Academic Pharmacist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of academia, the importance of academic pharmacists has never been more profound.

As healthcare evolves, the demand for knowledgeable individuals who can advance, enhance, and uphold pharmaceutical education and research continues to grow.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an academic pharmacist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker attempting to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply captivated by the intricacies of academic pharmacy,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a flexible academic pharmacist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or academic career portals.

Let’s dive right in.

Academic Pharmacist Duties and Responsibilities

Academic Pharmacists are involved in research, teaching, and administration, often in a college setting.

They possess extensive knowledge of medicines and are adept at transmitting this knowledge to students and peers.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Conducting research in various areas of pharmacology
• Teaching pharmacology courses to undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Contributing to the development of academic curricula in the field of pharmacy
• Supervising students’ research projects and providing guidance
• Publishing research findings in academic journals
• Presenting at national and international conferences
• Providing professional advice and consultations on pharmaceutical matters
• Participating in committee work within the university, including committees on research ethics, academic boards, and examination boards
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of advancements and changes in the pharmaceutical field
• Working closely with other healthcare professionals to enhance patient care and outcomes

 

Academic Pharmacist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Academic Pharmacist to join our team.

The Academic Pharmacist will be responsible for conducting high-quality research, teaching, and providing expert advice in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences.

The Academic Pharmacist will contribute to the development and delivery of the pharmacy curriculum, supervise pharmacy students, and conduct research in the field of pharmaceutical sciences.

Our ideal candidate has a passion for teaching, a strong research background, and a deep understanding of pharmacy practice.

 

Responsibilities

• Teach pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences to undergraduate and graduate students
• Conduct high-quality research in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
• Provide expert advice on pharmacy practice and pharmaceutical sciences
• Supervise and mentor pharmacy students
• Contribute to curriculum development in pharmacy
• Participate in departmental and faculty meetings
• Engage in continuous professional development
• Provide clinical services and consultations as needed

 

Qualifications

• Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree
• License to practice pharmacy
• Proven experience in academic pharmacy or related role
• Strong research background in pharmacy or pharmaceutical sciences
• Exceptional teaching skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to mentor and supervise students
• Familiarity with the latest developments in pharmacy practice and pharmaceutical sciences

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Academic Pharmacist
• Work Environment: University or college setting. Some clinical work may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of the Pharmacy Department.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $75,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a list of your publications to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Academic Pharmacist Do?

Academic Pharmacists, often found in colleges, universities, and pharmacy schools, play a crucial role in shaping the future of the pharmaceutical industry.

They are responsible for conducting research in various areas of pharmacy, including drug discovery, delivery, absorption, metabolism, and therapeutic use.

They may also research on patient behavior and health outcomes following medication therapy.

In addition to research, they educate and train future pharmacists, passing on their knowledge and expertise.

They teach various topics, including pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics, pharmacy practice, and therapeutics.

Academic Pharmacists often provide guidance to students on their research projects and may supervise their work.

They also engage in scholarly activities such as publishing their findings in scientific journals and presenting at conferences.

Furthermore, they may provide clinical services and consultations in hospital or community pharmacy settings.

This helps them stay updated with the latest practices and advances in the field of pharmacy.

Academic Pharmacists also contribute to the university community by participating in administrative and service roles, such as serving on committees or organizing academic events.

Some Academic Pharmacists may specialize in a particular area of pharmacy, enabling them to offer expert advice and advanced teaching in that field.

 

Academic Pharmacist Qualifications and Skills

An Academic Pharmacist should have a range of technical skills, soft skills and industry knowledge to effectively teach and conduct research, including:

• Strong knowledge and understanding of pharmaceutical sciences to efficiently teach students and conduct research.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly explain complex pharmaceutical concepts to students and to present research findings to peers.
• Research skills, including the ability to design and conduct experiments, interpret data, and draw conclusions.
• Problem-solving skills to overcome challenges in research and teaching.
• Interpersonal skills to build relationships with students, colleagues, and other stakeholders in the academic and pharmaceutical community.
• Organizational skills to manage teaching responsibilities, research projects, and administrative tasks.
• Continual learning mindset to stay updated with the latest advancements in the field of pharmacy and incorporate them into teaching and research.
• Ability to mentor and guide students, inspiring them to pursue a career in pharmacy.

