Job summary
This post is for a laboratory technician 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 trial assistants.
Main duties of the job
Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. We highly recommend you review this document and use it when completing your application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting.
For an overview of the main duties of the role please see the 'Job Description and Main Responsibilities' section below. To understand the day-to-day responsibilities in more detail please read the full job description document attached.
About us
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. UHS is rated 'Good' by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.
All non-clinical roles may involve a mixture of on-site and remote working, Specific details and flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process. 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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The appointee will take responsibility for the receipt, tracking, processing, storage and sending of specimens taken as part of the research programmes according to recommended protocols, responding to study-specific queries, and, where appropriate, training and supervising new and visiting members of staff. Sample processing responsibilities will include sputum and saliva processing, differential cell counting, PBMC isolation and other biological sample handling as per GCP guidelines. Responsibilities will also include ensuring the lab is clean, tidy and well-stocked with consumables and ensuring sample data is accurately recorded on electronic and paper logs. Once trained the post-holder is expected to be able to work without immediate supervision and to work an early or late shift pattern when required.
The post requires someone with experience working in a clinical laboratory setting, working with sputum, saliva, blood and other clinical specimens with the ability to work in collaboration with a team of research nurses and clinical investigators. Laboratory experience including handling of biological samples both on desktop and within material safety cabinets is essential. GCP training, IATA training and the use of sample tracking software such as Freezerworks are desirable. The post holder will collect and process samples according to recommended protocols ensuring accurate documentation. The post holder will liaise with investigators and other research staff involved in research studies and advise on their sample collection, processing and analytical procedures. They will also liaise with study monitors and sponsors to address study-specific queries. Once trained the post-holder is expected to be able to work without immediate supervision and if required be able to train new laboratory staff. They must also be able to work early or late shift patterns when required.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The appointee will take responsibility for the receipt, tracking, processing, storage and sending of specimens taken as part of the research programmes according to recommended protocols, responding to study-specific queries, and, where appropriate, training and supervising new and visiting members of staff. Sample processing responsibilities will include sputum and saliva processing, differential cell counting, PBMC isolation and other biological sample handling as per GCP guidelines. Responsibilities will also include ensuring the lab is clean, tidy and well-stocked with consumables and ensuring sample data is accurately recorded on electronic and paper logs. Once trained the post-holder is expected to be able to work without immediate supervision and to work an early or late shift pattern when required.
The post requires someone with experience working in a clinical laboratory setting, working with sputum, saliva, blood and other clinical specimens with the ability to work in collaboration with a team of research nurses and clinical investigators. Laboratory experience including handling of biological samples both on desktop and within material safety cabinets is essential. GCP training, IATA training and the use of sample tracking software such as Freezerworks are desirable. The post holder will collect and process samples according to recommended protocols ensuring accurate documentation. The post holder will liaise with investigators and other research staff involved in research studies and advise on their sample collection, processing and analytical procedures. They will also liaise with study monitors and sponsors to address study-specific queries. Once trained the post-holder is expected to be able to work without immediate supervision and if required be able to train new laboratory staff. They must also be able to work early or late shift patterns when required.
Person Specification
Qualifications / training required
Essential
- GCSE level A to C or equivalent in at least two from Maths, English and Science 3-A levels including science
Desirable
- High Scientific University degree
- GCP qualification
- IATA qualification
Previous or relevant experience necessary
Essential
- 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
- Experience in training laboratory staff
- Experience in sputum processing and differential cell counting
- Experience in PBMC processing
Aptitudes and skills required
Essential
- Knowledge of sample tracking databases such as freezer works.
- Experience in sample receipt, logging and shipping.
Desirable
- Knowledge of biological sample and hazardous waste disposal
- Training in use of liquid nitrogen
- Knowledge of infection control procedures
- Experience with the use of microscope and cell counting equipment
Values and behaviours
Essential
- Patients First
- Always Improving
- Working Together
Person Specification
Qualifications / training required
Essential
- GCSE level A to C or equivalent in at least two from Maths, English and Science 3-A levels including science
Desirable
- High Scientific University degree
- GCP qualification
- IATA qualification
Previous or relevant experience necessary
Essential
- 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
- Experience in training laboratory staff
- Experience in sputum processing and differential cell counting
- Experience in PBMC processing
Aptitudes and skills required
Essential
- Knowledge of sample tracking databases such as freezer works.
- Experience in sample receipt, logging and shipping.
Desirable
- Knowledge of biological sample and hazardous waste disposal
- Training in use of liquid nitrogen
- Knowledge of infection control procedures
- Experience with the use of microscope and cell counting equipment
Values and behaviours
Essential
- Patients First
- Always Improving
- Working Together
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).
