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Science Manufacturing Technicians

As a Science Manufacturing Technician, you will help produce medicines, treatments and other healthcare products that improve and save lives such as antibiotics and chemotherapy. You'll work with specialist equipment, follow strict quality and safety standards, and make sure products are made accurately and safely for patients. 

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
  • BTEC, T-Level or A-Levels

How to become

To become a Science Manufacturing Technician, there are several routes you can take, whether you're leaving education, looking for your first job or changing careers. Many people enter the profession through apprenticeships, workplace training or science-related qualifications. There are many ways to access this career and you can explore lots of current opportunities in the section below.

You might:

  • Study GCSE's, A Levels, BTECs, or T Levels – useful subjects might include Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Maths or Manufacturing-related subjects. Explore some current opportunities below.

You will then be ready to study and train for the role. This can include:

  • Studying a qualification whilst in the workplace in Applied Science, Pharmaceutical Science, Manufacturing, Engineering or a related subject.
  • Complete an Apprenticeship – gain experience in the workplace while also studying a qualification in Science Manufacturing Technician.

Alongside education, you may also want to build some relevant work or voluntary experience in laboratories, manufacturing environments, healthcare organisations, pharmaceutical companies or engineering settings and think about developing your attention to detail, teamwork, problem-solving, organisation and ability to follow procedures skills.

Where can this role lead

From your role as a Science Manufacturing Technician, you could continue producing medicines and healthcare products by specialising in areas such as Quality Assurance or Biomedical Science.

You could also build on your technical and scientific knowledge to progress into roles such as a Pharmacy Technician, Clinical Scientist, or Pharmacist with further training and qualifications.

Your attention to detail, problem-solving and ability to follow strict procedures as a Science Manufacturing Technician would also translate well to sideways moves such as a Laboratory Technician or a Medical Engineering Technician.

Location

  • Hospitals
  • Laboratories
  • Pharmacies

Working hours

  • Weekends
  • Weekdays
  • Part Time
  • Full Time
  • Overtime
  • Flexible Hours

Opportunities

Two people smiling whilst working Woman in facemask working
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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