Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Histopathology department at Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust to appoint a Medical Laboratory Assistant to our dedicated team. We are looking for a self-motivated and enthusiastic individual who is:
- Well organised
- Has a keen attention to detail
- Can work individually and as part of a team.
The successful candidate will join our UKAS accredited, paediatric diagnostic cellular pathology team. Knowledge of histopathology laboratory procedures and practice would be an advantage.
Main duties of the job
To work as part of a team which provides a highly specialised clinical and technical histopathology service which supports the treatment and care of patients within the Trust and surrounding region.
- Take receipt of and prepare a wide range of clinical specimens for analysis.
- Carry out basic diagnostic tests preparation
- Input of data into Computer System.
- The production of high quality tissue sections for microscopic evaluation
- To support the departments Biomedical scientist in delivery of the scientific and technical histopathology service
About us
Sheffield Children's is one of three independent, specialist paediatric hospitals in the country, providing dedicated healthcare for children and young people across community, mental health and acute specialist settings.
We have three overarching aims that set the direction for the Trust in our vision "to create a healthier future for children and young people."
- Outstanding patient care
- Brilliant place to work
- Leader in children's health
Our commitment to rewarding colleagues is demonstrated through our brilliant reward and benefits offer including; generous annual leave entitlement and pension scheme and access to salary sacrifice schemes such as cycle to work and lease cars.
We are committed to supporting colleagues from different heritages and lifestyles while at work. This is supported through the offer we have in place for flexible working and the three equality network groups we have in place. Colleagues are encouraged to join these groups and request flexible working.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Laboratory
- Preparing samples for dissection according to Standard Operating Procedure
- Process cytological preparations according to Standard Operating Procedure.
- Liaise with users regarding errors in patient and specimen identification, returning samples to the sender when appropriate and recording errors.
- Safe and appropriate dispatched of post mortem samples to referral centres
- Freezing of selected samples using liquid nitrogen and entering the details in the appropriate section of the register of frozen samples.
- Take digital photographs of specimens using appropriate lighting and colouration methods.
- Maintenance of various laboratory processing equipment. Monitoring and changing of reagents when required
- Appropriate anatomical orientation of placental and post mortem tissue sample during embedding.
- Production of high quality sections of placental and post mortem tissue samples, utilising high precision microtomes and attention to detail for the purpose of microscopic interpretation.
- When necessary the post holder will be expected to replenish stock supplies of reagents, chemicals, stains and dyes used within the laboratory for specimen
Health and Safety
- Involvement within the departments cleaning schedule.
- Temperature monitoring of equipment and environment.
- Pack, dispatch and receive laundry
Personal Development
- To participate in Individual Development Review in accordance with Trust Policy.
- To ensure departmental service improvement objectives are achieved through development of their personal knowledge and skills.
- To undertake timely mandatory training as contractual obliged at a level relevant to the post holders role.
Inclusive Recruitment & Selection
We are committed to being an inclusive employer and accurate data capture is an important part of that to ensure we are supportive and representative. Our aim is to ensure that all applicants can see themselves in the available categories on our application form, but we recognise that some of our data capture fields are not inclusive. We have flagged this with our system provider to ask for change.
We offer encouragement and active support to applicants with additional needs, including those from ethnic minorities, with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ+ community. If you wish to adjust any aspect of the recruitment process or wish to find out more about our recruitment & selection processes, please get in touch with our Recruitment Manager: Catherine.Gilbert7@nhs.net
We are continually reviewing our recruitment & selection process to support the long-term aim of Sheffield Childrens being a champion of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. If you have any ideas for improvement, please get in touch with Catherine Gilbert at Catherine.Gilbert7@nhs.net
Trust Values
The Trust is committed to providing great quality patient care and keep children, young people and families at the heart of what we do by following our CARE values:
- Compassion leading by kindness and showing empathy, understanding and respect
- Accountability striving to do the right thing and owning responsibility
- Respect value differences, tackling inequality and fostering a culture of inclusion
- Excellence delivering a high-quality standard of care
Job description
Job responsibilities
Laboratory
- Preparing samples for dissection according to Standard Operating Procedure
- Process cytological preparations according to Standard Operating Procedure.
