Laboratory Technician

Job Overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for a detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

This post is for a Higher Level Healthcare Science Support Worker to work as part of a sputum clinical laboratory research team associated with the NIHR Clinical Research Facility and Biomedical Research Centre. The appointee will take responsibility for receipt and tracking, processing, storage and sending of specimens taken as part of the research programmes and may be required to train temporary or visiting scientists in sputum and similar processing as required by their line manager.

The clinical trial sputum laboratory provides an essential component of the clinical research pathway, processing samples quickly and efficiently after removal from the participants to ensure optimal results when analysed. This is facilitated by excellent communication both within the team and with professors, doctors, nurses and clinical trials assistants.

Working for our organisation

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to.

Due to the nature of this role and service, this role is on-site and the hours are as advertised.

Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need, and we will explore what’s possible for the role and service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

• To receive research samples (blood, sputum, saliva, urine, etc for processing.
• To perform biological sample processing following defined protocols and procedures.
• To perform PBMC processing.
• To perform differential cell counting
• To log and label samples for storage or transport.
• To despatch samples to other laboratories or clinical sites as required.
• To maintain laboratory standards in accordance with current and future regulatory guidelines.
• To pack and transport samples following current SOPs defining sample processing procedures, packaging and documentation.
• Inspect temperature logs for monitoring of fridges, freezers and incubators and take corrective action when required as detailed in the relevant SOP.
• Maintain laboratory equipment.
• To plan & prioritise own workload making adjustments to plans according to unforeseen circumstances.
• To maximise productivity by making the best use of available resources.
• To receive, store and maintain stocks of laboratory reagents and consumables.
• To perform any other appropriate duties as delegated by the sputum Laboratory Manager.
• Use of sample tracking software
• To participate in the evaluation of new equipment, techniques and protocols.
• To assist in any research and development activities as required.
• To handle work arising from NHS, private, commercial and clinical trials organisations as required in accordance with agreed protocols and quality standards. This will include the following:
• Receiving specimens and entering patient and technical work details into a log book or computer database and collating own and others data.
• Assisting with the preparation of specimens prior to processing.
• To assist with specimen collection and processing of samples arising from NHS, private, commercial and clinical trials organisations according to current Standard Operating Procedures.
• To handle and analyse a range of biological material including but not limited to sputum, saliva, blood, urine, faeces and body tissues.
• To perform differential cell counting on a variety of respiratory samples.
• To perform automated, semi-automated and manual laboratory investigations.
• To operate complex electronic equipment according to laboratory and manufacturers guidelines.
• To prepare reagents and ensure they are stored and used according to manufacturer guidelines and laboratory procedures
• To handle chemicals according to COSHH regulations.
• To collect laboratory and confidential waste and dispatch for safe disposal.
• To take responsibility for the safe use of laboratory equipment used personally and by other team members/students/trainees.
• To handle a range of tissue samples and other infectious material according to category II containment procedures.
• To deal with spillage of samples/chemicals in a safe and appropriate manner when necessary.
• To resolve and respond to study specific queries.
• To handle telephone enquiries and communicate results to other departments and outside agencies in accordance with laboratory protocols and in compliance with Data Protection Act.
• To enter test results and predefined comments into the laboratory computer systems.
• To communicate problems to scientific staff when quality control procedures indicate loss of performance of laboratory instruments or methods.
• To communicate with colleagues, other healthcare professionals and staff from external organisations and deal politely with all service users.
• To communicate stock levels to appropriate personnel to facilitate reordering.
• To participate in section meetings and feedback information/ suggestions for improvements in local policies and procedures.
• To report adverse clinical incidents to scientific staff.
• To assist with tours of the Clinical Research and respiratory laboratories.
• Undertakes Statutory and Mandatory training as determined by the Trust.
• Perform all other training as required for clinical trial legal and protocol compliance.
  
  

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• GCSE level A to C or equivalent in at least two from Maths, English and Science
• 3 A levels including science or equivalent experience
  
  

Desirable criteria

• GCP qualification
• High Scientific University degree
• IATA qualification
  
  

Previous or relevant experience necessary

Essential criteria

• Previous laboratory experience
• Experience of working within a research laboratory
• Experience of biological sample processing techniques
• Experience of working in a class II MSC with hazardous biological materials
  
  

Desirable criteria

• Experience in training laboratory staff
• Experience in sputum processing and differential cell counting
• Experience in PBMC processing
  
  

Aptitudes And Skills Required

Essential criteria

• Good written and verbal communication Ability to follow set procedures and laboratory protocols meticulously.
• Knowledge of sample tracking databases such as freezer works.
• Experience in sample receipt, logging and shipping.
  
  

Desirable criteria

• Knowledge of biological sample and hazardous waste disposal
• Training in use of liquid nitrogen
• Knowledge of Excel based databases
• Knowledge of infection control procedures
• Experience with the use of microscope and cell counting equipment
  
  

Values and behaviours

Essential criteria

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together