The Unit is an internationally recognised centre of excellence with dominant research themes
in the areas of HIV and emerging infections, vaccines and immunity, and chronic diseases
and cancer. Through a multidisciplinary approach, intersecting basic science, epidemiological
research, social-behavioural research and the conduct of new intervention evaluation studies,
the Unit contributes knowledge on changing epidemics and diseases, the evaluation of
innovative health care options, treatment and prevention and the development of health
policy and practice in Africa and worldwide. Following the signing of strategic transfer
agreements between the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the
Medical Research Council (MRC UK), the Unit formally joined LSHTM on 1st February 2018.
The exciting new partnership will boost research capacity into current and emerging health
issues in Africa and throughout the world. The Unit is based at the UVRI Entebbe campus with
established outposts in Kalungu, Masaka, Wakiso and Kampala Districts. The Unit is now
seeking enthusiastic and experienced individuals to fill the following position:
Pharmacy Technician – (01 Position)
Position Code: PT-924
Reports to: Unit Pharmacist
Station: Kyamulibwa
Job Purpose:
The job holder will support the clinical research team by managing Unit pharmacy operations
including medication-related tasks, ensuring accurate dispensing and handling of
investigational drugs, general pharmaceutical care of all participants, and maintaining
compliance with regulatory requirements. This role requires a detail-oriented individual with
a strong understanding of pharmaceuticals, clinical trial processes, and regulatory guidelines.
Roles & Responsibilities
1. Clinical care and compliance
• Participate in the clinical care of patients in research, ensuring research studies adhere
to Good Pharmacy Practice, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and national medicines
regulatory requirements.
2. Procurement and management of drugs and related products
• Assist in the procurement of investigational products, concomitant medications, and
related drug items; and,
• Support the importation, storage, dispensing, and accountability of investigational
products and concomitant medicines.
3. Drug disposal and compliance
• Ensure proper disposal and destruction of retained or expired study and non-study
drugs in accordance with relevant guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures
(SOPs).
4. Stock management and quantification
• Participate in the quantification, stocking, and storage of medicines, ensuring accurate
records are maintained;
• Perform daily stock updates of all concomitant drugs dispensed and generate timely
reports as needed; and,
• Participate in routine stock-taking activities, ensuring up-to-date and accurate records
of all pharmacy supplies.
5. Training
• Assist the Pharmacist in training pharmacy and clinical study staff on pharmacy
procedures and study-specific requirements; and,
• Contribute to the development and updating of pharmacy SOPs, including those for
dispensing, drug packing, destruction, and prescription guidelines.
6. Equipment calibration and maintenance
• Ensure that all pharmacy storage units and temperature monitoring devices are
calibrated and serviced in accordance with relevant guidelines; and,
• Continuously monitor storage conditions of investigational products and maintain
accurate records of temperature control.
7. Regulatory compliance and documentation
• Ensure that all pharmacy storage units and temperature monitoring devices are
calibrated and serviced in accordance with relevant guidelines; and,
• Continuously monitor storage conditions of investigational products and maintain
accurate records of temperature control.
8. Inventory and supply chain management
• Manage and maintain investigational product inventory, tracking shipments,
monitoring stock levels, and placing orders through Microsoft Dynamics or other
systems as necessary; and,
• Perform regular inventory audits, reconcile discrepancies, and ensure the timely
availability of study medications.
9. Collaborative support
• Work closely with clinical research coordinators, investigators, and other team
members to support implementation of clinical studies; and,
• Assist in the preparation and submission of regulatory documents related to
investigational products.
10.Quality control and auditing
• Participate in quality control measures, including audits to ensure compliance with
internal and external standards; and,
• Maintain up-to-date pharmacy binders and documentation for all ongoing studies.
11.Financial management
• Pharmacy Technician has some financial responsibility in that he/she verifies
quantities of drugs ordered for the facility in relation to price and quality.
12.Line Management Responsibilities
• Will supervise nurses involved in pharmacy activities.
Person Specification
• Diploma in pharmacy from a recognized institution;
• Other relevant training- public health, research methods, ICH/GCP etc Should possess
at least two years’ practice in a clinical setting;
• Experience in a clinical trial setting;
• Should possess comprehensive and current understanding of common pharmaceutical
products;
• Understanding of ICH/GCP guidelines for human research;
• Computer competency including proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Dynamics – Navision Package is added advantage.;
• Should possess personal integrity;
• Emotional resourcefulness;
• Ability to learn;
• Forward thinking;
• Reliability;
• Openness to others;
• Independence;
• Analytical thinking;
• Conceptual thinking;
• Proactivity
• Results orientation;
• Thoroughness;
• Concern for excellence;
• Flexibility towards others;
• Service orientation; and,
• Development orientation
Combine all your application documentation i.e. cover letter, CV & academic
documents into one PDF document. Deadline for application is 25th September 2024,
5:00pm. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview. This position is open to
Ugandan nationals only. Strictly follow the application procedure as failure to do so will lead
to automatic disqualification. Only online applications through the link provided will be
accepted. You will receive a notification in your email if your application and
documentation have been successfully received.
N.B: You will be required to present certified copies of your academic documentation and a
certificate of good conduct before employment.
The applications should be addressed to:
The Head of Human Resources,
MRC/ UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit,
P.O. Box, 49,
Entebbe, Uganda.
Consider your application unsuccessful if not contacted within eight (8) weeks after the closing
date of the advert. Any form of lobbying at any stage will lead to automatic disqualification.
By submitting your personal information, you consent to the MRC/ UVRI and LSHTM Uganda
Research Unit holding and using it in accordance with its recruitment policy and procedure.
The Unit reserves the right to verify documents attached with the relevant awarding
institutions to authenticate their validity.
