Job summary
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 Higher Level Labortaory technician to work as part of a clinical laboratory research team in the NIHR Clinical Research Facility (CRF). The appointee will have demonstrable experience of training and supervising staff in a clinical laboratory setting, responding to study queries, working with blood and clinical specimens and the ability to work in collaboration with a team of research nurses and clinical.
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 for the quality of our work, level of teamwork and flexibility in the current climate.
About us
University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.
Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.
We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.
At UHS we're committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.
At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We're committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To receive research samples (blood, sputum, saliva, urine, etc for processing. To perform biological sample processing following defined protocols and procedures. To perform PBMC processing. To log and label samples for storage or transport. To despatch samples to other laboratories or clinical sites as required. To maintain laboratory standards in accordance with current and future regulatory guidelines. To pack and transport blood samples from the CRF or clinical areas following current SOPs defining sample processing procedures, packaging and documentation. Inspect temperature logs for fridges, freezers and incubators and take corrective action when required Maintain laboratory equipment. To plan & prioritise own workload. To receive, store and maintain stocks of laboratory reagents and consumables. To perform any other appropriate duties as delegated by the NIHR/CRF Laboratory Manager. Use of sample tracking software
To participate in the evaluation of new equipment, techniques and protocols. To assist in any research and development activities as required.
To handle work arising from NHS, private, commercial and clinical trials organisations as required in accordance with agreed protocols and quality standards. This will include the following:o Receiving specimens and entering patient and technical work details into a log book or computer database and collating own and others data.o Assisting with the preparation of specimens prior to processing. To assist with specimen collection and processing of samples arising from NHS, private, commercial and clinical trials organisations according to current Standard Operating Procedures. To handle and analyse a range of biological material including blood, urine, faeces and body tissue. To perform automated, semi-automated and manual laboratory investigations. To operate complex electronic equipment according to laboratory and manufacturers guidelines. To prepare reagents and ensure they are stored and used according to manufacturer guidelines and laboratory procedures.
To handle chemicals according to COSHH regulations. To collect laboratory and confidential waste and dispatch for safe disposal. To take responsibility for the safe use of laboratory equipment used personally and by other team members/students/trainees. To handle a range of tissue samples and other infectious material according to category II containment procedures. To deal with spillage of samples/chemicals in a safe and appropriate manner when necessary.
To resolve and respond to study specific queries. To handle telephone enquiries and communicate results to other departments and outside agencies in accordance with laboratory protocols and in compliance with Data Protection Act. To input patient data into the laboratory computer system. To enter test results and predefined comments into the laboratory computer system.
To communicate problems to scientific staff when quality control procedures indicate loss of performance of laboratory instruments or methods. To communicate with colleagues, other healthcare professionals and staff from external organisations and deal politely with all service users. To communicate stock levels to appropriate personnel to facilitate reordering. To participate in section meetings and feedback information/ suggestions for improvements in local policies and procedures. To report adverse clinical incidents to scientific staff. To assist with tours of the Clinical Research Facility laboratories
Undertakes Statutory and Mandatory training as determined by the Trust. Perform all other training as required for clinical trial legal and protocol compliance. Train new members of the laboratory team
Job description
Job responsibilities
To receive research samples (blood, sputum, saliva, urine, etc for processing. To perform biological sample processing following defined protocols and procedures. To perform PBMC processing. To log and label samples for storage or transport. To despatch samples to other laboratories or clinical sites as required. To maintain laboratory standards in accordance with current and future regulatory guidelines. To pack and transport blood samples from the CRF or clinical areas following current SOPs defining sample processing procedures, packaging and documentation. Inspect temperature logs for fridges, freezers and incubators and take corrective action when required Maintain laboratory equipment. To plan & prioritise own workload. To receive, store and maintain stocks of laboratory reagents and consumables. To perform any other appropriate duties as delegated by the NIHR/CRF Laboratory Manager. Use of sample tracking software
To participate in the evaluation of new equipment, techniques and protocols. To assist in any research and development activities as required.
To handle work arising from NHS, private, commercial and clinical trials organisations as required in accordance with agreed protocols and quality standards. This will include the following:o Receiving specimens and entering patient and technical work details into a log book or computer database and collating own and others data.o Assisting with the preparation of specimens prior to processing. To assist with specimen collection and processing of samples arising from NHS, private, commercial and clinical trials organisations according to current Standard Operating Procedures. To handle and analyse a range of biological material including blood, urine, faeces and body tissue. To perform automated, semi-automated and manual laboratory investigations. To operate complex electronic equipment according to laboratory and manufacturers guidelines. To prepare reagents and ensure they are stored and used according to manufacturer guidelines and laboratory procedures.
To handle chemicals according to COSHH regulations. To collect laboratory and confidential waste and dispatch for safe disposal. To take responsibility for the safe use of laboratory equipment used personally and by other team members/students/trainees. To handle a range of tissue samples and other infectious material according to category II containment procedures. To deal with spillage of samples/chemicals in a safe and appropriate manner when necessary.
To resolve and respond to study specific queries. To handle telephone enquiries and communicate results to other departments and outside agencies in accordance with laboratory protocols and in compliance with Data Protection Act. To input patient data into the laboratory computer system. To enter test results and predefined comments into the laboratory computer system.
To communicate problems to scientific staff when quality control procedures indicate loss of performance of laboratory instruments or methods. To communicate with colleagues, other healthcare professionals and staff from external organisations and deal politely with all service users. To communicate stock levels to appropriate personnel to facilitate reordering. To participate in section meetings and feedback information/ suggestions for improvements in local policies and procedures. To report adverse clinical incidents to scientific staff. To assist with tours of the Clinical Research Facility laboratories
Undertakes Statutory and Mandatory training as determined by the Trust. Perform all other training as required for clinical trial legal and protocol compliance. Train new members of the laboratory team
Person Specification
Trust Values
Essential
- Patient First
- Always Improving
- Working Together
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 or equivalent experience
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 Application and interviewX
- 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
- Good written and verbal communication Ability to follow set procedures and laboratory protocols meticulously.
- 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 Excel based databases
- Knowledge of infection control procedures
- Experience with the use of microscope and cell counting equipment
Person Specification
Trust Values
Essential
- Patient First
- Always Improving
- Working Together
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 or equivalent experience
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 Application and interviewX
- 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
- Good written and verbal communication Ability to follow set procedures and laboratory protocols meticulously.
- 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 Excel based databases
- Knowledge of infection control procedures
- Experience with the use of microscope and cell counting equipment
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).
