University of Washington logo
University of Washington
Seattle, Washington

Lead Pharmacist, UW Medicine Pharmacy Medication Policy and Utilization

PharmacistFull-Time

Listed compensation

$163k-$233k

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.

Posted 1mo ago

Job Description

The Harborview Pharmacy Department has an outstanding opportunity for a Lead Pharmacist, UW Medicine Pharmacy Medication Policy and Utilization (Pharmacist 4).

WORK SCHEDULE: Full-Time / 40 hours per week

Rotating/Variable Shifts

Position Highlights

Lead staff pharmacists and others in aligning medication policy and optimizing medication use across UW Medicine.

Track and report pharmacoeconomic trends; identify and implement value and cost saving initiatives, develop and implement drug use policies from P&T Committee and other bodies.

Oversee process and content of medication use evaluation, formulary monographs and review documents for the UW Medicine P&T Committee and the UW Medicine Medication Stewardship Committee.

Primary Responsibilities

Assist in the development and implementation of the shared vision for the Pharmacy Department.

Assume leadership of the medication optimization and patient outcomes tracking programs for both the clinical and core pharmacy areas in collaboration with appropriate management staff.

With the Director of Pharmacy Purchasing, assume coordination of drug shortage changes including developing plans for alternatives, gaining appropriate approvals and changes to IT systems.

Provide leadership for a medication optimization program that enhances opportunities, through standardization, to assess the value of innovative medication-use practices from both patient-outcome and resource-utilization perspectives.

Promote interdisciplinary consensus on medication-use processes that promote optimal medication therapy and improved patient safety.

Continually evaluate both the therapeutic and cost effectiveness of various medication therapy options. (P&T reviews clinical decision support, etc.)

Coordinate new medication orders, products and initiatives including changes across EPIC and other technology platforms.

Collaborate with Pharmacy Services Revenue Cycle Management and leadership team on drug therapy reimbursement trends.

Collaborate with the Inpatient and the Ambulatory Managers to establish, monitor, and report on a coordinated clinical intervention and documentation program.

Assist with the instruction of students, residents, and staff pharmacists regarding medication optimization, outcomes tracking, medication review and use evaluation, direct patient care, distribution and drug information.

  • Provide drug information and/or periodic in-services to providers, nurses, patients and pharmacy staff.
  • Perform the duties of a Pharmacist III.

Required Position Qualifications

Three years experience in pharmacy practice. Months spent in the completion of an American Society of Health-System Pharmacists accredited residency training program may substitute month-for-month for the experience.

Legal Requirement

State of Washington Pharmacist License

Condition of Employment

UW Medicine is committed to being a drug-free workplace. We require a pre-employment drug screen.

About UW Medical Center-Montlake

UW Medical Center is an acute care academic medical center located in Seattle with two campuses: Montlake and Northwest. As the No. 1 hospital in Seattle and Washington State since 2012 (U.S. News & World Report) and nationally ranked in seven specialties, UW Medical Center prides itself on compassionate patient care as well as its pioneering medical advances.

The UW Medical Center-Montlake campus is located on the edge of the beautiful UW campus which includes many amenities available to our staff as well as very convenient public transit options including the Sound Transit’s light rail station across the street.

Excellence. Exploration. Education.

About UW Medicine – Where Your Impact GOES Further

UW Medicine is Washington’s only health system that includes a top-rated medical school and an internationally recognized research center. UW Medicine’s mission is to improve the health of the public by advancing medical knowledge, providing outstanding primary and specialty care to the people of the region, and preparing tomorrow’s physicians, scientists and other health professionals.

All across UW Medicine, our employees collaborate to perform the highest quality work with integrity and compassion and to create a respectful, welcoming environment where every patient, family, student and colleague is valued and honored. Nearly 29,000 healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators work in the UW Medicine family of organizations that includes: Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center - Montlake, UW Medical Center - Northwest, Valley Medical Center, UW Medicine Primary Care, UW Physicians, UW School of Medicine, and Airlift Northwest.

Become part of our team. Join our mission to make life healthier for everyone in our community.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum

$162,672.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum

$232,728.00 annual

Other Compensation

Benefits

For information about benefits for this position, visit washington.edu

Shift: Alternate Work Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent)

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit

Not Applicable

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.

Key Responsibilities

The Lead Pharmacist will oversee medication policy, formulary management, and medication stewardship initiatives across UW Medicine. They will also lead medication optimization programs, coordinate drug shortage responses, and collaborate with clinical and management teams to improve patient outcomes.

Requirements

Candidates must possess a valid State of Washington Pharmacist License and have at least three years of experience in pharmacy practice. Completion of an ASHP-accredited residency program may be substituted for the required experience.

Qualifications

Experience
2+ years of experience

Key Skills

PharmacoeconomicsDrug shortage coordinationInterdisciplinary collaboration

Pharmacist Career Context

Of the 40 active Pharmacy listings this role was benchmarked against, 50% are remote, 53% have no call, 75% require no weekends.

The cost-of-living index for Washington is 107.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$198k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $185k in an average-cost state. 59.8% of Washington clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

University of Washington holds silver-tier status on WeekdayDoc's Top Employers work-life index, composite score 71/100, 96 active listings.

Location & Logistics

Washington has no state income tax, which can significantly increase take-home pay compared to high-tax states. At the posted ~$198k midpoint, that is roughly $8k–$14k a year versus a typical 4–7% state rate.

Top Pharmacist Jobs

19 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution19 jobs · 14 employers

6
<$145k
2
$145k-165k
8
$165k-185k
2
$185k-205k
1
$230k

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks18 jobs · 14 employers

401k / retirement match
94%
Sign-on bonus
33%
Loan repayment
6%
Relocation assistance
6%
PSLF eligible
6%

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

#1

Pharmacist Lead- BioPlus

Elevance Health · Indianapolis, Indiana

$134k-$230k
#2

Clinical Pharmacist (Formulary & Quality)

Centene · Indiana

$108k-$199k
#3

Clinical Pharmacist Specialist (Adult ICU)- Full-Time Rotate

$159k-$185k
#4

Senior Integrated Clinic Pharmacist

$126k-$174k
+ 17 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

median 2.8this job 1.5
Below most Pharmacy listings for work-life

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 10,314 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

Living in Seattle

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$881k≈ 5.4× annual pay
Typical market rent
$2,234/mo≈ 16% of gross pay
Residents’ average commute
26 min
Metro price indexU.S. average = 100
111.1
State income tax
None
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

BEA 2024 · Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro prices. Housing figures are city-level.

Ratios use this listing’s gross annual pay. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

University of Washington logo

About University of Washington

Hospitals and Health Care
Seattle, WA
1,001-5,000 employees

Benefits & Perks

Comprehensive Benefits Package