Pharmacovigilance Scientist
Aspen Pharma Group
2023-07-28 JHB North
Job Ref #: 28072023PV
Industry: Pharmaceutical And Medical/Healthcare
Job Type: Permanent
Positions Available: 1
Applications are invited for the above-indicated vacancy that exists in the Regulatory Affairs Division based in Gauteng. The incumbent will report directly to the Pharmacovigilance Lead
Job Description
Company Description
We are a global specialty and branded pharmaceutical company, improving the health of patients across the world through our high quality and affordable medicines. Active at every stage of the value chain, we are uniquely diversi?ed by geography, product and manufacturing capability. Aspen is a dynamic organisation built on entrepreneurial strength and forward-thinking minds. We attract high performing individuals who are passionate about their career and have a desire to exceed expectations. At aspen, not only do we source for the best talent but we also provide a host of opportunities for continuous development. The Group’s key business segments are Manufacturing and Commercial Pharmaceuticals comprising Regional Brands and Sterile Focus Brands. We have approximately 9 100 employees at 69 established offices in over 50 countries and we improve the health of patients in more than 150 countries through our high quality, affordable medicines.
OBJECTIVE
To support the SA Commercial Business to realize the commercial strategy and to achieve the annual targeted growth and revenue through successful new product introductions and maintenance of current product portfolio in the South Africa and South African Development Community (SADC) region, by ensuring successful Marketing Authorisation and variation approval from the SAHPRA and Regulatory Authorities of the SADC member states within the committed timeframe. The role undertakes responsibility for compliance with the Regulatory / Pharmacovigilance Requirements for the New Product Launch Pipeline and the existing product portfolio in the region, through the successful completion of assigned activities according to the South African and SADC Regulatory plan. To provide support to the Pharmacovigilance Lead for the various Pharmacovigilance operations, in particular the medical and scientific functions with respect to safety evaluations of all Aspen products across Pharmacare and any other entity owned by Aspen, of the Aspen Group for which marketing authorizations are held. The role undertakes responsibility for coordinating and management of review and analysis of aggregate safety data concerning the Aspen Group product portfolio.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
K e y Accountabilities
Delegated tasks from RA Manager or PV Lead on a defined and ad hoc basis with the flexibility of mind-set and time resource this entails. This will include representation at meetings when required. Functional reporting: Mentoring of the Pharmacovigilance Officers and Medical Writers. Review and advice regarding relevant local and global guidelines, policies, internal procedures and SOPs across Aspen Pharmacare. Maintain awareness of Pharmacovigilance regulatory requirements and developments. Manage outsourced data collection, organisation and preparation with vendors. Act as Subject Matter Expert (SME) in designated area (e.g. literature, signal management, aggregate reports, labelling etc.) responsible for oversight and coordination of tasks related to the area of expertise. Preparation of annual as well as ad-hoc and scheduled aggregate safety reports. Ensure Good Documentation Practice. Contribute to agreed PV Team quality and compliance targets. Serve in a leadership capacity for complex and strategically important Pharmacovigilance developmental programs. Direct interaction with Regulatory Authorities.
F inancial
Identification of project challenges to departmental line management and the financial impact thereof. Project management of contractual and financial aspects of all medical writing projects and the effective utilisation of resources to keep processes cost-effective.
Medical Writing Accountabilities
Work in collaboration with Medical Writers to write clinical documents for submission to regulatory authorities, including but not limited to: clinical overviews and summariesintegrated summaries of safety and efficacyClinical Expert Statements Provide medical editing review of draft and final documents prepared by other team members before internal or external distribution. This includes both copy editing and content review. Ensure document content and style adheres to SAHPRA/FDA/EMA or other appropriate regulatory guidelines and comply with Aspen SOPs and style guidelines. Perform literature searches/reviews as necessary to obtain background information and training for development of documents.
