Fixed Term Contract

We're currently seeking Laboratory Specialist Practitioner based in and around Bracknell to help support the COVID-19 recovery scheme, working within a high output diagnostics laboratory environment, 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 Specialist Practitioner will be an experienced scientist with well-developed specialist knowledge & skills in molecular/virology fields. You will be required to work unsupervised (including on shift or on-call systems where appropriate and necessary), either as part of a team or independently, receiving, analysing and reporting specimens for COVID-19 testing.

As part of this role you will be required to perform a complex range of tests using dedicated scientific equipment on all samples received. You will be required to interpret and report results in accordance with agreed service protocols. You will also be required to ensure their appropriate continual professional development and train and supervise less experienced staff as directed by their line manager.

Within the role of a Specialist Practitioner, you will be expected to use the laboratory information system (LIMS) and patient record by the generation and input of laboratory data, whether by direct interface or manual mean. You will also undertake regular surveys and audits in support of the Quality Management System in place, with a view to continual improvements of the service.

Your experience:

In order to be successful, you'll need the following education, experience and skills:

Experience:

• Experience of working in a Pathology laboratory
• PCR Experience

Education:

• BSc in Biomedical Science or Equivalent
• IBMS Specialist portfolio, equivalent post graduate diploma in depth experience in molecular/virology fields

Skills

• Used to working in a busy environment
• Ability to work under pressure
• Good manual dexterity.
• Good communication skills - written and oral.
• Proven organisational skills, ability to prioritise work
• Ability to work with IT systems and software, particularly data management of audit/reports
• Able to read and follow written protocols and scientific methods.
• Able to work independently and part of a team
• Able to apply and sustain mental effort required to carry out detailed work requiring high levels of concentration, multi-tasking and supporting other team members.

As well as a competitive rate of pay with unsociable hours 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 12 hour shift patterns. These will be 8am - 8pm / 8pm - 8am, 4 days on and 4 days off, 1 month days/1 month nights. For more information about the salary and fantastic work benefits please contact a member of the team.

You will also be joining a diverse and hugely welcoming team. Diversity 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.