Job summary
The post of Laboratory Technician is within the Radon Dosimetry Team. The Radon Dosimetry Team provides a specialised radon instruments calibration service to customers in the UK and internationally. The team operates a world class radon exposure facility for calibration and research purposes. The facility is suitable for calibration of a wide variety of passive and active radon detectors and instruments. The team produces, issues and analyses large numbers of passive etched-track detectors that are used in homes and workplaces as part of group's health protection programme.
The Laboratory Technician provides scientific support to a highly specialised passive radon measurement service. This support is provided as part of a team of scientists, although the post holder may be occasionally working unsupervised, carrying out straightforward functions such as detector processing in accordance with standard operating procedures.
Main duties of the job
- Preparation and treatment of up to 10,000 radon detector inserts annually using a mechanical engraver.
- Radon detector analysis using digital image analysis system, including preparation for scanning and archiving of counted detectors.
- Regularly update database on completed work.
- Chemical etching of radon detector inserts, including safe use of chemicals and equipment maintenance.
- Plan and schedule own work to meet various work programme requirements, deadlines and turnaround objectives.
- Follow established local laboratory quality procedures and protocols
- Be alert to, identify and escalate technical and logistical problems
Physical
There is regular need to handle small transparent detector inserts, requiring eye to hand coordination skills. Work is broken down into several steps, some of which require repetitive actions for short periods of time, up to 45 minutes, then change of task.
Other
The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by the directorate.
The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.
About us
At the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) our mission is to provide health security for the nation by protecting from infectious disease and external hazards. We are a trusted source of advice to government and to the public, focusing on reducing inequalities in the way different communities experience and are impacted by infectious disease, environmental hazards, and other threats to health.
Our mission is challenging, innovative and in the spotlight. We will work to ensure our people have the diverse skills, experiences and backgrounds we need to thrive, that our employees are representative of the communities we serve and feel valued and enabled to play their part in delivering our work.
Creating our working culture is an ongoing process which we are developing by listening and learning together, hearing and acting upon diverse voices and opinions to develop a common sense of identity and effective ways of working.
Job description
Job responsibilities
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events
- To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.
KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include:
Internal
- Scientific staff in the team including Line Manager and Team Leader
- Administrative staff in the group including Group Leader
- Staff in Dosimetry Services Department including Head of Department
External
- Commercial customers, suppliers and external laboratory visitors
- Members of the public to answer queries in the post-holders specialist area of expertise
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. You are expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.
Job description
Job responsibilities
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events
- To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.
KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include:
Internal
- Scientific staff in the team including Line Manager and Team Leader
- Administrative staff in the group including Group Leader
- Staff in Dosimetry Services Department including Head of Department
External
- Commercial customers, suppliers and external laboratory visitors
- Members of the public to answer queries in the post-holders specialist area of expertise
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. You are expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- Educated to A Level/NVQ3 in a relevant science discipline, or equivalent experience
- GCSEs or equivalent in Maths, English and Science
Desirable
- Educated to NVQ4 (HNC) in a relevant Science discipline, or equivalent experience
Experience
Essential
- Proven experience of scientific support work
- Working knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office including Word and Excel.
- Good time management and prioritising skills
- Good organisational skills and ability to work largely unsupervised
- Ability to follow and carry out complex instructions
- Able to work under pressure and to deadlines
- Good interpersonal skills. Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Good level of dexterity, hand/eye coordination and physical manual handling abilities
- Ability to work under Ionising Radiation Regulations and other laboratory regulations, eg Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.
Desirable
- Experience working safely with ionising radiation and chemicals
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- Educated to A Level/NVQ3 in a relevant science discipline, or equivalent experience
- GCSEs or equivalent in Maths, English and Science
Desirable
- Educated to NVQ4 (HNC) in a relevant Science discipline, or equivalent experience
Experience
Essential
- Proven experience of scientific support work
- Working knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office including Word and Excel.
- Good time management and prioritising skills
- Good organisational skills and ability to work largely unsupervised
- Ability to follow and carry out complex instructions
- Able to work under pressure and to deadlines
- Good interpersonal skills. Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Good level of dexterity, hand/eye coordination and physical manual handling abilities
- Ability to work under Ionising Radiation Regulations and other laboratory regulations, eg Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.
Desirable
- Experience working safely with ionising radiation and chemicals
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).
