Job overview
We are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated and hardworking Laboratory Assistant to join our team at Great Ormond Street NHS Foundation Trust. Candidates should hold relevant A-levels or an equivalent qualification.
You will predominantly work in one of our laboratory technical teams and also provide support to our Specimen Reception Team. Attention to detail is an essential requirement, with laboratory experience an advantage.
The Rare Disease Laboratory has an establishment of approximately 140 staff including clinical scientists, translational scientists, bioinformaticians, technologists and administrative support staff. Along with the Clinical Genetics Team we form a strategic Genetics Unit within the hospital and provide the North London with a Regional Genetics Service serving a population of approximately 10 million. The Genetics Laboratory provides an in-house diagnostic service for molecular and cytogenetic testing. Molecular testing includes a number of common single gene disorders with an extensive next generation sequencing repertoire; we also provide national and international services for non-invasive prenatal diagnosis, deafness, craniofacial, metabolic and immune deficiency disorders. Cytogenetic testing is provided for both prenatal and postnatal samples using microarray, karyotyping, FISH and MLPA.
Find out about working for the GOSH genomics team here:
Main duties of the job
* To follow established procedures and policies
* Comply with health and safety policies
* Assist in quality assurance procedure
* Assist in training of new staff or visitors
* Be flexible to changing demands in workload
* Attend training courses as required
* Registration of samples onto laboratory information systems (EPIC Beaker)
* Reception of Prenatal and Postnatal samples into the laboratory
* Sample extraction, quantitation, filing and dispatch
Working for our organisation
GOSH is committed to recruiting the best person for the job, based solely on their ability and individual merit as measured against the criteria for the role; through a process that is fair, open, consistent and free from bias and discrimination.
We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture where all staff are valued, respected and acknowledged. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, disability status or length of time spent unemployed.
We particularly welcome applications from BAME communities, people with disabilities and/or long-term health conditions and LGBT+ community members.
We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants and employees are treated fairly and consistently. We are proud to be accredited as a Disability Confident Employer, a member of Business Disability Forum and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.
We have active and Executive supported BAME, LGBT+ and Allies, Disability and Long-Term Health Conditions and Women’s staff networks. Staff networks are employee-led groups formed around interests, issues and a common bond or background. Staff network members create a positive and inclusive work environment at Great Ormond Street Hospital by actively contributing to the Trust’s mission, values and efforts specific to inclusion. All of our staff networks are open to any employee.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. For both documents please view the attachment/s below.
Person specification
GOSH Culture and Values
Essential criteria
* Our Always values
* Experience of working as part of a diverse team.
* Experience of contributing to an inclusive workplace culture.
Academic/Professional qualification/Training
Essential criteria
* Relevant BTEC / A Levels (or equivalent)
Experience/Knowledge
Essential criteria
* Willing to undertake both administrative and technical duties as required
* Takes responsibility for own actions and promotes good team working
* Shares information and good practice appropriately
* Treats others with courtesy and respect at all times
* Laboratory experience
Desirable criteria
* Basic knowledge of biology / genetics
Skills/Abilities
Essential criteria
* Evidence of basic laboratory skills
* Able to follow instructions and work independently or in a team.
* Attention to detail
* Experience with laboratory information management systems / Patient Record Systems
Desirable criteria
* Experience of clinical sample handling, registration & processing
* Computer literate