Band 5 Laboratory Technician

The NHS National Amyloidosis Centre (NAC), based at the Royal Free Hospital in London, is the only centre in the UK and one of the few centres worldwide specialising in amyloidosis. It provides a comprehensive diagnostic and management advisory service to the national caseload of amyloidosis patients and has state of the art clinical and research facilities.

Responsibilities

The post holder is required to have prior experience working in a clinical diagnostic NHS laboratory or equivalent and will undertake routine laboratory duties across a designated work area (histology or molecular genetics) in accordance with a discipline rota. The post holder will use a wide range of highly specialised techniques in histology and molecular biology and provide support to senior staff, ensuring accurate and timely processing of all patient samples, as delays may impact patient management and access to treatment.

The post holder is expected to rotate between the histology and genetic sections, to work independently and as part of a team to ensure efficient and effective processing of patient samples through these two sections. They will support senior laboratory staff and, if needed, provide cover in other laboratory sections. They will be competent and adhere to SOPs and protocols that are in place, participate in audits and keep up to date training records.

The post holder will contribute to the implementation, monitoring, improvement and management of the Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring compliance with UKAS ISO 15189 standards.

The post holder might be required to assist with any research activities undertaken by the NAC.

Qualifications Education & professional Qualifications

• Degree in a biomedical science or equivalent subject
• Evidence of continuing personal development

Experience

• Experience of working with clinical data
• Track record of successfully working in a team
• Previous experience of working in a diagnostic environment with histopathological / molecular biology techniques
• A good level of expertise in the operation and routine maintenance of laboratory equipment
• Experience of project management

Skills and aptitudes

• Good IT skills, including the Microsoft Office suite, file management and a willingness to keep skills up to date
• Ability to work under pressure, managing a variety of tasks
• Ability to problem solve and to work using own initiative
• Proactive, well organised and responsible
• Precision and excellent attention to detail
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team

Personal Qualities & attributes

• Excellent communication skills both orally and in writing
• Self starter, motivated, able to work from own initiative and with strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to their work
• Organisational and time management skills
• Ability to work to deadlines
• Flexible to meet the needs of the service
• Ability to work under pressure, problem solve, prioritise and work to deadlines

Salary

£38,488 to £46,852 per annum inclusive of HCAS.

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.