Advance Your Career as a Pharmacy Technician at the NIH Clinical Center
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a world leader in biomedical research. If you are an experienced Pharmacy Technician with a focus on sterile compounding, the Clinical Center offers a unique opportunity to contribute to medical breakthroughs that improve global health. We are currently accepting applications for GS-07 Pharmacy Technician positions to support our critical research initiatives.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will be responsible for the precise preparation of sterile, hazardous, and non-hazardous products in compliance with USP <797> and <800> standards. Daily tasks include:
- Accurately filling medication orders and maintaining inventory.
- Utilizing aseptic techniques to ensure patient safety in clinical trials.
- Performing pharmaceutical calculations.
- Maintaining chain of custody for medications and investigational drugs.
- Operating and cleaning specialized pharmacy equipment.
Requirements
To be eligible for the GS-07 level, candidates must demonstrate:
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-06 level or equivalent.
- Proficiency in sterile compounding, aseptic techniques, and pharmacy equipment maintenance.
- Ability to handle high-stress, fast-paced environments.
| Requirement Area | Expectation |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $57,736 - $75,059 |
| Position Type | Permanent, Full-time |
| Work Environment | Onsite, Emergency-Essential |
| Shift Schedule | Night/Weekend/Holiday Rotations |
Salary and Benefits
Employees receive a competitive federal salary, plus access to robust health insurance plans, retirement savings options through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), and generous leave accrual policies. The NIH values its workforce and provides ongoing professional development opportunities.
Application Tips
- Resume Precision: Keep your resume to two pages and use clear, professional formatting (Arial or Calibri).
- Assessment Readiness: Be prepared to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment. Set aside two hours of uninterrupted time.
- Documentation: Ensure your SF-50 or veteran documentation is up to date and readily available.
Working at the NIH Clinical Center is more than a job—it is a mission. If you are a dedicated pharmacy professional looking to apply your skills in a research-driven environment, we encourage you to submit your application by the closing date.
Why This Pharmacy Technician (Sterile Compounding) Job Matters
Join the forefront of biomedical innovation at the NIH Clinical Center, where your expertise in sterile compounding directly impacts life-saving research and patient care.
Pharmacy Technician (Sterile Compounding) Job Overview
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center is seeking detail-oriented Pharmacy Technicians to join the Sterile Compounding-IVAU Section. This role is vital to our mission, ensuring that research participants receive precise, safe, and sterile medications 24/7. As an emergency-essential member of our team, you will play a critical role in clinical trials and inpatient pharmacy operations within the world's largest biomedical research facility.
Requirements for Pharmacy Technician (Sterile Compounding)
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 level in federal service or private industry.
- Proven competency in sterile compounding using aseptic techniques.
- Ability to operate and maintain specialized pharmacy equipment, including biological safety cabinets.
- Proficiency in pharmaceutical calculations and medication ingredient measurement.
- Experience with logging investigational drugs and maintaining precise inventory records.
- Completion of a one-year graduate program in a pharmacy-related field (if qualifying via education).
- Commitment to 24/7/365 coverage as an emergency-essential employee.
- Availability for weekend, night, and rotational holiday shifts.
Preferred Qualifications for Pharmacy Technician (Sterile Compounding)
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work in a high-stakes research environment.
- Demonstrated excellence in team collaboration and communication.
- Proven ability to manage stress while maintaining compliance with USP 797 and 800 standards.
- Experience with hazardous and non-hazardous product preparation.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive Health and Insurance Programs
- ✓Retirement Benefits including FERS
- ✓Opportunities for professional development in a world-class research environment
- ✓Potential service credit for leave accrual based on prior federal or private experience
💡 How to Apply Pharmacy Technician (Sterile Compounding) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Pharmacy Technician (Sterile Compounding) Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
- Prepare a resume that specifically highlights your compounding experience (2-page limit).
- Click the Apply Online button to access the USA Staffing portal.
- Complete the application questionnaire in full.
- Submit required documentation, including SF-50 (if federal) and transcripts.
- Complete the mandatory USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if notified via email.
- Track your application status through your USAJOBS account.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages with standard formatting to ensure the full document is reviewed.
- Focus on your specific experience with aseptic technique and sterile compounding rather than general pharmacy tasks.
- Monitor your email, including the spam/junk folder, for the USA Hire assessment invitation.
- Ensure your responses to the online questionnaire align precisely with your resume accomplishments.
- Double-check your eligibility documents; missing items like the DD-214 or SF-50 can impact your rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for remote work?
No, this is an onsite position at the NIH Clinical Center in Maryland requiring 24/7/365 operational coverage.
What does 'emergency essential' mean for this role?
It means you are required to be available to report for duty under all circumstances, including government closures, inclement weather, and holidays.
Job from National Institutes Of Health
The NIH Clinical Center, known as America's Research Hospital, is the nation's premier clinical research facility. Our Pharmacy Department provides 24-hour comprehensive services to support complex inpatient and outpatient clinical trials. By joining our team, you become part of a community dedicated to solving the most challenging health issues of our time.