Science Manufacturing Technicians

Although you are not in a patient-facing role, the work you will do will directly help some of the most vulnerable patients - from neonatal (premature) babies, to cancer patients. You will work as part of a large team to manufacture doses of drugs that are of high quality and are safe and effective for the patient. It is vital that you follow procedures and perform accuracy checks at all stages of the process to ensure treatments are prepared safely. You will work in cleanrooms and wear PPE such as masks, gloves, boilersuits, cleanroom clogs.

Science Manufacturing Technicians is also known as SMT, Laboratory technician, manufacturing technician, production technician.

Role Characteristics

Work in clean rooms to prepare medicines including chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics and nutritional feeds and in some very specialised units radiopharmaceutical medicines for diagnostic and treatment
Work closely with the Quality Assurance Unit to ensure compliance with quality and safety systems and maintain high standards.
Maintain accurate records relating to your own daily work and that of your team.
Participate in ongoing training and competence assessments.
Accuracy check finished products to ensure they are safe for patients
Lead and support your team to work efficiently and effectively

Skills

Attention to detail
Following instructions
Record keeping
Reliability
Specialist skills
Team work

Day in the life

Find out more about SMT's here:

S01 EP01: Real life Homer Simpson? - The Job Clinic | Podcast on Spotify

Pharmacy technical services: what it involves and who can work in this area - The Pharmaceutical Journal (pharmaceutical-journal.com)

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

Apply directly

An apprenticeship

How to become

You will normally need 3 GCSEs above a 4 or C including English, maths and sciences. However, volunteering and work experience is valued by employers.

Completion of a 2-year Science Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship and eligible to register with Science Council as an RSciTech. This can be undertaken as a workplace apprenticeship at Leeds Teaching Hospitals.

Where can this role lead

Qualified Science Manufacturing Technicians can progress their career by choosing to specialise in quality and technical areas, operational management or training and development roles.

Location

Hospitals
Laboratories

Working hours

Weekends
Weekdays
Part Time
Full Time
Overtime
Flexible Hours

Leeds Opportunities

Access to university

Access to Higher Education (Health Science Professions)

This qualification is the ideal stepping stone for those seeking to further their education and career prospects, offering a flexible and supportive route into higher learning.

Organisation: Heart of Yorkshire Education Group

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BTECs, T-levels or A-levels

Calderdale College Health and Social Care Courses

Find out more about Health and Social Care courses at Calderdale College.

Organisation: Calderdale College

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Apprenticeships

Science Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship

We are seeking enthusiastic, self-motivated and practical people to join our friendly team(s) in Pharmacy Preparative Services and complete a Level 3 Science Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship.

Organisation: Leeds Health and Care Talent Hub

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BTECs, T-levels or A-levels

Kirklees College Health and Social Care Courses

Find out more about Health and Social Care courses at Kirklees College.

Organisation: Kirklees College

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Work Experience

Pharmacy - Virtual Work Experience

Discover how pharmacy teams make a real difference in patient care through our immersive virtual work experience. Developed by NHS pharmacy teams in the North East and Yorkshire, this programme introduces you to the wide range of pharmacy careers and pathways in health and social care.

Organisation: NHS

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