Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Medical Laboratory Assistant to join a busy and progressive accredited laboratory. The Cambridge Cellular Therapy Laboratory (CCTL) is a regional lab delivering cellular therapies, including providing analysis, processing, cryopreservation and storage of cells for therapeutic use. It is based on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, the largest biomedical research campus in Europe; home to two NHS flagship trusts, multiple world-class research institutes, the University Medical School and a thriving biopharma ecosystem. The lab will expand to a new purpose built facility within the Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre providing 4 state of the art cleanrooms and capability to manage Class 1 and Class 2 GMOs. CCTL is becoming increasingly involved in Immune Effector Cell / AT(I)MP cell handling, and facilitates the provision of CAR-T cells for a range of indications.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will have a scientific background, experience of following SOPs and working in a laboratory environment. Knowledge the role of an MLA within a Clinical Laboratory, and an understanding of stem cell transplantation will be essential. Desirable criteria will include: experience of working to GMP, use of ultra-low temperature storage, experience in blood transfusion/haematology or immunology, and knowledge of the receipt, processing and issue of products for human transplant. You will be required to work on human blood and tissues in a Clean Room facility and also assist with the validation and maintenance of new equipment and a brand new facility. All work will be performed to strict GMP protocols that allow compliance with regulatory authority standards. You will work as a member of the team under the supervision of Scientists and the Production Manager. You will be expected to form part of a team providing out of hours cover and potential weekend working after training has been given.
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.
Due to recent changes in Immigration and Sponsorship rules, only those with at least two years relevant NHS experience in this role will currently meet the required salary threshold for Sponsorship. If you will require Sponsorship and you currently have a Visa under which you can work, but it is due to expire before you have been able to gain two years relevant NHS experience to meet the required salary threshold, the Trust will not be able to Sponsor you.
Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:
- applied for a graduate visa.
- or you will have successfully completed your cours ena dhave applied for a graduate visa before the anticipated start date of employment.
- or the Trust has agreed that they will sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment.
This vacancy will close at midnight on the 28th of July.
Interviews are due to be held on the 12th of August.
Benefits to you
We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse, day nurseries and access to a great transport system with easy access to airports and rail travel.
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.
Due to recent changes in Immigration and Sponsorship rules, only those with at least two years relevant NHS experience in this role will currently meet the required salary threshold for Sponsorship. If you will require Sponsorship and you currently have a Visa under which you can work, but it is due to expire before you have been able to gain two years relevant NHS experience to meet the required salary threshold, the Trust will not be able to Sponsor you.
Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:
- applied for a graduate visa.
- or you will have successfully completed your cours ena dhave applied for a graduate visa before the anticipated start date of employment.
- or the Trust has agreed that they will sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment.
This vacancy will close at midnight on the 28th of July.
Interviews are due to be held on the 12th of August.
Benefits to you
We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse, day nurseries and access to a great transport system with easy access to airports and rail travel.
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 higher or equivalent.
- A levels in Scientific subjects or equivalent relevant experience.
Desirable
- Undergraduate degree in Scientific subject.
Experience
Essential
- Use of Microsoft Office products including creating and using spreadsheets to record or retrieve data accurately.
- Following detailed instructions - such as standard operating procedures.
- Experience of working within an environment assisting a team.
Desirable
- Previous experience of working in a medical/clinical laboratory or healthcare setting.
- Management of stock.
- Use of Ultra Low Temperature storage.
- Experience in blood transfusion or automated Haematology or Pharmacy.
Knowledge
Essential
- The role of Medical Laboratory Assistant within a clinical laboratory.
- Understanding of confidentiality and data protection.
Desirable
- Receipt, processing, cryopreservation, storage, issue of products for human transplant.
- Knowledge of Stem Cell Transplantation.
- Understands Health and Safety within a laboratory.
Skills
Essential
- Able to work both in a team and as an individual.
- Ability to work in an organised manner.
- Ability to work to high standards and with a very high level of accuracy and precision.
- Good time management.
- Ability to follow processes and procedures.
- Ability to multi-task.
- Effective communication skills including telephone, email and face to face.
- Self-motivated.
Additional Requirements
Essential
- Flexible in relation to working times including sometimes out of hours.
- There may be a requirement to participate in an On-call rota.
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent.
- The following hazards are associated with this job role: Liquid Nitrogen handling.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE Maths and English (A-C) or higher or equivalent.
- A levels in Scientific subjects or equivalent relevant experience.
Desirable
- Undergraduate degree in Scientific subject.
Experience
Essential
- Use of Microsoft Office products including creating and using spreadsheets to record or retrieve data accurately.
- Following detailed instructions - such as standard operating procedures.
- Experience of working within an environment assisting a team.
Desirable
- Previous experience of working in a medical/clinical laboratory or healthcare setting.
- Management of stock.
- Use of Ultra Low Temperature storage.
- Experience in blood transfusion or automated Haematology or Pharmacy.
Knowledge
Essential
- The role of Medical Laboratory Assistant within a clinical laboratory.
- Understanding of confidentiality and data protection.
Desirable
- Receipt, processing, cryopreservation, storage, issue of products for human transplant.
- Knowledge of Stem Cell Transplantation.
- Understands Health and Safety within a laboratory.
Skills
Essential
- Able to work both in a team and as an individual.
- Ability to work in an organised manner.
- Ability to work to high standards and with a very high level of accuracy and precision.
- Good time management.
- Ability to follow processes and procedures.
- Ability to multi-task.
- Effective communication skills including telephone, email and face to face.
- Self-motivated.
Additional Requirements
Essential
- Flexible in relation to working times including sometimes out of hours.
- There may be a requirement to participate in an On-call rota.
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent.
- The following hazards are associated with this job role: Liquid Nitrogen handling.
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).
Employer details
Employer name
Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Addenbrooke's Hospital - Division B
Hills Road
Cambridge
CB2 0QQ
Employer's website
https://www.cuh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)