Employment Opportunity:
Project Pharmacist – Regulatory & Supply Chain Coordination
Location: Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
Contract Type: Fixed-term (Project-based)
Reports to: Principal Investigator / Project Manager
About the Programme
The position is embedded within high-impact, internationally funded research programmes supported by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the Wellcome Trust, implemented in partnership with the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), the MRC/UVRI & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (MUL), and global collaborators.These projects focus on strengthening Africa’s capacity for epidemic preparedness, vaccine evaluation, immunology platforms, and advanced laboratory systems for emerging and re-emerging viral threats, including Marburg, Ebola, Mpox, and other priority pathogens. The programmes operate within regulated clinical and laboratory environments, requiring strong compliance with national regulatory authorities, robust supply chain governance, and high-quality management standards. The Project Pharmacist will play a central role in coordinating regulatory approvals for imports, managing pharmaceutical and laboratory supply chains, ensuring compliant storage and dispensing, and supporting oversight of prescriptions and controlled substances across multiple workstreams.
Key Responsibilities
Regulatory & Compliance
Prepare and submit applications for National Drug Authority (NDA) import permits, licenses, and regulatory clearances for reagents, consumables, investigational products, and equipment. Track regulatory submissions and proactively follow up to ensure timely approvals. Maintain accurate regulatory documentation, permits, and audit-ready records. Support protocol amendments and renewals from a regulatory and pharmacy perspective.
Procurement & Supply Chain Coordination
Initiate procurement processes by preparing memos, Form 5, justifications, and submission packages. Liaise with procurement teams and suppliers to source compliant reagents, consumables, and equipment. Track procurement progress and provide regular updates to project teams and investigators. Coordinate international and local shipments, including customs clearance, cold-chain requirements, and delivery logistics. Follow up on supplier payments in coordination with finance and procurement.
Inventory & Quality Management
Receive supplies and verify correctness, integrity, batch documentation, and storage conditions with end users. Ensure compliant storage, labelling, and traceability of reagents and pharmaceutical products. Update automated stock databases daily and generate stock-out risk reports. Verify laboratory requisitions before issuance from central stores. Maintain and update equipment inventories, installation records, engraving, and asset tracking. Coordinate equipment repairs, servicing, and replacements.
Prescription & Pharmacy Oversight
Support prescription management, accountability, and documentation for controlled or regulated materials where applicable. Ensure compliance with pharmacy practice standards, pharmacovigilance principles, and institutional SOPs.
Coordination & Administration
Organise meetings, prepare agendas, record and archive minutes. Maintain the project master file and controlled documentation systems. Support SOP review, editing, and version control. Assist with recruitment logistics including shortlisting and interview coordination. Liaise with IT for software and hardware support. Communicate pending actions and delivery timelines to Principal Investigators and laboratory leads.
Required Qualifications and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy (BPharm) or equivalent from a recognised institution.
• Registered Pharmacist with the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda and Pharmacy Board of Ministry of Ministry of Health
• Minimum of two (2) years’ professional experience in a regulated pharmaceutical, clinical research, hospital, laboratory, or supply chain environment.
• Demonstrated experience in:
o Regulatory submissions (NDA permits, imports, compliance).
o Procurement and inventory management.
o Cold chain and controlled storage compliance.
o Supplier coordination and shipment tracking.
• Strong documentation, reporting, and record-keeping skills.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic inventory systems.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and stakeholder coordination skills.
Desirable Competencies
Experience working within research projects, clinical trials, donor-funded programmes, or GxP environments. Familiarity with GCLP, GMP, QA systems, and audit readiness. Experience coordinating international shipments and supporting customs clearance. Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight timelines, in interdiscplinary environments. Strong integrity, attention to detail, and compliance mindset.
How to Apply
Interested Ugandan candidates should submit:
• A copy of your Uganda National ID
• A cover letter outlining relevant experience and motivation.
• A detailed CV (Maximum 4 pages, Arial, Font 12
• Contacts of two professional referees
• A copy of your last role appraisal
• Copies of all pre-graduate, graduate academic qualifications
• Professional registration documents.
Applications should be sent to:
jtumusime@uvri.go.ug; directoruvri@uvri.go.ug; mkatusabe@uvri.go.ug with the subject line “Pharmacist – Regulatory & Supply Chain”. Deadline: 16 January 2026
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. UVRI is an equal opportunity employer.