Job summary
The Immunology laboratory at Addenbrookes Hospital is looking for an enthusiastic, adaptable individual with a desire to improve patient care. The successful candidate would work in the cytokine section of the Immunology laboratory, which provides a supranational specialist diagnostic service for the investigation of immunodeficiency and auto-inflammatory disorders.
This role involves the receipt, preparation and processing of biological specimens for diagnostic testing and performance of specialist tests such as ELISA and Flow Cytometry. Other duties include data input, safe disposal of biological material and preparation of chemical/biological reagents. In addition, the post holder will be expected to manage levels of shared supplies, supervise less experienced members of staff and assist with shared laboratory tasks.
You will have good theoretical knowledge and practical experience in an NHS diagnostic laboratory or equivalent Research Lab experience. Full training can be given as needed. A strong understanding of confidentiality regulations and a passion for science is expected.
You will be a valued member of our experienced scientific team and will benefit from training and development opportunities, well supported by our professional, knowledgeable scientific and clinical teams. This is a fixed term post until 13.02.2026
Main duties of the job
Performs a number of healthcare science clinical/technical/scientific activities under supervision, e.g. performs standard immunological tests.
Maintains clinical records in relation to activities carried out; may input/interrogate test results of others.
May be required to supervise, organise and allocate work and/or train less experienced staff in own area.
To work flexibly in reflection of service needs. This may include an extended working day and/or participation in shift delivery of a 10 hour, 6 days per week service.
The work of the service brings staff into constant contact with human body fluids, tissues and hazardous chemicals. This may include blood, CSF, urine, faeces, and respiratory secretions.
Maintain and promote professional image of the CUH Trust.
About us
Our Trust
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people - patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing 'outstanding' care to our patients and rated 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH's values - Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent - are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.
CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people's age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
Please note:- Internal applicants on permanent contracts can only apply for this post as a secondment and must have the approval of your current line manager before applying.
This vacancy will close at midnight on 23rd February 2025
Interviews are due to be held on 4th March 2025
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
Please note:- Internal applicants on permanent contracts can only apply for this post as a secondment and must have the approval of your current line manager before applying.
This vacancy will close at midnight on 23rd February 2025
Interviews are due to be held on 4th March 2025
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE Maths and English (A-C) or equivalent
Desirable
- Appropriate NVQ level 3/diploma
Experience
Essential
- Practical experience of working in an NHS diagnostic laboratory or equivalent laboratory experience
- Use of laboratory IT systems (LIMS)
Desirable
- Use of EPIC IT system
- Practical experience within an educational laboratory setting (College/University).
- Experience of ELISA techniques
Knowledge
Essential
- Demonstrable knowledge of a range of routine and non-routine healthcare science duties equivalent to an NVQ level 3/diploma
- Experience and good ability in Microsoft office products (Excel/Word) and other computer programs.
Desirable
- Previous experience of working in the NHS or within Immunology.
- Demonstrable understanding of Quality management
Skills
Essential
- Effective verbal and written communication
- Demonstrable interpersonal skills - can work as part of a team or independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to work under pressure, prioritise workload, and meet deadlines.
- Ability to concentrate for prolonged periods of time
- High degree of manual dexterity to perform laboratory techniques associated with the post
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Desirable
- Self-motivated and able to motivate others.
- Ability to be flexible and respond to the needs of the service.
- Good communication skills
- Ability to supervise less experienced staff, including supporting the training of staff.
Additional Requirements
Essential
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE Maths and English (A-C) or equivalent
Desirable
- Appropriate NVQ level 3/diploma
Experience
Essential
- Practical experience of working in an NHS diagnostic laboratory or equivalent laboratory experience
- Use of laboratory IT systems (LIMS)
Desirable
- Use of EPIC IT system
- Practical experience within an educational laboratory setting (College/University).
- Experience of ELISA techniques
Knowledge
Essential
- Demonstrable knowledge of a range of routine and non-routine healthcare science duties equivalent to an NVQ level 3/diploma
- Experience and good ability in Microsoft office products (Excel/Word) and other computer programs.
Desirable
- Previous experience of working in the NHS or within Immunology.
- Demonstrable understanding of Quality management
Skills
Essential
- Effective verbal and written communication
- Demonstrable interpersonal skills - can work as part of a team or independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to work under pressure, prioritise workload, and meet deadlines.
- Ability to concentrate for prolonged periods of time
- High degree of manual dexterity to perform laboratory techniques associated with the post
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Desirable
- Self-motivated and able to motivate others.
- Ability to be flexible and respond to the needs of the service.
- Good communication skills
- Ability to supervise less experienced staff, including supporting the training of staff.
Additional Requirements
Essential
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).