Academic pharmacists enjoy exciting careers in universities, research institutes and other organisations throughout the world educating, training, assessing and developing pharmacy students, pre-registration trainees, pharmacists as well as other healthcare professionals.
You will use and apply your pharmacy knowledge and expertise to teach the next generation of pharmacists through a variety of teaching methods. Working alongside the wider educational team, you will update the degree programme and develop learning material to reflect changes in education and practice. Academics also offer general support to students and are often viewed as role models and mentors.
Teacher practitioners have a split role, spending on average around 60% of their time working in a hospital, in the community or in industrial pharmacy and 40% of the time as a lecturer.
Academic pharmacists are also thought of as researchers, as the role usually involves conducting some form of research, e.g. in a science-based area of practice, drug design or pharmacy services. You will collect evidence, analyse it and use this data to make improvements to medicines and patients’ health. You will be thought of as an expert.
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Teaching and Research:
One of the main responsibilities of an academic pharmacist in the UK is teaching and research. This involves designing and delivering lectures and workshops to pharmacy students, supervising the practical aspect of the course, and providing guidance on research projects. Academic pharmacists are often involved in the development of course materials and may also contribute to the development of new research projects in the field.
Community Engagement:
Academic pharmacists also have a responsibility to engage with the wider community. This may involve collaborating with healthcare professionals and patient groups to promote the safe and effective use of medicines, providing advice on the management of conditions, and contributing to public health campaigns. Academic pharmacists may also be involved in the provision of clinical services alongside their teaching and research duties.
Professional Development:
Academic pharmacists are expected to maintain their own professional development to ensure they stay up-to-date with advances in the field. This may involve attending conferences and industry events, undertaking additional training, and conducting their own research in specialised areas. Pharmacy is a constantly evolving field, and academic pharmacists need to keep pace with changes to ensure they provide the best education possible to their students as well as contribute to the development of the field.
Administration and Management:
Alongside their teaching, research, and community engagement, academic pharmacists often have administrative and management responsibilities. This may involve overseeing the daily operation of the pharmacy department, managing budgets and staffing, and ensuring compliance with regulations and standards. It is important to have excellent organisational skills to succeed in this area.
Collaborative working:
Academic pharmacists also need to be able to work effectively within a team. This includes collaborating with other academics, students, healthcare providers, and researchers. Collaborative working is important to keep up with industry developments and ensure the best healthcare outcomes for patients. Academic pharmacists should be good communicators with strong interpersonal skills.
Strong Communication Skills: As an academic pharmacist, clear communication is essential when dealing with students and colleagues alike. Communicating effectively can help you build trust, establish rapport, and understand students' needs. It also enables you to convey complex information in a simple and understandable way, which is vital in academic pharmacy.
Continued Learning and Self-Development: Academic pharmacy is a dynamic field where new treatments, medications, and therapies are introduced regularly. As such, academic pharmacists are expected to be always learning and updating their knowledge. Continued education could come from attending conferences, networking, or further learning opportunities like a PhD program.
Teamwork: In an academic pharmacy setting, you will likely be working with a team, consisting of pharmacists, and other academics. Collaborating and effectively working with a team allows for more comprehensive and efficient patient care. Being a team player will make you an asset to your team.
To qualify as a pharmacist, you must:
If you don’t have the required qualifications to get a place on an accredited MPharm degree, you can take a pharmacy foundation degree – a two-year, full-time course that includes the content of year one of the MPharm degree plus work placements. This should provide you with the knowledge and experience to get a place on an MPharm degree directly into year two.
Step 1: Achieving a degree in Pharmacy
To become an academic pharmacist, you need to start by studying for a degree in pharmacy. After four years of study, you will earn an MPharm degree accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council. This education provides you with the foundation of pharmaceutical knowledge and practical skills required to practice as a pharmacist.
Step 2: Apply for Pre-registration Training
After completing a degree, the next step is to complete a pre-registration training period. This is a one-year course and permits training in various settings, like community/retail pharmacies, hospitals, or industry. You must complete this training to qualify for registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council. The training program aims to provide you with additional knowledge and experience that you will need as a practising pharmacist, like medicine dispensing.
Step 3: Obtain Practice Experience
Academic pharmacists need to have medication dispensing skills to make accurate prescriptions and appropriate recommendations to patients during their practice. Therefore, it is advisable to obtain practice experience in different settings.
Step 4: Pursue Further Education
To become an academic pharmacist, you need to obtain advanced education after completing your pre-registration training. Obtaining a doctorate (Pharm D. or PhD) in Pharmacy is essential. With a higher degree, you are qualified to contribute much to the area of pharmaceutical research and development of new drugs.
