What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pharmacy Technician - Aseptic Processing position at Stokes Pharmacy?
Why Stokes?
Stokes Healthcare is a privately-owned business comprised of two divisions: Stokes Pharmacy (503A pharmacy) and Epicur Pharma (503B facility). The two divisions operate out of separate facilities in Mount Laurel, NJ, following different regulations and are guided by different principles.
Stokes Pharmacy was founded in 1975. The pharmacy formulates custom prescription medicines for both humans and animals. The business has grown from a small, hometown operation in Medford, New Jersey, to a respected pharmacy serving the entire U.S., enabled by sophisticated online ordering and overnight shipping capabilities.
In 2016, Stokes Healthcare built a world-class facility (which became Epicur Pharma), as a testament to the commitment to providing the highest level of quality. Adding a unique offering to the veterinary industry, Epicur Pharma is an FDA Registered 503B Outsourcing Facility, producing drugs such as Tacrolimus Eyedrops, Buprenorphine Injection and Gabapentin tablets. Epicur follows Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) which are the same rules and regulations followed by commercial manufacturers.
Epicur Pharma is proud to be a pioneer in animal drug standards, offering the largest selection of manufactured drugs that are traditionally compounded. Epicur products are distributed directly to veterinary hospitals from our manufacturing facility and offered through Stokes Pharmacy for individual patient prescriptions.
Stokes Healthcare has built a reputation for unwavering quality and superb service by holding fast to the founders’ commitment to traditional craftsmanship, combined with today’s most advanced knowledge and technologies. In a field where many corporate-owned pharmacies try to compete on price, Stokes has always put safety and quality first because patients’ lives depend on it.
At Stokes, we offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, Health Reimbursement Account, Flexible Spending Account, 401(K) retirement savings plan with a generous employer match, a bonus program, paid holidays, vacation and personal time, and an excellent working environment. We are conveniently located in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, just minutes from Philadelphia and the NJ shore.
Job Title
Pharmacy Technician - Aseptic Processing
FLSA Status
Non-exempt
Summary
This position requires an individual who can work within a controlled sterile environment in collaboration with other pharmacy technicians under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. The candidate must be focused on achieving individual and team productivity goals while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Familiar with USP <797> standards, USP <800> standards, and Good Documentation Practices (GDP)
- Participate in all aspects of aseptic production (i.e. component preparation, set-up, aseptic processing, etc.) while maintaining proper records (electronically and or manually)
- Ensure daily operations are run efficiently to maintain anticipated production output and maintain product quality for patient safety
- Assist in the development and revision of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
- Assist in qualification/validation protocols for processes and equipment
- Maintain room and equipment logbooks for department (i.e. controlled areas, autoclave, etc.)
- Ability to troubleshoot critical compounding processes with appropriate communication and documentation (i.e. logbooks and any other related documentation)
- Aseptically prepare compounded sterile products by following all safety, state, USP <797>, and USP <800> standards
- Perform cleaning and maintenance of environmentally controlled areas
- Properly use all equipment (i.e. pH meters, balances, peristaltic pumps, etc.) involved in compounding and aseptic processing operations
- Calibrate scales, electronic meters, etc., and document the activities in the appropriate logbook
- Perform tasks related to product and equipment sterilization (i.e. autoclave, dry heat oven, etc.)
Required Education and Experience
- Minimum high school diploma or general education degree (GED)
- Experience working in cleanrooms using aseptic technique is preferred
- Must develop knowledge of USP <797> and USP <800> guidelines
- Must be capable of working with small, delicate pieces of machinery to complete appropriate dosage forms in a timely manner
- Must be capable of wearing all protective gear (gown, hair bonnet, mask, beard cover, gloves, goggles) and maintain good personal hygiene (makeup, jewelry, and other cosmetics are prohibited from the production areas)
- Must be able to perform aseptic gowning and related procedures
- Must possess strong verbal, written, and oral communication skills
- Must be able to work independently and with a team
- Must possess problem-solving skills
- Ability to recognize priorities and actively make productive use of time to build operational efficiencies
- Must exhibit punctuality and low absenteeism
- Able to sit and/or stand 8-10 hours or more per day as needed
- May need to lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds on occasion
Requirements upon hire (within 90 days):
- NJ Pharmacy Technician License
- In-House Technician Certification
Competencies
- Communication
- Organizational Skills
- Problem Solving/Analysis
- Results Driven
- Technical Capacity
Work Environment
This job operates primarily in a controlled laboratory environment. This position requires the use of standard office equipment, laboratory equipment, and frequent standing and walking.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Able to sit and/or stand 8-10 hours or more per day as needed
- May need to lift up to 25 pounds on occasion
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position. Because of the nature of the business, work schedules may vary at times.
Travel
No travel is expected for this position.
Disclaimer
The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job. It is not designed to capture or illustrate a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees assigned to this job.
AAP/EEO Statement
Stokes Healthcare is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.
