Job summary
We are looking for a bright and enthusiastic individual to join the Cytogenetics section of the Cytogenetics and Molecular Haematology Department as a Medical Laboratory Assistant.
The candidate needs to have an excellent eye for detail, strong interpersonal skills and be able to demonstrate good manual dexterity. The role involves culturing of human tissue samples, harvesting of cytogenetic samples for the production of metaphase chromosomes, maintenance and cleaning of equipment and preparation of reagents.
The candidate will be required to work from 9:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday with the potential requirement to work weekends and bank holidays in the future. The job role can be physically demanding however, it offers the potential to learn new laboratory skills and allow for excellent personal development.
Main duties of the job
The post holder is expected to work as part of a team in the Specialist Integrated Haematological Diagnostic Service (SIHMDS) to undertake routine data entry and preparation of specimens for laboratory processing. Core duties involve receipting of specimens and entering data into the laboratory information systems, scanning and filing, basic preparation of specimens where appropriate, and placing them into racks or taking them to laboratory areas for processing.
The post holder will be expected to offer a professional and helpful service to visitors to the laboratory, and to deal with telephone enquiries. Full in house training and written standard operating procedures will be provided.
About us
The NHS East and South East London Pathology Partnership is an arms-length organisation providing pathology services to Barts Health NHS Trust, Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust. The Pathology Partnership is hosted by Barts Health.
The Pathology Partnership is based on well-established models for pathology networks, with the Royal London Hospital becoming the main hub laboratory for the network and Essential Service Laboratories (ESL) as a minimum at all other Hospital sites.
Pathology is made up of the following services - Blood Sciences including Haematology, Blood Transfusion and Biochemistry; Infectious Diseases including Microbiology and Virology; Cellular Pathology including Histopathology, non-gynae Cytology and mortuary services; Immunology; Cytogenetics and Molecular Haematology; Immunophenotyping; Clinical Transplantation and Retinoblastoma. [AK1]
The 2020/21 total operating costs across the Partnership were c. £126m per annum with a workforce establishment of circa. 822 WTE. We strive to live by our WeCare values and are committed to promoting inclusion, where every staff member has a sense of belonging. We value our differences and fully advocate, cultivate and support an inclusive working environment.
We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are underrepresented within Barts Health at this band
Job description
Job responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. For both documents, please view the attachment/s below.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. For both documents, please view the attachment/s below.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a laboratory
Desirable
- Proven experience of working in a genetics laboratory
- Experience of using a Laboratory Information Management System (preferably WinPath)
Skills
Essential
- Excellent attention to detail
- Comprehensive PC skills including use of WinPath
- Ability to manage own time and work under pressure
- Ability to multitask and prioritise workload
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Able to deal sensitively and fairly with interpersonal relationships
Desirable
- Competent in tissue culture work
Knowledge
Essential
- Basic knowledge of Health and safety/COSHH regulations
Desirable
- Basic knowledge of genetics
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE (or equivalent) grade A-C in Maths and English
Desirable
Other
Essential
- Able to undertake '
- housekeeping duties'
- Able to perform required duties with any appropriate aids or adaptations
- Hold no reservations in handling human body fluids, tissue, organs, or infected material in accordance with Health & Safety policies.
- The post holder must be willing to have appropriate vaccinations
Desirable
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a laboratory
Desirable
- Proven experience of working in a genetics laboratory
- Experience of using a Laboratory Information Management System (preferably WinPath)
Skills
Essential
- Excellent attention to detail
- Comprehensive PC skills including use of WinPath
- Ability to manage own time and work under pressure
- Ability to multitask and prioritise workload
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Able to deal sensitively and fairly with interpersonal relationships
Desirable
- Competent in tissue culture work
Knowledge
Essential
- Basic knowledge of Health and safety/COSHH regulations
Desirable
- Basic knowledge of genetics
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE (or equivalent) grade A-C in Maths and English
Desirable
Other
Essential
- Able to undertake '
- housekeeping duties'
- Able to perform required duties with any appropriate aids or adaptations
- Hold no reservations in handling human body fluids, tissue, organs, or infected material in accordance with Health & Safety policies.
- The post holder must be willing to have appropriate vaccinations
Desirable
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).
