WORKING IN NEW ZEALAND

Undertakes research, testing and analysis related to the development, production, storage, quality control and distribution of drugs and related supplies.

SKILL LEVEL:

The entry requirement for this occupation is a bachelor degree or higher qualification and a one year traineeship. Registration or licensing is required.

TASKS INCLUDE:

• reviews prescriptions to ensure that correct doses have been prescribed, and that the substances prescribed are compatible
• prepares or supervises the preparation of liquid medicines, ointments, powders, tablets and other medications
• confers with Chemists, Chemical Engineers and other professionals about manufacturing techniques and ingredients
• assists with design, development and testing of production equipment
• develops standards for drugs used in pharmaceuticals
• tests and analyses drugs to determine their identity, purity and strength in relation to specified standards
• determines the most suitable packaging for medicinal substances to avoid deterioration and facilitate distribution
• sets up and supervises sterile production and packaging areas
• evaluates and advises on government controls for the use, packaging and advertising of pharmaceutical products
• supervises and coordinates the work of technical officers and technicians