Job overview
This is an exciting time to join Blood Sciences department in Synnovis. The department is one of the largest consolidated Blood Sciences Laboratories in a new purpose-built Hub laboratory based at Blackfriars in London.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, highly motivated and proactive individual to join the department in a full time, permanent Associate Practitioner role. The successful candidate will work as part of a 24/7 the Blood Sciences team of BMS and MLAs.
The ideal candidate will be a quick learner and good team player and this is a great opportunity for a candidate looking to advance and enhance their current knowledge and experience working on fully automated track systems for pre and post analytics. Following appropriate training, operating and maintaining the GLP track and some automated analysers would be expected from the candidate.
The post holder will work as part of a GLP track master team, an exciting new role that is currently being developed by the department, supporting the operation delivery of Floor 2 Blood Sciences biomedical investigations and supervises MLAs as part of the laboratory teams in Synnovis. Reporting to the Senior Specialist BMS, you will hold a variety of responsibilities to ensure the successful delivery of pathology services, in line with our corporate objectives.
The post holder is expected to participate fully on the 24/7 shifts rota and maintain competency for the role as required.
Main duties of the job
This role is based on Floor 2 in the Hub, Blood Sciences Laboratory which is part of Synnovis Analytics.
You will work as a Track master for automated systems and support on the routine maintenances of instruments used in automated analysis and hold a variety of accountabilities in the laboratory environment. The core responsibilities include, but not limited to:
1. Deliver work autonomously, within all regulations and legislative requirements.
2. Handle and manage samples, in line with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and assessed competencies.
3. Perform tasks, operate and troubleshoot laboratory equipment within all safety standards and according to local SOPs relevant to the area.
4. Prepare solutions, reagents etc, and utilise a variety of laboratory equipment to carry out investigations.
5. Rotate around the laboratory to ensure a broad range of understanding and knowledge is cultivated.
6. Once trained and competent train and mentor new members of the laboratory where necessary.
7. Use cost effective methods in your practice and maintain levels of consumable goods and supplies in your area, and report shortages accordingly.
8. Perform all required Stock scanning procedures
9. Provide administrative support to all areas of the laboratory, as appropriate and dependent on experience and training.
Working for our organisation
Our organisation brings together the very best in clinical, scientific and operational expertise, and displays in action the core values at the heart of our brand: science for life, collaboration for the benefit of everyone, and innovation and quality.
You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The Synnovis Way Development programme, the Scientific Learning and Development Fund and the Synnovis Academy through which you can receive funding / support for advanced qualifications.
Through our Innovation Accelerator Fund, you can apply for finance to get that new innovative scientific project off the ground, and participate with the wider scientific community through symposiums, conferences and other peer group meetings.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
10. Perform cleaning activities, prepare laboratory equipment, perform daily checks, environmental monitoring and waste management activities, and complete all required paperwork.
11. Prepare specimens and perform manual, semi-automated and fully-automated laboratory investigations within training parameters and where appropriate under supervision
12. Undertake preventative maintenance and troubleshooting on laboratory instruments and equipment prior to them being used for patient investigations.
13. Safely handle, use and dispose of biological specimens including infectious material or hazardous chemicals according to laboratory and health and safety protocols.
14. Ensure all laboratory samples, consumables and equipment are appropriately stored and maintained in line with SOPs, health and safety guidelines and recording protocols.
15. Use departmental resources efficiently and apply good stock management of reagents, consumables and stationery.
16. Report and record all incidents and adverse events under the direction of the senior members of staff.
17. Organise day-to-day tasks, identifying and prioritising urgent work to ensure that deadlines are met, and to the highest standards possible. Escalate to senior member of staff, as necessary.
18. Answer the telephone, deal with calls politely and professionally, escalating requests when necessary to appropriate senior staff or departments.
19. Adhere to the laboratory SOPs and work with the team to review working practice to maintain a high quality and safe service.
20. Perform specimen reception duties including checking details, receiving and logging patient requests on to the LIMS.
21. Process referral specimens, receive samples dispatched from other laboratories and prepare samples for despatch to other laboratories or hospitals.
22. Take part in educational activities to ensure that your practices and knowledge are relevant and current to your specific area.
23. Undertake periodic laboratory training and competence assessment. Maintain knowledge and skills as identified by line manager.
Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites, Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.
The partnership provides services to 1.7 million people living in South East London, as well as to hundreds of thousands of patients from outside the region who use local healthcare services.
The partnership provides diagnostics, testing and digital pathology for hospital trusts, GP services and other healthcare providers.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
24. Good all-round education to GCSE standard including English and Maths at grade 4/C or equivalent or L2 Healthcare Science apprenticeship.
25. A Level / BTEC in Science or L3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship or L4 Healthcare Science Apprenticeship or equivalence experience.
Experience
Essential criteria
26. Supervising, training or inducting junior members of the laboratory.
27. Working in an automated pathology laboratory environment
28. Handling of biological specimens.
29. Using standard laboratory equipment.
30. Working as part of a team
31. Working with Laboratory Information Systems
32. Experience of working accurately with an attention to detail
Skills & Knowledge
Essential criteria
33. Good written and verbal communication skills.
34. Organised and methodical.
35. Ability to accurately follow written procedures.
36. Competent at problem solving and prioritising.
37. Ability to communicate with other professionals at all levels.
38. Willingness and ability to learn complex operating procedures and follow guidelines.
Applications are welcomed from applicants with a disability. We can make reasonable adjustments and offer support and advice in a variety of ways throughout the application process. All applicants are welcome to apply regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation. Equality of opportunity is our policy.
Our Bank workers enjoy competitive market rates and flexible contract assignments across all of our sites, dependent on your availability and location.
For our Permanent workforce we offer a competitive benefits package.
All employees are entitled to:
39. Contributory pension scheme
40. Generous annual leave entitlement
41. Ground breaking development
opportunities
Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All employees have a responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in the course of their daily duties and for ensuring that they are aware of the specific duties relating to their role.