About the opportunity
The Clinical Pharmacist – Formulary Authorization reviews medication requests requiring prior authorization to ensure they meet formulary, safety, and clinical criteria. Responsibilities include evaluating restricted or high-cost drug requests, verifying guideline compliance through chart review, identifying cost-effective alternatives, and collaborating with providers. The role involves managing appeals, tracking cases, developing criteria for drug use, and documenting adjudications in the electronic health record. The pharmacist also serves as a resource for clinical staff, participates in formulary discussions, supports the investigational drug program, and maintains a clinical faculty appointment at the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy.
Salary and benefits
- Salary range: $130,780 – $180,418 per annum
- Federal employee benefits package
- Clinical faculty appointment at the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy
Who can apply?
- Must be a United States citizen
- Graduate of an ACPE-accredited College or School of Pharmacy with a BS Pharmacy or Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree
- Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice pharmacy in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination
- Selective Service registration required for males born after 12/31/1959
- Subject to background/security investigation and drug screening
Required documents
- License
- Long-form resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action, if applicable)
- Transcript
- Cover Letter (optional)
- DD214 (for Veterans' preference)
- SF-15 (for 10-point Veterans' preference, if applicable)
When to apply
- Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 2026-09-14
How to apply
- Create or log in to a USAJOBS account
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire
- Upload all required documentation
- Submit the application package through the USAJOBS portal
Additional information
- This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a mandatory condition of employment.
- Selected applicants must serve a 1 or 2-year trial period.
- This is not a virtual or telework-eligible position.
- The position may be used to fill additional vacancies.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Licensed pharmacists who are graduates of an ACPE-accredited College or School of Pharmacy with a BS Pharmacy or Pharm.D. degree.
- Clinicians interested in specializing in formulary authorization, prior authorization review, and high-cost drug management within a healthcare setting.
- Professionals seeking an academic connection, as the role includes a clinical faculty appointment at the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy.
What should you think carefully about?
- Relocation to Albuquerque, New Mexico is necessary because this is an on-site position that is not virtual or telework-eligible.
- Applicants must hold a full, current, and unrestricted pharmacy license in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
- The position is in the Excepted Service, meaning it does not confer competitive status, and requires passing a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This opportunity fits clinical pharmacists looking to transition into specialized administrative and evaluative roles within government healthcare while maintaining an active academic footprint. It provides a platform to influence medication safety, work closely with providers, and engage with clinical trainees through a university faculty appointment.
Our take
Licensed pharmacists eager to work on-site in Albuquerque on formulary management and clinical policy should seriously consider this role. Candidates who require telework flexibility or who do not possess an unrestricted pharmacy license should look elsewhere.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