Step 5: Specialize in a Particular Area
Once you’ve completed your degree and registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council, it may be a great idea to specialise in a specific area. Some examples include oncology, pain management, and psychiatry. Specialisations help lead to becoming an expert in the field and working on specific research projects.
Course providers of the MPharm look for evidence that you’re committed to becoming a pharmacist. You can show this by job shadowing a community pharmacist, or talking to your local pharmacist about the role. It may also be possible to get part-time work within a pharmacy as a pharmacy assistant to get a feel for the working environment.
Customer service skills gained from working in retail is also useful.
In order to complete your year of pre-registration training in a community pharmacy, you’ll need to spend at least 52 weeks in an approved training site under the supervision of a tutor. The GPhC website has a list of approved training premises
Academic pharmacists work in universities and research institutes.
What are the typical hours of an academic pharmacist in the UK?
The working hours of academic pharmacists in the UK can vary depending on their work setting and the type of work they do. Generally, academic pharmacists work during regular office hours, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
However, some academic pharmacists may work longer hours if they have a large workload or urgent deadlines. Others may work part-time or on a flexible schedule, depending on their work requirements and personal preferences.
What factors can impact the work schedules of academic pharmacists?
Several factors can impact the work schedules of academic pharmacists in the UK, such as the type of institution they work for, their areas of expertise, and their research interests.
For example, academic pharmacists who work in universities and research institutes may have more flexibility in their schedules, allowing them to work on research projects and collaborate with colleagues from different departments. In contrast, those who work in hospitals or clinics may have to work during more rigid schedules to accommodate patient needs and clinical operations.
Can academic pharmacists work remotely?
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an increasing number of academic pharmacists are working remotely. Remote work or working from home allows pharmacists more control over their schedules and eliminates the need to commute to work every day.
However, not all academic pharmacists can work remotely, as some may need to be physically present in laboratories or research facilities. In addition, working from home can be challenging, especially for those who have to juggle work and personal responsibilities.
How do academic pharmacists manage their workload and avoid burnout?
Academic pharmacists can avoid burnout and manage their workload by adopting healthy work habits, such as prioritising their tasks, setting realistic deadlines, taking breaks when needed, and maintaining a good work-life balance.
In addition, they can seek support from their colleagues, supervisors, or mentors, and participate in workshops or training programs that promote self-care and stress management.
The salary of an academic pharmacist in the UK is dependent on several factors, such as experience, location, and institution. According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), the average salary of academic staff members in the UK is around £40,000 per year. However, this figure can vary widely depending on position and experience.
For example, a newly qualified academic pharmacist will earn significantly less than a senior lecturer who has extensive experience in the field. According to data from PayScale, the average salary for a pharmacy lecturer in the UK is around £38,000 per year. Still, this can increase to over £50,000 for those with significant experience and responsibility.
Another factor that influences an academic pharmacist's salary is the institution they work for and its location. The salary extends between different universities, with the highest-paying institutions in London and the South East. Universities such as King's College London and Imperial College London offer competitive salaries, often exceeding the national average.
Furthermore, The University and College Union (UCU) notes a difference in salary generated by the formats under which the acquiring institution runs. UCU outlines that institutions that are in groups and unitary ones tend to pay above the nationally agreed levels.
Finally, an additional factor that could influence the salary is extra qualifications. Those with a PhD related to their field of work tend to earn higher salaries than those without them. Given the extensive educational and research requirements needed to obtain a PhD, it’s easy to understand why those with a doctorate would typically earn higher salaries.
Professional Qualifications - Many academic pharmacists in the UK choose to become members of professional organisations such as the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), which offers a range of qualifications and training programmes to support pharmacists in their careers. These qualifications can include postgraduate certificates and diplomas in subjects like clinical pharmacy, education and research, and leadership and management.
Research Experience - Research is an essential component of the academic pharmacist's role, so gaining research experience is crucial for professional development. This can be achieved through conducting your own research, collaborating with other researchers, or working on research projects within an academic institution or pharmaceutical company.
Teaching and Mentoring - Another important aspect of the academic pharmacist's role is teaching and mentoring the next generation of pharmacists. To develop your teaching and mentoring skills, you may need to complete qualifications in education or attend courses and workshops provided by professional organisations like the RPS or the Higher Education Academy.
Career Progression - There are many career opportunities available to academic pharmacists in the UK, from lecturer positions to heads of department and beyond. To progress in your career, you'll need to be proactive in seeking out opportunities for professional development, networking with other professionals in your field, and staying up to date with the latest advances in pharmacy practice and research.
General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
