Research Laboratory Technician

Job description

Job responsibilities

Scientific & analytical

Checking all samples before processing for identification, status and suitability for diagnostic and research investigations.

Prioritising samples so, that the workload is processed in a timely and efficient manner whilst, ensuring samples meet acceptance criteria for testing.

Processing, storing and shipment of clinical trial samples in accordance to the laboratory protocols and/or clinical trial Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the CRF lab and Trusts Health and Safety procedures.

Undertaking routine daily, weekly, monthly and as necessary maintenance and troubleshooting of lab equipment throughout the laboratory to ensure correct functioning.

Resolving lab queries and keeping appropriate records to maintain integrity of the departmental documents and archives.

Organising and shipping biological substances worldwide, including paperwork and permits in accordance with IATA requirements.

Working in close liaison with the Central Laboratories and couriers regarding sample dispatch and stocks of consumables.

• Working in close liaison with medical, nursing and technical staff within the departments.

General laboratory tasks including cleaning of lab equipment, defrosting and cleaning specimen fridges and freezers and tidying benches and work areas.

Preparing reagents, stock solutions and laboratory disinfectants as directed.

Any other tasks, responsibilities and courses/training as deemed fit by the Laboratory Manager.

Supervisory

Shares acquired experience and knowledge with other members of staff.

• Act as a mentor for new members of staff as required.

Undertakes training as appraisee and participates in annual appraisal and six monthly review.

May participate in overtime and out of hours arrangements, when assessed as competent to do so.

May participate in lab on call rota for freezer/fridges.

Books leave in accordance with departmental policy.

Reports personal absence to senior member of staff, according to trust policy.

Is aware of and understands the trust policies for grievance, discipline and capability.

Communication & liaison

• Demonstrate flexibility, self-motivation, initiative and the ability to work effectively both alone and within the team.

Meet regularly with the Laboratory Team to discuss workload, issues and solutions.

Maintains awareness of changes and developments within the laboratory/department.

To act as the first point of contact for the department, dealing with a wide range of enquiries including confidential matters. This includes communicating with outside sources with information of a sensitive nature.

Participates in the staff questionnaire. Feeds comments up through the management system.

Communicate with medical staff on appointments, sample types, sample procedures, dates, specimen collection etc.

Refers to senior staff where appropriate.

Education & training

Participates in the induction of new and junior staff as directed.

Responsible for own personal development.

Attends courses as directed.

Attends all statutory and mandatory training courses as directed.

Obtains and Maintains regular updates in IATA training and GCP training.

Information management & technology

Works within SOPs and policies to ensure high quality data, thus maintaining the integrity and accuracy of laboratory databases. Recognises data quality problems and brings to the attention of senior staff.

Reports any non-functional hardware to senior staff.

Enters sample into the FreezerPro sample tracking system or any other databases, if required.

Complies with local and national policies for the safe, secure and confidential processing and storage of patient and other laboratory information.

Health & safety

Work within all H&S policies in a safe manner, recognising hazards within the workplace and applying agreed precautionary measures.

Is aware of the risks and potential risks when handling possibly highly infectious samples and takes extreme caution when using radioactive tracer.

Is mindful of the duty of care towards colleagues, visitors and patients in maintaining a safe environment and safe working practices. Reports any defects noticed to senior staff.

Applies knowledge from training in display screen equipment, personal protective equipment and manual handling to own work practices.

Applies knowledge from fire safety training to ensure safety for self and others. Complies with all fire procedures as directed.

Understands the implications of COSHH and risk assessment documentation and works within defined control measures at all times.

Maintains awareness of all emergency and major incident procedures, and acts accordingly in the event of an incident.

Understands and adheres to trust policies for clinical waste disposal.

Understands the reporting system for clinical incident reporting and uses it appropriately.

Understands the special Health and Safety considerations for all areas in which the post-holder might be asked to work.

• Responsible on a daily basis for handling and separation of known high risk samples and ensuring that Good Laboratory Practice is adhered to.
• Responsible for receipt and dispatch of dry ice shipments.
• Responsible for package and transport of high risk samples in accordance with guidelines and completion of relevant legal documentation.

Person Specification

Essential

Essential

• NVQ 3 or equivalent in scientific discipline
• relevant Experience
• IT Proficiency

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Essential

• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.

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.

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Address

Royal Sussex County Hospital

Clinical Research Facility Lab

Brighton

BN2 5BE

Employer's website

https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)