2021 University Placement Year
NHS Test and Trace have a number of university placement positions available for 2021 in a state-of-the-art Royal Leamington Spa laboratory. You will be able to gain valuable laboratory experience to kickstart a great career in science.
We offer intensive and practical on the job training, incorporating revolutionary automated science with our state-of-the-art technology. You will also be working alongside some of the country's greatest scientific minds.
Our Placement Laboratory Technicians will start work from the 5th of July 2021. This position offers a competitive rate of pay of £19,000 (with a 20% uplift applied for night working and end of contract bonus). All our Placement Laboratory Technicians will be on a 12-month contract which runs until the 31st of June 2022
While we are not able to extend your contract beyond the 12-months, you are encouraged to apply to return to work with us upon finishing your degree.
Placement Laboratory Technician
NHS Test and Trace is partnering with universities in the UK to provide this once in a lifetime opportunity to all university students that are studying towards a related Biology or Chemical sciences degree.
We’re looking for candidates who would like to spend one placement year working as a Lab Technician within a state of the art, high output diagnostics laboratory environment in Royal Leamington Spa as part of the UK’s NHS Test and Trace programme.
As well as playing a vital role in supporting society’s return to a more normal way of life by helping to break the chains of COVID-19 transmission, you will also gain invaluable experience and exposure to some of the country’s most highly skilled individuals in the scientific community.
This represents a once in a lifetime opportunity to go above and beyond to support public health, while also developing first-rate technical skills and setting your scientific career up for future success.
You will be joining a supportive environment and will be provided with training and accreditation for the role and processes you are required to undertake.
Your responsibilities:
As a Placement Lab Technician, you’ll be actively involved within various areas of the testing process such as sample processing, extraction, PCR preparation, while working alongside our Junior and Senior Lab Technicians with supervision from our Bioscience Leads to identify any issues and facilitate a timely resolution.
Our Placement Lab Technicians will follow a bespoke progression pathway so you will be able to gain the widest possible exposure to as many different functions (such as sample unpacking, sample preparation, extract and pooling) across the end-to-end process within the lab.
Safety is our top priority, so you will be working in line with laboratory accredited Standards of Practice (SOPs) and ensuring high levels of cleanliness and efficiency within the laboratory.
Your experience:
In order to be successful, you’ll need the following education, experience and skills:
Education:
An A-level (or equivalent) in a science-based subject
Studying for a wet lab-based degree in biological or chemical sciences
Completed a minimum of 1 year of your undergraduate degree but will not have graduated by the start of your placement
Experience:
Previous experience in an academic, clinical or industrial laboratory setting
Skills:
Good level of fluency in English
Evidence of strong communication and team-working skills
Evidence of excellent attention to detail
In addition, the following experience is also desirable but not mandatory:
Please note that Placement Lab Technicians are not required to have extensive experience across all competencies described below. You will be provided with necessary training required for your role.
Experience:
Experience in molecular biology, including PCR and immunoassays
Experience of working with LIMS
Basic health and safety regulations awareness and experience
In return:
As well as a competitive rate of pay (with a 20% uplift applied for night working and end of contract bonus), you’ll receive comprehensive training on relevant lab procedures and equipment.
This role will work on a shift pattern and will include day, night and weekend shifts. Please note that night working is optional. If you have any questions, please speak to our team to learn more.
You will also be joining a diverse and hugely welcoming team. Diversity at NHS Test and Trace is about reflecting the communities we serve, holding the principles of equality and inclusion at the heart of everything we do and all that we stand for, embracing differences, creating possibilities, and growing together. We aim to foster a culture where individuals of all backgrounds feel confident in bringing their whole selves to work, feel included and their talents are nurtured, empowering them to contribute fully to our purpose.
This is literally a once in a lifetime opportunity to join a team of highly skilled individuals, all focused on delivering the best possible outcome.
If you’re ready for a new challenge and want to be part of the team delivering this essential lab work, please apply today.