Overview
Main area Biomedical Sciences Grade Band 4. Contract/permanent, full time 37.5 hours per week (9-5, Monday to Friday). Job ref 279-7242167-SEP25. Employer: University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (NHS). Site: Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton. Salary: £27,485 - £30,162 per annum pro rata, yearly. Closing date: 17/09/2025 23:59.
Job title
Research Laboratory Technician (Band 4).
About our Trust
At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts, we are a leading example of the excellence, ambition and values of the NHS for over 70 years. We are committed to putting the Patient First and supporting staff wellbeing, flexibility where possible, and career development. We are Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Job overview
UHSussex has secured external funding for the role of Research Laboratory Technician. The Clinical Research Facility (CRF) provides support to researchers across the Trust on clinical trials and other scientific projects. The post holder will be based in the CRF satellite laboratory next to the pathology department at the Royal Sussex County Hospital.
The post holder will carry out specimen reception, processing, storage and shipment from various commercial and academic clinical trials in accordance with clinical protocols, laboratory manuals/SOPs, local procedures and GCP.
Main duties of the job
* Checking all samples before processing for identification, status and suitability for diagnostic and research investigations.
* Prioritising samples to ensure workload is processed in a timely and efficient manner, ensuring samples meet acceptance criteria for testing.
* Processing, storing and shipment of clinical trial samples in accordance with laboratory protocols and the CRF lab and Trust Health & Safety procedures.
* Undertaking routine maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment to ensure correct functioning.
* Resolving lab queries and keeping records to maintain integrity of departmental documents and archives.
* Organising and shipping biological substances worldwide, including paperwork and permits in accordance with IATA requirements.
* Working in close liaison with medical, nursing and technical staff within the departments.
* General laboratory tasks including cleaning of equipment, defrosting and cleaning specimen fridges/freezers and tidying benches and work areas.
* Preparing reagents, stock solutions and laboratory disinfectants as directed.
* Any other tasks, responsibilities and training as deemed fit by the Laboratory Manager.
* Sharing acquired experience and knowledge with other staff; acting as a mentor for new members of staff as required.
* Participating in appraisal and continuing professional development; may participate in overtime, out-of-hours arrangements, and on-call rota as competent.
* Books leave in accordance with departmental policy and reports personal absence according to trust policy.
* Awareness of, and adherence to, trust policies for grievance, discipline and capability.
* Demonstrates flexibility, self-motivation, initiative and ability to work both independently and in a team; meets regularly with the Laboratory Team to discuss workload and issues.
* Acts as first point of contact for the department for a range of enquiries, including confidential matters; communicates with outside sources as needed.
* Participates in staff questionnaire and feeds comments through the management system.
* Communicates with medical staff regarding appointments, sample types, procedures, and dates.
Education & training
* Participates in induction of new and junior staff as directed.
* Responsible for own personal development; attends courses and all statutory and mandatory training as directed.
* Maintains regular updates in IATA and GCP training.
Information management & technology
* Works within SOPs and policies to ensure high-quality data and maintain the integrity of laboratory databases.
* Reports non-functional hardware to senior staff; enters sample data into tracking systems as required.
* Complies with local and national policies for safe, secure and confidential processing and storage of patient information.
Health & safety
* Work within all H&S policies; manage hazards and safe working practices, including handling potentially infectious samples and radioactive tracer usage.
* Maintain duty of care towards colleagues, visitors and patients; report defects to senior staff.
* Apply COSHH, risk assessment and fire safety knowledge; follow emergency procedures and clinical waste policies.
* Understand and follow guidelines for clinical incident reporting.
* Handle high-risk samples daily and ensure Good Laboratory Practice is adhered to; responsible for receipt and dispatch of dry ice shipments and transport of high-risk samples with appropriate documentation.
Person specification
* NVQ 3 or equivalent in a scientific discipline.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
* Evidence of championing diversity and ongoing development to improve equalities understanding.
Important information for applicants
A note on AI use in applications: We value authenticity and discourage reliance on AI to complete applications. Your responses should reflect your own voice and experiences.
Closing adverts early: The advert may close earlier if there is exceptional interest. Some adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; apply promptly.
Flexible working: If you want to explore flexible working options, discuss with the recruiting/line manager.
DBS checks: All new employees in eligible roles will undergo a DBS check. We offer roles in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for roles that meet eligibility. Check gov.uk for details; ensure you meet criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications.
Contact
Dominika Wlazly, CRF Lab Manager
Email: dominika.wlazly@nhs.net
Telephone: 01273 696955
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