Pharmacy Technician

At Headlands Research, we are dedicated to enhancing clinical trial delivery within our communities. As a leading network of advanced clinical trial sites, we leverage cutting-edge technology and exceptional support services to broaden outreach and participation. Founded in 2018, our rapidly growing company currently operates 20+ sites across the US and Canada, with plans for further expansion.

📍 Escondido, CA

🏥 AMCR
🕒 Full-time | Onsite (no opportunities for hybrid or remote)

For experienced Pharmacy Technicians looking for meaningful work in clinical research.

If you’re a Pharmacy Technician who values precision, compliance, patient safety, and collaborative clinical environments, [[AMCR Institute]] may be the right next step in your career.

Our Escondido site is known for its strong operational infrastructure, experienced research teams, and commitment to advancing metabolic and immunologic research through high-quality clinical trials. This role offers the opportunity to work directly with investigational products and contribute to studies that support the development of innovative therapies.

Why Experienced Pharmacy Technicians Choose AMCR Institute

• Exposure to complex investigational product management within clinical research
• Collaborative environment with experienced investigators, coordinators, and clinical staff
• Strong operational support, SOPs, and compliance-focused processes
• Opportunity to contribute to meaningful metabolic and immunologic studies
• Backing of a growing research network with resources and long-term stability

This role is ideal for Pharmacy Technicians who enjoy working in highly regulated environments, take pride in accuracy and documentation, and want to be part of a team advancing innovative medical research.

The Role:

The Pharmacy Technician plays a key role in the successful execution of clinical trials by ensuring the safe, accurate, and compliant handling of investigational products (IP). Working under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist or certified technician (as applicable), this individual will be responsible for receiving, storing, preparing, dispensing, documenting, and managing investigational drugs in accordance with study protocols, GCP/ICH regulations, and institutional SOPs. This role may also support administrative and data entry activities related to the conduct of clinical research.

Responsibilities:

• Investigational Product (IP) Management
  • Receive, store, prepare, and dispense investigational products according to protocol, pharmacy manual, and regulatory requirements.
  • Use IWRS/IRT systems to log shipments, assign IP, and perform returns or destructions per study-specific guidance.
  • Maintain accurate inventory logs, temperature records, and expiration tracking for all IP and supplies.
  • Monitor and respond to temperature excursions, discrepancies, or deviations per SOP.
  • Perform aseptic preparations where required, following sterile technique protocols.
  • Manage IP accountability documentation, including blinded and unblinded logs and reconciliation.
  • Ensure all investigational product storage complies with GCP and institutional policies (double-locked, secure, labeled, etc.).
• Documentation & Compliance
  • Maintain audit-ready records of all pharmacy activities, including temperature logs, equipment calibrations, and IP logs.
  • Create and manage pharmacy study binders with updated regulatory and protocol-specific content.
  • Adhere to ALCOA-C principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, and Consistent) in documentation practices.
  • Participate in unblinded or blinded monitoring visits, providing relevant pharmacy documentation.
• Administrative & Operational Support
  • Assist with scheduling and performing protocol-specific assessments (e.g., memory assessments, vital signs, specimen collection support).
  • Perform data entry in eCRFs according to protocol and system-specific guidelines.
  • Support query resolution, documentation scanning, and other clerical duties (e.g., faxing, reminder calls).
  • Order pharmacy-related supplies and assist with equipment upkeep and calibrations.
  • Provide pharmacy support to other team members and backfill duties during absences.
• Communication & Collaboration
  • Maintain clear, professional communication with study coordinators, monitors, sponsors, and clinical staff.
  • Participate in team meetings and training sessions to stay updated on protocols, SOPs, and compliance standards.
  • Demonstrate flexibility and professionalism in a fast-paced, regulated environment.

Requirements:

• Completion of a recognized Pharmacy Technician program preferred.
• Registration with relevant state or provincial licensing body (e.g., College of Pharmacists of BC) required where applicable.
• Current certification in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and/or willingness to complete GCP training.
• Minimum of 1–2 years of experience as a Pharmacy Technician, preferably in a clinical research or hospital setting.
• Experience with IWRS/IRT systems, inventory control, and investigational product handling preferred.
• Familiarity with Phase I–IV clinical trials and regulatory requirements an asset.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills with high attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and electronic data capture systems.
• Ability to follow protocols, SOPs, and maintain regulatory compliance.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and work independently or as part of a team.
• Professionalism, reliability, and commitment to patient safety and data integrity.

About AMCR

Headlands Research AMCR Institute, located in Escondido, California, is dedicated to advancing metabolic and immunologic research through patient-centered, high-quality clinical trials. The site conducts studies focused on pre-diabetes, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, obesity, NAFLD/MASH, and vaccines. With a passionate and experienced team, AMCR Institute partners with sponsors and CROs to deliver meticulous research while prioritizing the care, safety, and confidentiality of every participant. By accelerating access to innovative therapies, the site makes a meaningful difference in the lives of the many affected by metabolic and immunologic conditions.

Who Thrives in This Role

• Pharmacy Technicians who value structure, precision, and accountability
• Professionals interested in transitioning into or growing within clinical research
• Individuals who enjoy detailed documentation and investigational product management
• Team-oriented professionals who value collaboration and operational excellence
• Those motivated by contributing to innovative therapies and meaningful patient outcomes

📬 Apply today if you’re looking for a Pharmacy Technician role where your attention to detail, compliance expertise, and operational support directly contribute to advancing meaningful clinical research.

California Pay Range$23—$26 USD

Headlands Research will never ask a candidate for personal identifiable information (date of birth, social security number, driver’s license information, etc) via email or messenger tools, or for a financial deposit of any kind. 

Headlands Research is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. 

Need Assistance?

Headlands Research is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact recruiting@headlandsresearch.com for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.