Lead Outpatient Pharmacist

University of California - San Francisco

United States, California, San Francisco

520 Illinois Street (Show on map)

Jun 19, 2026

Under the Department of Pharmaceutical Services, the Lead Pharmacist is involved in all aspects of the medication use process at all pharmacy locations within the UCSF Health System. They may also be asked to participate in pharmaceutical care in other sectors of the Department of Pharmaceutical Services as needed.

The Lead Pharmacist performs a wide range of pharmaceutical care functions to assure that drugs prescribed for and used by patients are safe and effective. These include, for example, obtaining medication histories, reviewing and assessing medication profiles, providing drug information to patients and health providers, collaborating with clinicians on drugs of choice and therapeutic plans, ensuring access to medications, educating patients on the proper use of medications, and ensuring that patients understand cautions, adverse reactions, and interactions related to their therapy. The Lead Pharmacist will be part of an interprofessional team consisting of physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, and other professionals. The Lead Pharmacist will be based primarily in the inpatient pharmacy setting managing specific patient population, supporting pharmacist scope of practice, and ensuring patient care excellence and safety. They will support the day-to-day operations of pharmacy services, administrative tasks, and special projects.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Identify the functions or tasks that employees in the job perform. The essential functions should state the purpose of the work and the results to be accomplished, rather than how the function is performed. Of the tasks listed, what percentage of time is devoted to each? The more time employees spend on a function, the more likely it is that the function is essential. Generally, include those functions that account for 10% or more of the work, i.e., key items that contribute significantly to the achievement of the job. The functions should add up to 100%.

% of time	Essential Function (Yes/No)	Key Responsibilities (To be completed by Supervisor)
90%	Yes	Patient Care Activities Provide safe and effective patient-centered care by actively designing, implementing, and monitoring patient-specific therapeutic plans Evaluate patients for therapeutic outcomes and side effects of medications. When appropriate, develop and implement an alternate therapeutic plan. Consult with other healthcare team members to facilitate a change in the therapeutic plan, optimize medication therapies, and ensure continuity of care/medication access. Provide appropriate follow-up care to ensure therapeutic goals are achieved. Provide in-depth and patient-specific medication education to patients and their caregivers, where appropriate, with the objective of improving adherence, optimizing drug therapy response, and minimizing adverse drug events. Respond to patient inquiries regarding medication therapy and relevant health issues. Document care provided in the medical record (e.g., progress notes or other appropriate sections) and other appropriate platforms. Communicate relevant therapeutic information to other healthcare providers in a timely manner to coordinate medication therapy Participate in the Code Response Team as needed. Operations Ensure quality and integrity of medications. Process drug orders. Screen all prescriptions and drug orders for appropriateness (e.g. drug name, dosage form, dose, indication, route, indication) Ensure quality and integrity of medications prepared; compound or fill and dispense medications in compliance with institutional standards, laws, and accepted standards of practice. Facilitate and coordinate timely delivery of pharmaceutical services to patients. Maintain appropriate knowledge of relevant pharmacy automation. May assist in oversight of non-pharmacists (pharmacy technicians, pharmacy students/interns, etc.) and a limited number of Staff Pharmacists II as assigned. May assist with and facilitate prior authorizations, appeals, billing, reimbursement, and other medication access processes when necessary. Comply with FDA mandates and self-imposed manufacturer restrictions on medications, investigational drugs, REMS, and recalled medications. Maintain records of services provided and other records required by law (e.g., workload statistics, narcotic inventory and control).
5%	Yes	Advancing Practice Effectively perform assigned administrative functions (e.g., medication error reports, adverse drug reaction reports, special projects, etc.) Effectively perform and participate in medication-related reports and projects (e.g., drug monographs, medication use evaluations, quality improvement projects, formulary evaluation in area of oversight, etc.) Participate in and occasionally chair patient care, quality improvement, or Pharmacy and Therapeutics-related committees. Participate in clinical research. Keep up to date on protocols/policies, pharmacy practice standards, healthcare delivery trends, reimbursement systems, and emerging roles and responsibilities of pharmacists as they pertain to the area of specialty.
5%	Yes	Training and Educational Activities Serve as a preceptor for pharmacy learners (e.g., students and residents). Facilitate learner experiences that ensure professional growth and competency development. Evaluate and provide on-going feedback. Maintain the qualifications necessary to maintain preceptor status. Provide effective medication-related and other relevant education to patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, learners, and the public (individuals and groups). Other duties as assigned.
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100%		(To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100%.)

Required Qualifications :

Minimum 3-5 years of directly related experience.
Must have graduated from an accredited school of pharmacy and possess a Doctor of Pharmacy degree (PharmD) or equivalent degree as determined by the National Board of Pharmacy. For graduates in a non-US country or jurisdiction, pharmacists must have earned a Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) Certification as determined by the National Board of Pharmacy.
Completed an ASHP Accredited Postgraduate Year 1 (PGY1) Pharmacy Residency Program or equivalent practice experience
Must possess a current license in good standing to practice pharmacy in the State of California
Current certification for Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association.

Preferred Qualifications :

Completed an ASHP Accredited Postgraduate Year 1 (PGY1) Residency Program

License / Certification :
Yes

License/Certification :

Must possess a current license in good standing to practice pharmacy in the State of California
Current certification for Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association.

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.

In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.

Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Salary Information

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.

Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.

To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html