Medical Laboratory Assistant

Job summary

The Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL) provide a front-line diagnostic service for the detection of Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers (Ebola, Lassa, CCHF, Marburg), Arboviruses, Rickettsiae, and a range of ACDP Hazard Group 3 bacteria including Bacillus anthracis and Francisella tularensis. RIPL is also the provider of the Leptospira acute diagnostic service and the Lyme disease specialist unit diagnostic service. We are UKAS ISO15189 accredited and hold approval to provide IBMS registration and Virology specialist portfolios.

The post holder will provide support to the laboratory and registered Biomedical Scientists. This will include but is not limited to, specimen reception support, patient data entry and support with performing a wide range of diagnostic assays, utilising both serological and molecular techniques. The highest standards of quality and safety are essential.

As a laboratory support worker you will provide both technical and administrative provision for the specialist reference laboratory work undertaken within RIPL in accordance with UKHSA and laboratory policies and procedures with particular focus on areas of data entry, laboratory housekeeping and stock control. Technical work using ELISA, PCR and CL3 techniques will also be performed, following relevant training.

Job description

• Participate in the receipt of biological samples safely for the laboratory according to standard operating procedures and risk assessments, utilising laboratory equipment such as centrifuges and microbiology safety cabinets, and recording of clinical patient information into the laboratory information management systems (LIMS) database.
• Provide support for tasks across the laboratory to ensure diagnostic testing is completed and the needs of the RIPL service provision are met. This includes taking responsibility for stock control procedures within the laboratory, supervising an area within the laboratory to ensure all equipment is maintained and calibrated to schedule, and that relevant documents available and up to date.
• Ensure all work is undertaken in accordance with safety and ISO15189 quality requirements and complete any training requirements as required for this post.
• Receive and process biological samples safely according to standard operating procedures and risk assessments
• Recording of clinical patient information into the laboratory information management systems (LIMS) database
• Work independently and within a team to support completion of diagnostic testing to meet the needs of the RIPL service provision
• Provide resilience for answering of queries via the RIPL telephone line
• Operate, maintain and clean a range of laboratory equipment safely, e.g. centrifuges, balances, microbiology safety cabinets, and pipette
• Act as laboratory supervisor for specific area ensuring equipment is maintained and calibrated and relevant documentation is available and up to data
• Perform testing for environmental anthrax involving specimen processing in an ACDP 3/SAPO laboratory
• Comply with waste disposal protocols
• Maintain a clean, safe and tidy working environment
• Perform stock control procedures for reagent and consumable stocks within the laboratory
• Play a leading role in training of junior and new staff
• Ensure all work is undertaken in accordance with safety and ISO15189 quality requirements and complete any training requirements as required for this post
• Perform other duties required by the line manager
• Escalate risks that can’t be controlled to the senior management team
• Engage in equality and diversity principles and maintain a culture of inclusion and belonging by actively contributing to a workplace where diverse perspectives are valued and respected
• To maintain a positive attitude to the work of the laboratory and other members of the team
• To ensure health, safety and welfare are afforded priority and to demonstrate commitment to health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors and comply with relevant UKHSA health and safety policies at all times
• Notify accidents, near misses, dangerous situations and shortcomings in health and safety via the appropriate management structure
• To report any personal sickness (during and after such an event) that may have potentially been caused by or may impact upon work, in line with the UKHSA Sickness Absence management policy

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• GCSE English and Maths(or similar such as functional skills / O levels) at C grade or above or equivalent experience working in a laboratory
• Experience of working in a regulated environment
• Ability to work in a team and individually and an understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems.
• Good communication, organisational and time management skills
• Intermediate keyboard skills
• Ability to prioritize activities and workload against conflicting demands
• Able to participate in surge/outbreak cover situations as required

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in handling clinical specimens

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £25,651, UK Health Security Agency contributes £7,431 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, and Experience.

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed essential criteria and this will be in the form of a :

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)

• 1,000 word Supporting Statement

This should outline how you consider your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1, 500 but your supporting statement must be no more than 1,000 words. We will not consider any words over 1,000 words.

You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. The application form is the kind of information you would put into your CV. Please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the a