Job summary
Applications are invited from suitable candidates to join our busy team within the Cellular and Anatomical Pathology department at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, within the Histology laboratory.
We require an Assistant Technical Officer to work as part of a team within the Histology Main Laboratory, supporting the area of Neuropathology in the first instance.
A positive attitude to flexible working arrangements is required.
We are looking for a competent and versatile individual with a 'can do' attitude who is a good team player and communicator, willing to learn new skills to join our team.
As the service develops, there could be a requirement for the department to operate a 7 day, 24/7 working pattern for which the successful candidate will be part of.
***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification***
Main duties of the job
You will be part of a team providing a valuable support function to our Diagnostic Service, handling and processing patients' samples as part of the analytical process, with a particular role in processing of samples within the main Histology laboratory.
Applicants must have good basic dexterity, numeracy and literacy skills; technical aptitude, knowledge of Health and Safety issues; basic IT skills; be able to work under pressure within a team and have an eye for detail.
About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Job description
Job responsibilities
-
1. To assist the Biomedical Scientists (BMS) in the preparation and processing of tissue specimens submitted for histological examination and biological material submitted for non-gynaecological cytology examination.
2. Undertake preparation and staining techniques in accordance with the procedures or as directed by a senior member of staff or the medical staff.
3. Prioritise and separate urgent and other clinically indicated samples for immediate action by staff.
4. Undertake Specimen Reception duties.
5. Undertake cut-up duties.
6. To assist the BMS staff in the preparation of slides microscopic examination.
7. Cut sections from blocks using the high level skills acquired during training to produce sections that are artefact free and of the necessary quality. When the appropriate level of expertise is demonstrated, there will be a requirement for the post holder to cut levels from blocks of small biopsy material.
8. To assist in the maintenance and running of any laboratory equipment as directed. This will include maintaining cleanliness to the necessary standard, discarding waste chemical solutions, replenishment of fresh solutions and use of the instrument.
9. To become familiar with laboratory instrumentation used in your day-to-day activity and resolve first line problems.
10. To participate in the entry of data into the laboratory computer system during the various stages of processing.
For further details please see attached JD
Job description
Job responsibilities
-
1. To assist the Biomedical Scientists (BMS) in the preparation and processing of tissue specimens submitted for histological examination and biological material submitted for non-gynaecological cytology examination.
2. Undertake preparation and staining techniques in accordance with the procedures or as directed by a senior member of staff or the medical staff.
3. Prioritise and separate urgent and other clinically indicated samples for immediate action by staff.
4. Undertake Specimen Reception duties.
5. Undertake cut-up duties.
6. To assist the BMS staff in the preparation of slides microscopic examination.
7. Cut sections from blocks using the high level skills acquired during training to produce sections that are artefact free and of the necessary quality. When the appropriate level of expertise is demonstrated, there will be a requirement for the post holder to cut levels from blocks of small biopsy material.
8. To assist in the maintenance and running of any laboratory equipment as directed. This will include maintaining cleanliness to the necessary standard, discarding waste chemical solutions, replenishment of fresh solutions and use of the instrument.
9. To become familiar with laboratory instrumentation used in your day-to-day activity and resolve first line problems.
10. To participate in the entry of data into the laboratory computer system during the various stages of processing.
For further details please see attached JD
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Good basic education, GCSE A-C/ 4-9 in Maths and English or equivalent demonstrable experience
Desirable
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Basic IT skills
- Proven knowledge of Microsoft office applications
Desirable
- Demonstrable experience of a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
Aptitude and Abilities
Essential
- Good communication skills
- Effectively organise and prioritise own work
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Good basic education, GCSE A-C/ 4-9 in Maths and English or equivalent demonstrable experience
Desirable
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Basic IT skills
- Proven knowledge of Microsoft office applications
Desirable
- Demonstrable experience of a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
Aptitude and Abilities
Essential
- Good communication skills
- Effectively organise and prioritise own work
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).
