Senior Assistant Technical Officer

We are seeking a motivated & organised individual to support the delivery of a high-quality diagnostic service within the Automated Chemistry Section or Chemistry Special Investigations (CSI). Working with Biomedical Scientists (BMS), Associate Practitioners (AP) and Assistant Technical Officers (ATO), the post holder will contribute to the smooth running of the service.

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.

The role focuses on the coordination and administration of National External Quality Assurance (EQA) schemes, including preparation, distribution, tracking, analysis, and timely reporting of results. The post holder will maintain accurate EQA records, ensure appropriate storage throughout all stages, support troubleshooting, and assist with ordering materials and documentation.

Duties also include supporting laboratory operations, such as use and maintenance of analytical equipment, reagent replenishment, calibration and quality control processes, and assisting in the analysis of patient and EQA samples in line with SOPs.

Main duties of the job

To support clerical and technical duties within the Automated Chemistry Section or Chemistry Special Investigations (CSI), working as part of a multidisciplinary team with Biomedical Scientists, Associate Practitioners and Assistant Technical Officers to ensure the efficient running of the service.

The post holder will assist in the administration of National External Quality Assurance (EQA) schemes, including preparation, distribution, analysis, result collation and timely reporting. They will maintain accurate records of EQA from receipt to reporting and ensure appropriate storage throughout all stages. Responsibilities include supporting troubleshooting of EQA material, assisting with ordering and documentation, and contributing to the set up of EQA specimens on NPEX.

The role will involve operation and basic maintenance of analytical equipment, including reagent replenishment, management of IQC and calibration materials, and analysis of patient and EQA samples in line with SOPs. The post holder will also assist with raising non-conformances (DATIX), participate in audits, and support the department's quality management system, including data entry for COSHH, MSDS and asset records.

Additional duties include supporting stock control systems and, where required, assisting with ATO tasks such as automated track operation, aliquoting specimens and general laboratory housekeeping.

Job responsibilities

PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• To plan and prioritise own work under supervision of an Associate Practitioner/Biomedical Scientist and be fully aware of service requirements.
• To ensure that your own work is carried out efficiently, accurately and in accordance with departmental procedures.
• To work as part of the quality team to ensure all necessary quality standards are met, including UKAS ISO15189:2022.
• Uses Q Pulse to record Automated Chemistry activities and issues such as NCWs, audits, documentation, as directed.
• To ensure that your own work is carried out efficiently, accurately and in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Respond to telephone enquiries within the area of work from staff in both primary and secondary care, (subject to departmental telephone SOPs).
• To participate in the performance of audits as directed by Associate Practitioners/BMS.
• To assist in the administration of departmental National External Quality Assurance schemes (EQA) including the preparation, distribution, result collation and sending reports back to the scheme organisers/departments, as directed and in accordance with procedures (SOP).
• To perform operation of analytical equipment to include maintenance, replenishing of reagents, ordering and loading of IQC and calibration material and perform analysis of patient and EQA specimens within Automated Chemistry.

Qualifications

• GCSE in English and 2 other subjects, or equivalent.
• NVQ Level 3 in Laboratory Science or equivalent qualification (i.e. 2 A levels at least one in a science subject) or considerable and demonstrable laboratory experience to a level of an NVQ level 3.

Knowledge and experience

• Demonstratable experience in a laboratory environment.
• Good knowledge of laboratory computer systems - i.e. APEX, DMS, NPEX and AMS.
• Demonstrable experience in data input, including creation and use of spreadsheets.
• Awareness of reagent and stock control.
• Knowledge of Quality Assurance procedures and EQA schemes.

Aptitude and abilities

• Keyboard skills with a working knowledge of laboratory computer systems.
• Organisational skills.
• Knowledge of spreadsheets and databases.

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.

We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams.