Clinical Pharmacist, Investigational Drug Section

START Center for Cancer Research (“START”) is the world’s largest early phase site network, fully dedicated to oncology clinical research. We provide hope to cancer patients in global community practices by offering access to cutting-edge clinical trials throughout the United States and Europe.

About the role

The Clinical Pharmacist, Investigational Drug Section (IDS) is responsible for all facets of medication order verification, dispensing, and documentation for investigational drugs, conventional chemotherapy, and supportive care medications. This role may also involve pharmaceutical care, including patient interviews, medication education, and providing drug information to healthcare teams and patients. The pharmacist operates with a high degree of autonomy, guided by IDS SOPs and quality assurance guidelines, and supervises staff involved in medication preparation and dispensing.

Responsibilities

• Verify medication orders, including accuracy of dosages, calculations, and review of patient eligibility criteria (e.g., signed consent forms, laboratory values, completed tests, resolved toxicities, and absence of drug interactions).
• Oversee the preparation and dispensing of all medications from the IDS, including supervision of certified pharmacy technicians during IV admixture and oral medication preparation, ensuring compliance with double-check verification processes.
• Provide pharmaceutical care, including patient medication counseling, supportive care education, and drug information to healthcare teams and patients.
• Manage drug inventories, including documentation, usage projections, ordering, receiving, storage, and dispensation tracking of Phase I and conventional medications.
• Assist pharmacy technicians in maintaining investigational documentation, records, weekly inventory, and interactions with study personnel.
• Review new protocols, protocol amendments, and associated forms.
• Maintain and generate reports using the IDS drug accountability program.
• Contribute to the effective operation of the pharmacy department.
• Enter accurate medication orders into the computer system and maintain reported patient home medications in the EMR.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Graduate of an ACPE-accredited School of Pharmacy.
• Current State pharmacy license.
• Previous hospital/clinic pharmacy experience.
• Familiarity with sterile compounding requirements for chemotherapy agents, USP standards, laminar airflow hoods/biological safety cabinets, and office equipment (telephone, copier, scanner, fax).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).
• Experience with electronic medical record programs, pharmacy software, and study IRT systems.
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) principles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Sterile compounding and chemotherapy certification.
• Intravenous sterile product training.
• Prior experience in clinical trials and management of investigational drugs.
• Specialty residency in oncology and/or Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP) certification.
• Bilingual proficiency.

Physical and Travel Requirements

• 80% of time spent standing and/or walking.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Some lifting, bending, pushing, and/or pulling of loads.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $185,000–$195,000, with base pay varying based on market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.–5 p.m. or 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match.
• Eligibility for an annual performance bonus.
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with optional insurance plans.
• Company-paid life and disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential support for employees and their families.
• Flexible FSA and HSA plans.
• Supportive work environment focused on balance, well-being, and flexibility.

Location

START Los Angeles: 10700 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 310, Los Angeles, CA 90025