Fixed Term Contract

We're currently seeking Lab Technician based in Plymouth, to work in a new COVID-19 Lighthouse Testing, as part of the NHS Test and Trace programme.

We have an understanding that at some point we will transition to pandemic preparedness and therefore staff employed to the LHL once trained will predominantly be working on cold placement, more than likely in Pathology.

We are looking for experience of working as a band 2, or 3 in an NHS Pathology laboratory or a student finishing university (Biomedical Sciences) who needs to get their foot into the door of a Pathology department, starting off at a lower grade with the potential to achieve registration portfolio and move up the career ladder when these substantive positions occur. We are providing Registration Portfolio training at the laboratory and would like to work with their cold placement base to ensure the practical elements can be completed.

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 contributing towards the fight towards the global pandemic.

Your Responsibilities:

Scientific & Professional

1. The post holder will work as part of a team and carry out varied tasks including primary specimen preparation, RNA extraction and data manipulation using the laboratory networked computer system.
2. Working in accordance with all laboratory SOPs and quality standards.
3. Actively participate in general laboratory duties including preparation of workstations at the start of a shift and cleaning down stations at the end of a shift. There will also be the requirement to store, retrieve and dispose of clinical specimens.
4. The COVID Hub Laboratory is divided into functional sections. This grade of staff rotates through these sections as required and will work as directed by senior staff within that section.
5. May be required to train new Lab Support Workers.

COMMUNICATIONS & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

1. Accountable to the Laboratory General Manager through the Laboratory Shift Manager.

2. Key working relationships will exist between the post holder, staff in their section, other Senior Biomedical Scientists, Lead Biomedical Scientist and the Laboratory General Manager.

OTHER

1. The role will involve the handling and constant exposure by removing from their container to micro-organisms contained therein which are likely to cause disease.
2. There will be some exposure to chemicals, compressed inflammable gases and to steam under pressure.
3. Ability to concentrate for long periods of time at technically demanding procedures requiring diverse mental effort.
4. Light physical effort will be frequently required.

All Job Holders are required to:

6. Adhere to Laboratory policies and procedures, e.g. Health and Safety at Work, Equal Opportunities etc.
7. Maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job, participate in appropriate training activities and encourage and support staff development and training.
8. Attend statutory, essential and mandatory training.
9. Respect the confidentiality of all matters relating to their employment and other members of staff. All members of staff are required to comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998.
10. Comply with the Corporate Governance structure in keeping with the principles and standards set out by the Trust.
11. Comply with the codes of professional conduct set out by the professional body of which registration is required for the post.
12. Ensure they are familiar with the Risk Management Framework, follow policies, procedures and safe systems of work, make known any hazards or risks that they identify and take all necessary actions to reduce risk.
13. Maintain the prevention and control of infection and fully comply with all current Trust Infection Control policies and procedures.
14. To continually update your knowledge and skills whilst documenting this in your Continuing Professional Development folder.
15. To assist in audit carried out by internal and external agencies in accordance with national standards.
16. As part of a team, contribute to the continuous improvement program of the Laboratory service.
17. Ensure issues and problems are resolved satisfactorily and referred through your line management structure as appropriate.
18. To carry out other duties commensurate with the post

Your Experience:

• Good numeracy and literacy skills
• Experience of working in a customer-facing environment
• GCSEs in Maths and English
• Foundation Degree in Health Care Science or equivalent level qualification

Desirable-

• Experience in a laboratory preferably in molecular or microbiology.
• Computer literacy, with a working knowledge of Microsoft Word & Excel
• GCSE/A Levels in one or more science subjects
• A willingness to undertake study leading to qualifications required for career advancement