Job overview
UHSussex is pleased to have secured external funding for the role of Research Laboratory Technician.
The Clinical Research Facility (CRF) provides support researchers working within across the Trust on clinical trials and other scientific research projects.
The post holder will be based in the CRF satellite laboratory located 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 the 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 so, that the workload is processed in a timely and efficient manner whilst, ensuring samples meet acceptance criteria for testing
·Processing, storing and shipment of clinical trial samples in accordance to the laboratory protocols and/or clinical trial Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the CRF lab and Trust’s Health and Safety procedures.
·Undertaking routine daily, weekly, monthly and as necessary maintenance and troubleshooting of lab equipment throughout the laboratory to ensure correct functioning.
·Resolving lab queries and keeping appropriate records to maintain integrity of the 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 lab equipment, defrosting and cleaning specimen fridges and freezers and tidying benches and work areas.
·Preparing reagents, stock solutions and laboratory disinfectants as directed.
·Any other tasks, responsibilities and courses/training as deemed fit by the Laboratory Manager.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Scientific & analytical
·Checking all samples before processing for identification, status and suitability for diagnostic and research investigations.
·Prioritising samples so, that the workload is processed in a timely and efficient manner whilst, ensuring samples meet acceptance criteria for testing.
·Processing, storing and shipment of clinical trial samples in accordance to the laboratory protocols and/or clinical trial Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the CRF lab and Trust’s Health and Safety procedures.
·Undertaking routine daily, weekly, monthly and as necessary maintenance and troubleshooting of lab equipment throughout the laboratory to ensure correct functioning.
·Resolving lab queries and keeping appropriate records to maintain integrity of the departmental documents and archives.
·Organising and shipping biological substances worldwide, including paperwork and permits in accordance with IATA requirements.
·Working in close liaison with the Central Laboratories and couriers regarding sample dispatch and stocks of consumables.
1. Working in close liaison with medical, nursing and technical staff within the departments.
·General laboratory tasks including cleaning of lab equipment, defrosting and cleaning specimen fridges and freezers and tidying benches and work areas.
·Preparing reagents, stock solutions and laboratory disinfectants as directed.
·Any other tasks, responsibilities and courses/training as deemed fit by the Laboratory Manager.
Supervisory
·Shares acquired experience and knowledge with other members of staff.
2. Act as a mentor for new members of staff as required.
·Undertakes training as appraisee and participates in annual appraisal and six monthly review.
·May participate in overtime and out of hours arrangements, when assessed as competent to do so.
·May participate in lab on call rota for freezer/fridges.
·Books leave in accordance with departmental policy.
·Reports personal absence to senior member of staff, according to trust policy.
·Is aware of and understands the trust policies for grievance, discipline and capability.
Communication & liaison
3. Demonstrate flexibility, self-motivation, initiative and the ability to work effectively both alone and within the team.
·Meet regularly with the Laboratory Team to discuss workload, issues and solutions.
·Maintains awareness of changes and developments within the laboratory/department.
·To act as the first point of contact for the department, dealing with a wide range of enquiries including confidential matters. This includes communicating with outside sources with information of a sensitive nature.
·Participates in the staff questionnaire. Feeds comments up through the management system.
·Communicate with medical staff on appointments, sample types, sample procedures, dates, specimen collection etc.
·Refers to senior staff where appropriate.
Education & training
·Participates in the induction of new and junior staff as directed.
·Responsible for own personal development.
·Attends courses as directed.
·Attends all statutory and mandatory training courses as directed.
·Obtains and Maintains regular updates in IATA training and GCP training.
Information management & technology
·Works within SOPs and policies to ensure high quality data, thus maintaining the integrity and accuracy of laboratory databases. Recognises data quality problems and brings to the attention of senior staff.
·Reports any non-functional hardware to senior staff.
·Enters sample into the FreezerPro sample tracking system or any other databases, if required.
·Complies with local and national policies for the safe, secure and confidential processing and storage of patient and other laboratory information.
Health & safety
·Work within all H&S policies in a safe manner, recognising hazards within the workplace and applying agreed precautionary measures.
·Is aware of the risks and potential risks when handling possibly highly infectious samples and takes extreme caution when using radioactive tracer.
·Is mindful of the duty of care towards colleagues, visitors and patients in maintaining a safe environment and safe working practices. Reports any defects noticed to senior staff.
·Applies knowledge from training in display screen equipment, personal protective equipment and manual handling to own work practices.
·Applies knowledge from fire safety training to ensure safety for self and others. Complies with all fire procedures as directed.
·Understands the implications of COSHH and risk assessment documentation and works within defined control measures at all times.
·Maintains awareness of all emergency and major incident procedures, and acts accordingly in the event of an incident.
·Understands and adheres to trust policies for clinical waste disposal.
·Understands the reporting system for clinical incident reporting and uses it appropriately.
·Understands the special Health and Safety considerations for all areas in which the post-holder might be asked to work.
4. Responsible on a daily basis for handling and separation of known high risk samples and ensuring that Good Laboratory Practice is adhered to.
5. Responsible for receipt and dispatch of dry ice shipments.
6. Responsible for package and transport of high risk samples in accordance with guidelines and completion of relevant legal documentation.
Person specification
Essential
Essential criteria
7. NVQ 3 or equivalent in scientific discipline
8. relevant Experience
9. IT Proficiency
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
10. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
11. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications