Assistant Technical Officer - Derriford Combined Laboratory

We require an Assistant Technical Officer to work as part of a team within the Combined Laboratory covering the reception area.

Applicants must have good basic dexterity, numeracy and literacy skills; technical aptitude, proven knowledge of Health and Safety Issues; basic IT skills; be able to work within a busy environment within a team and have an eye for detail.

You will be part of a team working with scientific staff providing a valuable support function to our Diagnostic Service, handling and processing patients’ samples as part of the analytical process, with a particular role in the management of samples and results referred to hospital clinicians, general practitioners and external laboratories.

The successful applicant will take part in the 24/7 rotas for evenings, weekends, bank holidays and overnight shifts as appropriate. Additional payments are made for these duties.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***
1. To carry out processes related to receipt of all samples, sample preparation, sample request data entry, presentation for analysis and prepare samples for sendaway.
2. To support the technical and clerical duties Reception sections of the DCL department, working with Biomedical Scientists and other support staff as part of a team, to facilitate the smooth running of the blood sciences service.
3. To prepare biological material collected from patients, including blood samples for analysis whilst following a Standard Operating Procedure.
4. To make and receive routine telephone calls to/from service users, such as, GP’s, medical, nursing and other healthcare staff.
5. To work across the reception area of the laboratory primarily but also may be called upon in other areas of DCL.

We are a people business – where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
1. Assist in the general running of specific analysers, equipment or tests including the track system.
2. Working with colleagues ensure the reception area delivers a timely processing of samples and test requests.
3. Following Standard Operating Procedures ensure that all send-away samples are packaged and despatched in compliance with special postal regulations.
4. Will assist senior staff in the training of new staff.
5. Assist in the receipt, processing and storage of all samples derived from clinical trials including those for which the department derives income.
6. Prepare samples for analysis using techniques applicable to the areas of work – this may include attaching bar code labels, centrifugation, separation and prepare aliquots as required in accordance with SOPs using both manual and automated technology
7. Competent in the use of office equipment including computers, printers and photocopiers.
8. Ensure senior staff are made aware when stock levels are low.
9. To plan and prioritise own work under supervision and be fully aware of service requirements and that your own work is carried out efficiently, accurately and in accordance with departmental procedures.
10. To identify, prepare by uncapping and loading onto analysers samples for analysis. Unload, rerun if required, recap, rack away for storage in a refrigerator or cold room.
11. To use the laboratory IT system to deal with enquiries for results, and to use the Trust PIMS system to look up patient details.
12. Remove samples and request forms from their plastic bags whilst checking the data on the sample matches that on the request form.
13. To bring to the attention of senior staff all rejected samples due to inadequate patient ID or incorrect sample type for the test requested, or to contact the necessary persons, in accordance with the SOP for the area.
14. To assist with the issuing of consumables to service users as requested e.g., 24hr urine collection bottles.
15. Book test requests into the computer system
16. Use Indexor system to register and sort samples.
17. To assist in the safe disposal of used specimens and waste products and the daily cleaning of laboratory work surfaces.