- Liaise with users regarding errors in patient and specimen identification, returning samples to the sender when appropriate and recording errors.
- Safe and appropriate dispatched of post mortem samples to referral centres
- Freezing of selected samples using liquid nitrogen and entering the details in the appropriate section of the register of frozen samples.
- Take digital photographs of specimens using appropriate lighting and colouration methods.
- Maintenance of various laboratory processing equipment. Monitoring and changing of reagents when required
- Appropriate anatomical orientation of placental and post mortem tissue sample during embedding.
- Production of high quality sections of placental and post mortem tissue samples, utilising high precision microtomes and attention to detail for the purpose of microscopic interpretation.
- When necessary the post holder will be expected to replenish stock supplies of reagents, chemicals, stains and dyes used within the laboratory for specimen
Health and Safety
- Involvement within the departments cleaning schedule.
- Temperature monitoring of equipment and environment.
- Pack, dispatch and receive laundry
Personal Development
- To participate in Individual Development Review in accordance with Trust Policy.
- To ensure departmental service improvement objectives are achieved through development of their personal knowledge and skills.
- To undertake timely mandatory training as contractual obliged at a level relevant to the post holders role.
Inclusive Recruitment & Selection
We are committed to being an inclusive employer and accurate data capture is an important part of that to ensure we are supportive and representative. Our aim is to ensure that all applicants can see themselves in the available categories on our application form, but we recognise that some of our data capture fields are not inclusive. We have flagged this with our system provider to ask for change.
We offer encouragement and active support to applicants with additional needs, including those from ethnic minorities, with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ+ community. If you wish to adjust any aspect of the recruitment process or wish to find out more about our recruitment & selection processes, please get in touch with our Recruitment Manager: Catherine.Gilbert7@nhs.net
We are continually reviewing our recruitment & selection process to support the long-term aim of Sheffield Childrens being a champion of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. If you have any ideas for improvement, please get in touch with Catherine Gilbert at Catherine.Gilbert7@nhs.net
Trust Values
The Trust is committed to providing great quality patient care and keep children, young people and families at the heart of what we do by following our CARE values:
- Compassion leading by kindness and showing empathy, understanding and respect
- Accountability striving to do the right thing and owning responsibility
- Respect value differences, tackling inequality and fostering a culture of inclusion
- Excellence delivering a high-quality standard of care
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Good GCSE in Science subjects
Desirable
- A level/NVQ 3 level educational qualification in Maths, English or Science or equivalent.
Experience
Desirable
- Previous experience in a biological or chemical laboratory
Knowledge
Essential
- Good level of hand-eye coordination supporting manual dexterity
- Able to work with unpleasant and hazardous materials and specimens.
- Able to work with emotionally disturbing material particularly surrounding the death of a child.
- Prioritise workloads
Desirable
- Knowledge of health and safety and procedures for dealing with hazards
Personal attributes
Essential
- Self motivated, accurate and pay attention to detail
- Honest and reliable, Team worker, Conscientious
- Accepts the responsibility for working within the boundaries of the role and grade
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Good GCSE in Science subjects
Desirable
- A level/NVQ 3 level educational qualification in Maths, English or Science or equivalent.
Experience
Desirable
- Previous experience in a biological or chemical laboratory
Knowledge
Essential
- Good level of hand-eye coordination supporting manual dexterity
- Able to work with unpleasant and hazardous materials and specimens.
- Able to work with emotionally disturbing material particularly surrounding the death of a child.
- Prioritise workloads
Desirable
- Knowledge of health and safety and procedures for dealing with hazards
Personal attributes
Essential
- Self motivated, accurate and pay attention to detail
- Honest and reliable, Team worker, Conscientious
- Accepts the responsibility for working within the boundaries of the role and grade
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).
