Pharmacy Technician at Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Uganda, Mbarara

General Summary

Project Background:

The meningitis research team aims to improve the diagnosis and treatment of various forms of meningitis in adults. Currently there are 4 studies currently running in Kampala:

1. COAST – an observational cohort study investigating etiologies and outcomes amongst adults presenting with meningitis.
2. HARVEST 2.0 – A Phase 2 Novel Antimicrobial Combination Therapy to Treat Tuberculous Meningitis
3. PLATFORM-CM – open-label randomized trial with single or potentially multiple interventional arms to compare the efficacy and safety of novel antifungal or adjunctive therapies to standard of care (SOC) controls of WHO first-line therapy.

In order to strengthen support to these core areas of operation, the IDI-Meningitis team seeks to recruit a full-time laboratory technician with the key responsibilities and duties listed below:

Job Title: Pharmacy Technician

Classification: Full Time

Duration: 1 year

Duty Station: Mbarara

Reporting: Study Medical Officer

Key Responsibilities

• Review and verify prescriptions written by clinicians to ensure accuracy, appropriateness, and adherence to study protocols or standard treatment guidelines.
• Prepare and dispense study medications in compliance with the drug management Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and institutional policies.
• Maintain accurate and complete records of stock movements and dispensing logs as required by the SOPs, protocol and regulatory authority.
• Conduct quarterly inventory audits of pharmacy stock, ensuring adequate supplies and proper storage conditions, with immediate reporting of discrepancies.
• Compile and submit daily, weekly, and monthly dispensing reports, including documentation required for research trial audits and monitoring visits.
• Support investigational drug accountability by maintaining proper documentation of receipt, storage, dispensation, return, and destruction of study medications according to study-specific SOPs, sponsor, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and sponsor protocols regarding handling, labeling, blinding, and shipment of investigational medicinal products (IMPs).
• Participate in protocol development meetings, site initiation visits, and monitor visits as needed to ensure pharmacy readiness and compliance.
• Collaborate with the study coordinator and principal investigator to ensure drug supply continuity, adherence to randomization procedures, and accurate documentation for audits and inspections.

Documentation

• Provide drug dispensing documentation and tracking.
• Complete and maintain current training and certification in Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP).

Team Work/Collaboration

• Will attend all study meetings to discuss patient care and other team-related activities

Academic Qualifications

• Diploma in pharmacy

Person Specification

• Diploma in pharmacy from a recognized institution
• Minimum of 3 years work experience in a clinical setting
• Must have registered with the Allied Health Professionals’ Council
• Excellent communication skills
• Computer knowledge and skills.
• An ability to work independently and with minimal supervision while functioning as a good team player.