Overview
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279) is recruiting for a Research Laboratory Technician. The closing date is 17 September 2025. UHSussex has secured external funding for this role. The Clinical Research Facility (CRF) provides support to researchers working within 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.
Main duties of the job
Checking all samples before processing for identification, status and suitability for diagnostic and research investigations. Prioritising samples to ensure 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 with 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 to ensure correct functioning. Resolving lab queries and keeping appropriate 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 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.
Additional responsibilities include:
- Mentoring new staff where required. - Participating in overtime or out-of-hours work when competent to do so. - Participating in lab on-call rota for freezers. - Booking leave in accordance with departmental policy. - Reporting absences to a senior member of staff and adhering to trust policies on grievance, discipline and capability. - Demonstrating flexibility, self-motivation, initiative and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. - Meeting regularly with the Laboratory Team to discuss workload and issues. - Staying aware of changes and developments within the laboratory/department. - Acting as the first point of contact for the department, handling confidential inquiries and communicating with external sources as needed. - Participating in staff questionnaires and feeding comments into the management system. - Communicating with medical staff on appointments, sample types, and procedures. - Referring to senior staff where appropriate.
Job responsibilities
Scientific & analytical
Checking all samples before processing for identification, status and suitability for diagnostic and research investigations. Prioritising samples to ensure timely processing and that they meet acceptance criteria for testing. Processing, storing and shipment of clinical trial samples in accordance with laboratory protocols/SOPs and trust health and safety procedures. Routine maintenance and troubleshooting of lab equipment. Resolving lab queries and maintaining records. Organising and shipping biological substances worldwide, including paperwork and permits in accordance with IATA requirements. Working in close liaison with Central Laboratories and couriers regarding sample dispatch and stock of consumables. Working in close liaison with medical, nursing and technical staff within the departments. General laboratory tasks including cleaning equipment, defrosting/cleaning fridges and freezers and tidying work areas. Preparing reagents, stock solutions and disinfectants. Any other tasks assigned by the Laboratory Manager. Sharing acquired experience with staff and acting as a mentor for new members of staff. Undertakes training as appraisee and participates in annual appraisal and six monthly review. May participate in overtime/out-of-hours arrangements and lab on-call rota for freezers. Books leave as per departmental policy. Reports absences to senior staff and adheres to trust policies for grievance, discipline and capability. Demonstrates flexibility, self-motivation, and teamwork. Meets with the Laboratory Team to discuss workload and issues. Keeps aware of changes in the laboratory/department. Acts as first point of contact for the department, handling a range of enquiries including confidential matters, and communicates with outside sources when needed.
Education & training
Participates in induction of new and junior staff as directed. Responsible for own personal development. Attends statutory and mandatory training courses as directed. Obtains and maintains regular updates in IATA and GCP training.
Information management & technology
Works within SOPs and policies to ensure high quality data and maintains integrity of laboratory databases. Reports non-functional hardware to senior staff. Enters samples into the FreezerPro tracking system or other databases if required. Complies with local and national policies for safe, secure and confidential processing and storage of patient and other laboratory information.
Health & safety
Works within all H&S policies, recognises hazards, and applies precautionary measures. Is aware of risks when handling potentially infectious samples and uses appropriate caution with radioactive materials. Maintains duty of care towards colleagues, visitors and patients and reports defects. Applies training on display screen equipment, PPE, and manual handling. Applies fire safety knowledge and adheres to fire procedures. Understands COSHH and risk assessment documentation and works within control measures. Maintains awareness of emergency procedures and major incident planning. Understands and complies with trust policies for clinical waste disposal and incident reporting. Understands special health and safety considerations for relevant areas.
Daily responsibilities include:
- Handling and separation of known high risk samples and ensuring Good Laboratory Practice. - Receipt and dispatch of dry ice shipments. - Packaging and transport of high-risk samples with appropriate legal documentation.
Person Specification
* NVQ 3 or equivalent in scientific discipline
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
* Evidence of championing diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
* Evidence of undertaking own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service will be required to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)
Salary: £27,485 to £30,162 a year, pro rata
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