 

Academic Pharmacist Experience Requirements

To become an Academic Pharmacist, prospective candidates must generally have earned a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited school or college of pharmacy.

This degree program typically takes four years to complete and provides the foundational knowledge and experience in the field of pharmacy.

Following their Pharm.D., many Academic Pharmacists may pursue a residency or fellowship to gain specific clinical and/or research experience.

This is typically a 1-2 year commitment and may involve rotations in various clinical settings.

Entry-level academic pharmacists may have 1-3 years of experience.

This could be through internships, residencies, or working in a clinical setting.

They will have developed their clinical skills and pharmaceutical knowledge in these roles.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have developed their research skills and may have published research articles in peer-reviewed pharmaceutical journals.

This experience may involve independent or collaborative research, grant writing, and presenting findings at conferences.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some teaching experience.

This could involve guest lectures, teaching courses, or mentoring pharmacy students.

These individuals may be suitable for senior academic pharmacist roles or department head positions.

In addition to these experience requirements, Academic Pharmacists must maintain their licensure which typically involves ongoing continuing education.

They must also stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in pharmaceutical research and clinical practice.

 

Academic Pharmacist Education and Training Requirements

Academic Pharmacists usually hold a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree, which is a professional degree that takes four years to complete after two years of undergraduate coursework.

Before entering a Pharm.D. program, students should have completed courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

During the Pharm.D. program, they’ll receive comprehensive training in the fields of medicinal chemistry, pharmacotherapy, pharmacology, and pharmacy law.

Many Academic Pharmacists also complete a postgraduate residency program for one or two years to gain more direct experience in patient care, medication therapy management, and pharmacy practice.

Being certified is not typically required for Academic Pharmacists, but it may increase job prospects and salary potential.

Certification options include the Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS) and Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (CGP) credentials.

For those interested in research or teaching at a university level, a Ph.D. in a specific area of pharmacology may be required.

This involves several years of research and writing a dissertation.

Continued education is critical in this role due to the constant developments in medications and treatment protocols.

Thus, Academic Pharmacists often participate in professional development and lifelong learning activities.

 

Academic Pharmacist Salary Expectations

An Academic Pharmacist earns an average salary of $104,000 (USD) per year.

However, this salary can vary based on factors such as experience, the institution they’re working at, their level of education, and the geographical location of the institution.

 

Academic Pharmacist Job Description FAQs

What skills does an academic pharmacist need?

Academic pharmacists should possess strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with students, patients, and other healthcare professionals.

They should be highly knowledgeable about pharmaceutical products and services, and be able to teach this knowledge to pharmacy students.

They should also have good research skills and a commitment to lifelong learning to stay current in the field.

 

Do academic pharmacists need a degree?

Yes, academic pharmacists must have a PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) degree, which is a professional degree that takes four years to complete after undergraduate studies.

They should also have a license to practice pharmacy.

Many academic pharmacists further choose to complete a residency or fellowship for additional training in a specialized area of pharmacy.

 

What should you look for in an academic pharmacist’s resume?

In an academic pharmacist’s resume, you should look for their educational background, including their PharmD degree and any additional training like a residency or fellowship.

You should also look for their license to practice pharmacy.

Other important information includes their teaching and research experience, publications, and any recognition or awards in the field.

 

What qualities make a good academic pharmacist?

A good academic pharmacist is dedicated to their students’ learning and success.

They are patient, understanding, and able to explain complex concepts in a way that is easy for students to understand.

They are also committed to their research and to advancing the field of pharmacy.

Good academic pharmacists are also ethical, responsible, and passionate about their work.

 

What are the daily duties of an academic pharmacist?

An academic pharmacist’s daily duties might include preparing and delivering lectures, developing and grading assessments, advising and mentoring students, conducting research, writing grant proposals, publishing research findings, serving on university committees, and providing pharmaceutical care in a clinical setting.

The exact duties will vary depending on the specific role and institution.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being an academic pharmacist.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about dispensing medications.

It’s about shaping the future of healthcare, one prescription at a time.

Equipped with our go-to academic pharmacist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step forward.

But why settle there?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your ideal tool for crafting precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Always remember:

Every prescription is a step towards better health.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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