Job summary
The Department of Clinical Chemistry comprises a team of 80 staff who are committed to delivering an efficient, high quality diagnostic service. It is a busy, friendly department. We have an excellent reputation as a specialist laboratory and provide a comprehensive metabolic analytical service along with regional newborn screening and acute biochemistry.
We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join us as an Associate Biomedical Scientist Practitioner. This role is based in the Tissue Culture Section and the hours of work are 13.5 per week. We need someone for 4.5 hours a day to work either Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, or Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. The start time can be be agreed, but hours of work are between 09:00 and 17:00.
The Associate Biomedical Scientist Practitioner is responsible for culturing skin biopsies and preparing fibroblast cell lines for assays carried out in the Tissue Culture Laboratory. Full training will be given.
Main duties of the job
- Culture skin biopsies and prepare fibroblast cell lines for assays carried out in the Tissue Culture Laboratory.
- Store and recover cryopreserved fibroblasts in the cryopreservation facility.
- Receive and book in samples for the Tissue Culture Laboratory.
- Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust is one of five Trusts involved in the formation of the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw (SYB) Pathology Network. The aim of the Network is to deliver a Pathology Service that provides all SYB patients and clinicians with equitable access to high-quality, innovative laboratory medicine solutions that will ensure the best clinical outcomes for patients. A collaborative Network will also provide rewarding job and career opportunities for all staff. An Outline Business Case, which described the Target Operating Model for the future Network, has been agreed between Partner Trusts. The proposed Target Operating Model will ultimately lead to the consolidation of services across SYB. As work progresses to establish the Network, staff will be consulted about proposals that may involve them.
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
- To set up and culture skin biopsies to obtain the appropriate quantity of fibroblasts for a range of tissue culture assays.
- Pelleting of fibroblasts for storage / assay where needed.
- To cryopreserve all fibroblast cell lines and to recover them from storage when required.
- To routinely maintain the cryopreservation facility
- To prepare all cell lines for mycoplasma testing
- To ensure all procedures are performed efficiently within the assigned time and in accordance with established protocols
- To ensure all procedures meet the required performance and quality standards
- To maintain accurate up-to-date records of the process of culture for all cell lines
- To assist with equipment maintenance in liaison with other staff in the laboratory
- To label up and book in Tissue Culture specimens including entry of confidential patient information and laboratory requests into the laboratory computer system
- To update records of cell lines
- To assist in assessing stock levels and monitoring of laboratory health and safety.
- To assist with technical aspects of audit, research and development.
- To perform general administrative duties within the section including dealing with telephone enquiries and retrieving information from the laboratory computer system
- To perform general housekeeping duties within the section including cleaning of equipment and laboratory areas
- To follow agreed protocols and policies seeking advice where appropriate from more senior staff
- To work in an efficient and timely manner and to be adaptable to change
- To work in a safe manner in accordance with departmental and Trust Health and Safety policies
- To contribute to care, maintenance and security of the laboratory premises and equipment
- To demonstrate a positive attitude to the work of the laboratory, colleagues and service users
- To respond to requests for information in a polite, helpful and concise manner
- To maintain confidentiality and conform with the Data Protection Act
- To work to quality standards for all aspects of the service as defined by the Pathology Directorate Quality Management System (QMS)
- The postholder will participate in an annual Personal Development Review/ appraisal process as well as all necessary mandatory training. As part of the PDR process the postholders involvement and contribution to Quality Management will be reviewed along with their understanding and compliance with the current, relevant Trust objectives
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
- To set up and culture skin biopsies to obtain the appropriate quantity of fibroblasts for a range of tissue culture assays.
- Pelleting of fibroblasts for storage / assay where needed.
- To cryopreserve all fibroblast cell lines and to recover them from storage when required.
- To routinely maintain the cryopreservation facility
- To prepare all cell lines for mycoplasma testing
- To ensure all procedures are performed efficiently within the assigned time and in accordance with established protocols
- To ensure all procedures meet the required performance and quality standards
- To maintain accurate up-to-date records of the process of culture for all cell lines
- To assist with equipment maintenance in liaison with other staff in the laboratory
- To label up and book in Tissue Culture specimens including entry of confidential patient information and laboratory requests into the laboratory computer system
- To update records of cell lines
- To assist in assessing stock levels and monitoring of laboratory health and safety.
- To assist with technical aspects of audit, research and development.
- To perform general administrative duties within the section including dealing with telephone enquiries and retrieving information from the laboratory computer system
- To perform general housekeeping duties within the section including cleaning of equipment and laboratory areas
- To follow agreed protocols and policies seeking advice where appropriate from more senior staff
- To work in an efficient and timely manner and to be adaptable to change
- To work in a safe manner in accordance with departmental and Trust Health and Safety policies
- To contribute to care, maintenance and security of the laboratory premises and equipment
- To demonstrate a positive attitude to the work of the laboratory, colleagues and service users
- To respond to requests for information in a polite, helpful and concise manner
- To maintain confidentiality and conform with the Data Protection Act
- To work to quality standards for all aspects of the service as defined by the Pathology Directorate Quality Management System (QMS)
- The postholder will participate in an annual Personal Development Review/ appraisal process as well as all necessary mandatory training. As part of the PDR process the postholders involvement and contribution to Quality Management will be reviewed along with their understanding and compliance with the current, relevant Trust objectives
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
- 2 Science 'A' Levels or equivalent qualification, ideally in science-related subjects
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrate experience of modern laboratory techniques.
Desirable
- Previous work experience in a laboratory.
Knowledge
Essential
- Possess knowledge of highly specialised procedures related to paediatric biochemistry.
Desirable
- Knowledge of health and safety and procedures for dealing with hazards
Skills
Essential
- Good technical skills.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Good IT and keyboard skills.
- Ability to work safely with pathological samples and laboratory reagents and equipment.
- Ability to multitask.
Desirable
- Ability to use Microsoft Excel.
- Aware of confidentiality issues.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- 2 Science 'A' Levels or equivalent qualification, ideally in science-related subjects
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrate experience of modern laboratory techniques.
Desirable
- Previous work experience in a laboratory.
Knowledge
Essential
- Possess knowledge of highly specialised procedures related to paediatric biochemistry.
Desirable
- Knowledge of health and safety and procedures for dealing with hazards
Skills
Essential
- Good technical skills.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Good IT and keyboard skills.
- Ability to work safely with pathological samples and laboratory reagents and equipment.
- Ability to multitask.
Desirable
- Ability to use Microsoft Excel.
- Aware of confidentiality issues.
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).
