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 detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

This post is for a Laboratory technician to work as part of a Clinical Research Facility laboratory research team with additional responsibility for supporting the work in the Anti-Microbial Resistance laboratory. With the existing team the appointee will take responsibility for managing the laboratory facility providing training and support for staff in their team, assisting in assessing new studies and the receipt and tracking, processing, storage and sending of specimens taken as part of the research programmes.

The CRF laboratory provides an essential component of the clinical research pathway, processing study participant samples quickly and efficiently to ensure optimal results. This is facilitated by excellent communication both within the team and with doctors and nurses. As a result of our ongoing success in this role we support in excess of 350 clinical studies including numerous Covid-19 studies, for which we have been commended both internally and externally.

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

The appointee will take responsibility for responding to study-specific queries, training and supervising new and visiting members of staff, assisting with laboratory tours and receipt, tracking, processing, storage and sending of individual and bulk specimens taken as part of the research programmes according to recommended protocols. Responsibilities will also include ensuring the Clinical Research Facility and Anti-Microbial Resistance laboratories are clean, tidy and well stocked with consumables and ensuring sample data is accurately recorded on electronic and paper logs

Laboratory experience including PBMC isolation, biological sample handling and the use of sample tracking software is essential, as is recent GCP and IATA training. 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.

Applicants should possess good interpersonal skills, management expertise and have the ability to motivate people. The successful candidate must be capable of working as part of a team but also take responsibility for their own work.

He/she will support the CRF Laboratory and Deputy Laboratory Manager, CRF in assessing and planning for new project adoption in which specialised sample processing is required.

The post holder will liaise with investigators and other research staff involved in research studies and where appropriate advise on their sample collection, processing and analytical procedures

The post-holder is expected to be able to work without immediate supervision and to work an early or late shift pattern when required

Person specification

Qualifications / Training Required

Essential criteria

• BSc (Hons) degree in an appropriate biological science related subject area e.g., clinical microbiology.
  
  

Desirable criteria

• MSc degree with emphasis on clinical microbiology
  
  

Previous or relevant experience necessary

Essential criteria

• Experience of working in a laboratory with demonstrable competence in most basic laboratory skills
  
  

Aptitudes And Skills Required

Essential criteria

• Ability to critically analyse and interpret scientific data
• Knowledge of laboratory IT systems and range of other applications including MS Office
• Ability to train other staff in laboratory techniques and processes whilst following SOPs
• Ability to use judgement and decision making in order to resolve issues and for troubleshooting any faults, errors or anomalies
  
  

Desirable criteria

• Interest in new technologies especially DNA sequencing
  
  

Values and behaviours

Essential criteria

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together