role
The NHS Lothian Pharmacy Clinical Trials Team plays a vital role in delivering around 200 clinical trials across multiple sites and clinical specialties.
In this role, you will help expand our clinical trials portfolio and support the implementation of both local and national research strategies. You will work collaboratively with pharmacy services and the wider research community to ensure equitable access to clinical trials across NHS Lothian.
Although based at the Western General Hospital, the position requires occasional presence at other sites within NHS Lothian. You will be supported to maintain clinical practice through sessional commitments, with the potential for hybrid working arrangements.
Why Join Us?
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward-thinking and innovative team, dedicated to modernising pharmacy services and expanding the roles of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and support staff in delivering high-quality clinical trials.
You will play a key role in developing services that improve patient access to research and enhance how care is delivered. The role offers exposure to a wide range of novel therapies across multiple disease areas, making it an excellent environment for professional growth.
Join a dynamic organisation that values innovation, research, and excellence in healthcare delivery.
About You
Essential Qualifications and Competencies
· A Master of Pharmacy Degree (or equivalent).
· Registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
· An Independent Prescribing Qualification.
· Candidates who have not completed a Postgraduate Clinical Pharmacy Diploma or MSc in Clinical Pharmacy must 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
· Hospital pharmacy clinical trials service delivery experience and working within relevant clinical specialities.
· Experience in developing procedures, policies and guidelines and providing medicines management advice for pharmacy and multi-disciplinary teams.
· Experience of working within complex multi-disciplinary environments.
About NHS Lothian
NHS Lothian covers Edinburgh city, East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian. We are the second largest health system in NHS Scotland and one of only four teaching Boards. We have strategic partnerships with local Universities, Local Authorities and our four Integration Joint Boards. We serve a population of 900,000, providing a range of primary, community based and acute hospital services.
We foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional development, making NHS Lothian an exciting place to work and grow your career.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
For further information on what is included in the role and the skills/experience we are looking for, please refer to the job description and person specification linked below. However, we understand that there is only so much a job pack can convey. We warmly encourage you to get in touch with the hiring manager. This is a great chance to have an informal discussion, ask questions, and explore how this role aligns with your career goals. Reach out to Ben Elliott, Lead Pharmacist, Clinical Trials – ben.elliott@nhs.scot or call 0131 537 3805
We will fully support disabled candidates, and candidates with long-term conditions or who are neurodivergent by making reasonable adjustments to our recruitment policy and practices.
Please note: we anticipate a high level of interest in this position and may close the vacancy early once a sufficient amount of applications are received. Therefore, please make sure you complete and submit your application at an early stage.
To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service. Further information on what NHS Scotland Boards are required to do to check this as well as what your responsibilities include can be found in the further information for this vacancy.
AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot can be great for planning and preparing your application—but your answers must be your own.
- Show us the real you: Your application should reflect your skills, experience, and motivations authentically.
- Use AI wisely: It’s fine to use AI for ideas or to check spelling and grammar, but don’t let it write your answers.
- Why this matters: Applications that rely on AI-generated content may be withdrawn. By applying, you confirm your responses are based on your own knowledge and achievements.
Tip: Think of AI as a helper, not a substitute. We want to understand you—not an AI tool.
Due to legislative changes from 1 April 2025, this post may require a different level of criminal records check done than is currently the case. If the post is assessed as a "regulated role", your appointment will be subject to joining the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. If there is any change to what is currently required, this will be confirmed by either the Hiring Manager or the Recruitment Team. For more details on these changes please visit: Disclosure Scotland Changes.
NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.