S afety
ICSR (Individual Case Safety Reports) Ensure all cases are processed, medical reviews completed, and cases submitted to Health Authorities as per the timelines specified in the guidelines.Ensure quality checks are performed on weekly, monthly, quarterly and bi-annual reconciliations with internal and external stakeholders. Labelling Updating and reviewing Product Information in line with the Company Core Data Sheets, and other tasks as designated. Aggregate Reporting Preparation of aggregate safety reports including but not limited to PSURs, PBRERs and Addendum Safety Reports. Risk Management System Preparation of Risk Management Systems including but not limited to Risk Management Plans and Risk Communication Plans. Request for Information (RFI) from Competent Regulatory Authority (CRA) and Safety Communication (Dear Healthcare Professional Letter (DHCPL) Manage safety related requests from regulatory agencies and Aspen Affiliates to ensure any requests are answered fully and promptly. Literature Reviews Monitor local literature for designated products and identify safety issues/ ICSRs in a timely manner. Signal detection Coordinate and prepare appropriately for signal management meetings. Signal Management Activities including compilation of Signal Assessment Reports/ Case Series Reviews for potential signals. Creation and update of Safety Data Exchange Agreements (SDEAs).
Training
Oversee training and mentoring of other Pharmacovigilance staff, and prepare training materials Lead initiatives to develop, implement and conduct appropriate training in all aspects of Pharmacovigilance Safety activities Maintain a high and up-to-date level of product and therapy area knowledge by attending conferences, training courses, reading relevant medical and scientific literature
QMS
Ensure systems and procedures are in place in accordance with the RA QMS and that these are maintained according to the relevant SOPs. Creation and update of SOPs/WIs for all pharmacovigilance activities related to the job role in line with Pharmacovigilance regulations/guidelines (EU, ZA and other territories applicable), within specified/SOP timelines.
General
Adhere to agreed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Support the continuous development and improvement of the PV function while upholding Aspen core values Effective management and utilisation of resources to keep processes cost-effective Collating data for ad hoc requests Adherence to Company Health & Safety procedures Participate in training programmes Any other duties as assigned by your Manager
Job Requirements
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
B. Pharm is a requirement. Documented experience in all aspects of pharmacovigilance is an inherent requirement and not negotiable. 3-5 yrs. pharmaceutical experience with specific focus areas in PV/Drug Safety. Experience working with safety databases. Experience writing large safety reports e.g., DSURs, PADERs, PSURs, PBRERs is preferable. Experience in writing RMPs is desirable. Experience working with MedDRA coding dictionary.
SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES
Results and performance driven – deliver results that meet or exceed expectations Integrity Work ethic Ability to meet deadlines Sense of urgency – responding to issues and opportunities in a timely manner Intellectual curiosity – willing to suggest and try new ideas Positive and pro-active approach to business tasks Excellent interpersonal and communication skills A solutions provider Manage evolving deadlines effectively with regular feedback and updates Enthusiasm and Drive to take ownership and drive process initiatives Service orientation Customer focused Logical thinking Information seeking Positive ‘can – do’ attitude Be able to work autonomously and have good problem-solving skills Able to cope with evolving deadlines effectively with regular feedback and updates Honest and trustworthy Respectful and highly personable Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity Flexibility & confidentiality are key requirements for this role.
KNOWLEDGE
Strong knowledge of regulatory and medical authorities in South Africa Strong understanding of regulations, ICH guidelines, and GCP Extensive medical writing and expertise in submissions
The job applicant acknowledges, agrees, accepts, and understands that the Company (Pharmacare Limited t/a Aspen Pharmacare), has a mandatory Covid-19 Vaccination Policy and Plan which, inter alia, provides for mandatory vaccination for customer-facing employees . Mandatory Covid-19 vaccination applies to this job vacancy. As such, in applying for and if applicable accepting an offer of employment for this job role, the applicant warrants that s/he is fully vaccinated and that his/her vaccination status is valid and up to date. The Job applicant’s electronic vaccination certificate, as issued by the NDOH, must be provided if the job application results in an offer and subsequent acceptance of this offer of employment. The applicant acknowledges, further, that there is no particular reason that he/she would refuse any future booster or vaccination requirements that may/should be recommended by the South African health authorities.
Aspen is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and suitably qualified job applicants are invited to submit their CV online on or before 04th August 2023. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups through a fair recruitment and selection process in accordance with laws governing employment equity, where such laws are applicable to the Aspen entity that will employ the successful candidate. If you have not heard from the HR department within 30 days of this advert closing, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Internal Applications must be completed using an Aspen mailing address after applicants have had informed their direct line managers of their application
