About this role
Job summary
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
Please see below for detailed job description of the role.
Main duties of the job
This post is for a Laboratory technician to work as part of a clinical laboratory research team in the NIHR Clinical Research Facility (CRF). The appointee will have demonstrable experience of training and supervising staff in a clinical laboratory setting, responding to study queries, working with blood and clinical specimens and the ability to work in collaboration with a team of research nurses and clinicians.
The CRF laboratory provides an essential component of the clinical research pathway, processing study participant samples quickly and efficiently to ensure optimal results. This is facilitated by excellent communication both within the team and with doctors and nurses. As a result of our ongoing success in this role, we support in excess of 500 clinical studies, including numerous Covid-19 studies, for which we have been commended both internally and externally for the quality of our work, level of teamwork and flexibility in the current climate.
About us
University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.
Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.
We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.
At UHS, we're committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.
At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognising that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We're committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.
Job description Job responsibilities What youll do
The appointee will take responsibility for responding to study-specific queries, training and supervising new and visiting members of staff, assisting with laboratory tours and receipt, tracking, processing, storage and sending of specimens taken as part of the research programmes according to recommended protocols. Laboratory experience, including PBMC isolation, biological sample handling and the use of sample tracking software, is essential, as is recent GCP and IATA training. Responsibilities will also include ensuring the lab is clean, tidy and well stocked with consumables and ensuring sample data is accurately recorded on electronic and paper logs. The post-holder is expected to be able to work without immediate supervision and to work an early or late shift pattern when required.
What were looking for The post requires someone with experience working in a clinical laboratory setting, working with blood and clinical specimens, with the ability to work in collaboration with a team of research nurses and clinical investigators. Laboratory experience, including handling of biological samples both on desktop and within material safety cabinets, GCP training, IATA training and the use of sample tracking software such as Freezerworks is essential. The post holder will collect and process samples according to recommended protocols, ensuring accurate documentation. The post holder will liaise with investigators and other research staff involved in research studies and advise on their sample collection, processing and analytical procedures. They will also liaise with study monitors and sponsors to address study-specific queries. The post-holder is expected to be able to both work without immediate supervision and be able to train new laboratory staff whilst working an early or late shift pattern when required.
Person Specification
Qualifications / training required Essential
GCSE level A to C or equivalent in at least two from Maths, English and Science 3 A levels including science or equivalent experience
Desirable
IATA qualification GCP qualification High Scientific University degree
Previous or relevant experience necessary Essential
Previous laboratory experience Experience of working within a research laboratory Experience of biological sample processing techniques Experience of working in a class II MSC with hazardous biological materials
Desirable
Experience in training laboratory staff Experience in sputum processing and differential cell counting Experience in PBMC processing
Skills Essential
Good written and verbal communication Ability to follow set procedures and laboratory protocols meticulously. Knowledge of sample tracking databases such as freezer works. Experience in sample receipt, logging and shipping.
Trust Values Essential
Patients First Always Improving Working Together
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship 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).
Employer details Employer name University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust
Address Southampton General Hospital
Tremona Road
Southampton
SO16 6YD
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/home.aspx (Opens in a new tab)