Job Description: Non-Sterile Compounding Technician
Position
Non-Sterile Compounding Technician
Reports To
Pharmacist in Charge / Compounding Pharmacist
Employment Type
Full-time / Part-time / Casual
Location
My Pharmacy Group
Position Summary
The Non-Sterile Compounding Technician is responsible for accurately preparing personalised non-sterile compounded medications in accordance with Australian legislation, Pharmacy Board of Australia guidelines, USP principles (where applicable), and internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
The role requires exceptional attention to detail, strict adherence to quality assurance processes, and a commitment to patient safety.
The technician will work under the direct supervision of a registered pharmacist and contribute to maintaining a compliant, efficient, and professional compounding laboratory.
Key Responsibilities
Compounding
Prepare non-sterile compounded medications accurately according to validated formulas and pharmacist instructions.
Weigh, measure and mix ingredients using approved techniques.
Prepare capsules, creams, ointments, gels, lotions, suspensions, solutions, powders, troches and other approved dosage forms.
Calculate ingredient quantities where appropriate.
Follow Master Formulation Records and Compounding Records precisely.
Label compounded medicines accurately.
Assist pharmacists with formulation preparation and product development.
Package compounded medicines according to pharmacy procedures.
Quality Assurance
Follow all Quality Management System (QMS) procedures.
Complete all compounding documentation accurately.
Maintain batch records.
Record lot numbers and expiry dates of all ingredients.
Perform independent calculations where required.
Participate in routine quality audits.
Report any deviations, incidents or errors immediately.
Assist with investigations and corrective actions.
Laboratory Maintenance
Maintain a clean and organised compounding laboratory.
Perform routine cleaning according to SOPs.
Calibrate and verify balances and equipment.
Maintain cleaning logs.
Perform routine maintenance checks.
Monitor environmental conditions where required.
Ensure laboratory consumables are adequately stocked.
Inventory Management
Monitor ingredient stock levels.
Rotate stock using FEFO principles.
Check expiry dates regularly.
Receive and inspect incoming ingredients.
Assist with stocktakes.
Report shortages promptly.
Compliance
Comply with:
Pharmacy Board of Australia Guidelines
State and Federal legislation
Work Health & Safety requirements
Privacy legislation
Internal SOPs
Infection prevention procedures
Wear required PPE at all times.
Follow hazardous substance handling procedures.
Dispose of waste appropriately.
Documentation
Maintain accurate records including:
Compounding worksheets
Cleaning records
Equipment maintenance logs
Calibration records
Ingredient inventory
Temperature records
Incident reports
Training records
Customer Service
Communicate professionally with pharmacists and other staff.
Assist with patient enquiries under pharmacist supervision.
Maintain confidentiality at all times.
Promote a professional image of the pharmacy.
Continuous Improvement
Participate in staff meetings.
Attend required training.
Maintain competency in compounding techniques.
Suggest process improvements.
Assist with implementation of new procedures.
Selection Criteria
Essential
Previous experience in pharmacy or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Excellent organisational skills.
Ability to follow detailed written procedures.
Strong mathematical skills.
Computer literacy.
Ability to work independently and within a team.
Excellent communication skills.
Commitment to patient safety and quality.
Desirable
Certificate III in Community Pharmacy.
Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy.
Previous non-sterile compounding experience.
Experience with electronic compounding software.
Knowledge of Australian compounding standards.
First Aid Certificate.
Physical Requirements
Ability to stand for extended periods.
Manual handling of stock and equipment.
Fine motor skills for precise weighing and preparation.
Ability to wear PPE for prolonged periods.
Ability to work in a controlled laboratory environment.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Quality
100% adherence to SOPs.
Zero preventable compounding errors.
100% completion of compounding documentation.
No critical audit findings attributable to technician error.
Productivity
Meet daily production targets.
Complete compounds within agreed turnaround times.
Maintain productive workflow without compromising quality.
Compliance
100% completion of cleaning schedules.
100% equipment calibration compliance.
Zero expired ingredients used.
Zero unauthorised deviations from approved formulas.
Inventory
Accurate stock control.
Minimise ingredient wastage.
Timely reporting of low stock.
Accurate recording of ingredient usage.
Professional Behaviour
Punctual and reliable attendance.
Positive teamwork and communication.
Compliance with workplace policies.
Participation in mandatory training.
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
Exceptional attention to detail
Strong work ethic
Integrity and professionalism
Reliability
Accountability
A commitment to continuous learning
A quality-focused mindset
Ability to remain calm under pressure
Strong organisational skills
Commitment to patient-centred care
Performance Expectations
Success in this role is demonstrated by consistently producing high-quality compounded medicines safely and accurately, maintaining full regulatory compliance, contributing to an efficient laboratory workflow, and supporting a culture of continuous quality improvement and patient safety.