Clinical Pharmacist, Investigational Drug Section (IDS)

The START Center for Cancer Research (“START”) is the world’s largest early phase site network, fully dedicated to oncology clinical research. Throughout our history, START has provided hope to cancer patients in global community practices by offering "Hope Through Access” to cutting-edge 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 provided by the IDS. The pharmacist may be involved in pharmaceutical care, including assisting with patient interviews, maintaining current medication lists, providing patient medication education, and offering drug information to the healthcare team and patients. This role operates with a high degree of autonomy, guided by IDS SOPs and quality assurance verification guidelines, and includes daily supervision of staff assigned to medication preparation, dispensing, and IDS operations in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Verify medication orders, including accuracy of dosages and calculations, review of basic patient eligibility criteria (e.g., signed/dated study consent forms, laboratory values within treatment criteria, completion of appropriate tests, resolution of known toxicity from previous chemotherapy, and absence of serious known drug interactions).
• Oversee the preparation and dispensing of all medications from the IDS, including supervision of certified pharmacy technicians during preparation of IV admixtures and oral medication dosages, ensuring compliance with all steps of the double-check verification process prior to releasing dosages.
• Provide pharmaceutical care, including patient medication and supportive care counseling, and drug information to the healthcare team and patients.
• Oversee drug inventories, including documentation of current inventory, projection of expected usage, and tracking of ordering, receiving, storage, and dispensation of Phase I and conventional medications.
• Assist pharmacy technicians in maintaining adequate 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 computer order entries 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 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, facsimile machine).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).
• Familiarity 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 current BPS Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP).
• Bilingual proficiency.

Schedule

Monday–Friday, variable hours based on patient care (e.g., 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m., 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., 9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.).

Location

800 Foremost Dr SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match.
• Eligibility for an annual performance bonus, based on role and company results.
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with optional insurance options.
• Company-paid life and disability insurance for added financial protection.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential, no-cost support for you and your family from day one.
• Flexible FSA and HSA plans to support financial wellness.

START is committed to fostering a collaborative, creative workplace that values balance, well-being, and flexibility. The organization encourages continuous learning, professional growth, and inclusivity.