Pharmacist

Medical
Min 3 Months
As a medical professional on board, you bring your expertise to a dynamic clinical setting where every skill contributes to patient wellbeing and mission success.

Driven to provide hope & healing.

Mercy Ships is an international charity that brings hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor through state-of-the-art hospital ships. Since 1978, our volunteer crew—made up of medical professionals and skilled workers from over 60 nations—has delivered free surgeries and medical care to over 2.8 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, transforming lives one patient and one port at a time. Join our global team of over 3,000 volunteers and help us change lives daily.

About this role

Filling this important role for our patients and medical staff is critical for hope and healing onboard.  Your attention to detail, cost-effective use of medications and pharmaceuticals, and care for patients and crew will be essential.

Requirements

Each role with Mercy Ships calls for a unique blend of experience, skills, and qualifications. The info below outlines what’s needed to serve effectively in this position—to meet operational standards and to help you thrive as part of the team.

Commitment Min 3 Months

What You Will Contribute

Support for Mercy Ships patients, crew, and the Senior Pharmacist in operating our onboard Pharmacy, including: preparing over-the-counter and prescription medications, and providing patient counseling when dispensing

Provide the important service of helping to maintain our Pharmacy inventory by using Omnicell reports and dispensing cabinets

Provide consulting services for healthcare providers in the wards, operating rooms, post-op units, mobile field teams, and crew clinic, including participation in ward clinical rounds and regular chart reviews

Carry the on-call pager 24/7 on a three-week rotating schedule to fill prescriptions and provide pharmaceutical advice during evenings and weekends

What You Will Need

Licensed as a Registered Pharmacist by the regulatory agency in your home nation

Two years of full-time experience as a registered Pharmacist in a hospital pharmacy and/or community pharmacy, evidenced by a degree (i.e., Bachelor of Pharmacy or Doctorate of Pharmacy)

Current active Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid certification or Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required

The ability to move heavy boxes of medications and irrigation/IV fluids from off-site storage or shipments into the Pharmacy

Fluency in verbal and written English

Computer skills essential to perform this role, including proficiency in Microsoft Outlook and Excel. Knowledge of Omnicell or SeaCare software is beneficial.

About the team

You’ll be part of the Medical Team, a close-knit group of dedicated medical professionals working together to bring hope and healing through surgical and medical care.

Apply Now

Full job description available upon request.

Proceed to Application

Frequently asked questions.

We are so excited that you are interested in learning more about serving with us. These are the most common questions we receive for this department.

SCAM ALERT: Please be aware of recruitment scams. Mercy Ships will never charge any fees as a part of the recruitment process. For more info click here.

What are the medical requirements to serve with Mercy Ships?

Click here for a list of medical requirements to serve, including required immunizations.

How long can I serve?
What surgical procedures do you perform on board?
Do I need to be a registered nurse?
What opportunities does Mercy Ships offer for allied health professionals?
Can a Nurse Anesthetist join as an Anesthesia Provider?
As a surgeon, what can I expect during my first time on board?
Do you use general surgeons?
Do you use gynecologists?
Do you use medical or nursing students?
Do I need experience before volunteering?
Does my license need to be current?
Do I need malpractice insurance?
What is the minimum commitment?
What will my schedule be (night/weekends/etc.)?
What are the nursing responsibilities in the ward?
Do I need to bring my own scrubs?
What are the medicines we use on board?
Looking for more information? View our general FAQs to learn about life on board, volunteering, and more.
General FAQs

The experience of a lifetime is calling.

More than 1,200 volunteers from over 60 nations serve with Mercy Ships each year.

At Mercy Ships, we are proud to be recognized around the world for the life-changing surgeries and training we deliver. We could not achieve this without our dedicated community of talented volunteers.

Imagine finishing your shift and stepping onto deck as the sun sets—knowing that today you’ve helped transform the lives of those who need it most. Apply now to start a journey that will reshape the lives of those you serve—and your own.

Captain Perez, Africa Mercy & Global Mercy
Rachel Lubitz, Project Assistant, Global Mercy
Play Video Icon
Find Your Place On Board

Faith-Led Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Mercy Ships is a faith-based organization welcoming volunteers from diverse backgrounds and experiences who are committed to our mission and values. All qualified applicants will receive consideration.

Beware of Imposters: Confirm All Volunteer Communications

Volunteer opportunities and invitations to serve will always come directly from Mercy Ships’ official volunteer engagement teams. Never provide personal information to anyone without confirming their connection to Mercy Ships.

Apply Now

Full job description available upon request.

Proceed to Application
“I think you get lifelong friends in a different way than I’ve done back home. I like the variety of people, cultures, and views.”
Maria Ekstrand — Dining Room Team Leader
“The more I'm seeing peoples' lives being transformed, the more I realize this isn't me giving away two years, it's me gaining two years. For me, it's more like a gift.”
Eugene Ampadu (Videographer, Africa Mercy, Senegal.)