Band 2 or 3 Lab Assistant

NHS; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a detail-oriented Laboratory Assistant to join their dynamic team at a leading hospital. This role offers a unique opportunity to work in a scientific environment, where you will perform essential laboratory-based tasks while ensuring compliance with standard operating procedures. The ideal candidate will possess strong organisational and IT skills, along with a passion for science and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. If you're looking for a flexible position that allows you to contribute to vital healthcare services, this role could be the perfect fit for you.

Qualifications

• Candidates should have NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in a science-based subject.
• Strong laboratory skills and good IT skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate laboratory support duties in chemistry and microbiology.
• Log samples accurately and ensure proper documentation and archiving.

Skills

Laboratory skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

IT skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Access)

Ability to work independently

Education

NVQ Level 3 in science-based subject

Equivalent experience in a laboratory

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Databases

Job description

East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust are looking for an organised Laboratory Assistant to join their team based at Lister Hospital under a long-term placement contract. Are you passionate about working in a scientific environment? Are you looking for flexibility in a role? If so, we'd love to hear from you.

We are looking for individuals who can undertake laboratory-based work on their own as well as working as part of a team. The ideal candidate will be highly organised and physically able to collect stock as well as performing administration tasks.

Main duties of the job

To undertake, supervise and coordinate all rotational and day-to-day support duties assigned by senior staff in chemistry and microbiology laboratories as well as in the sample reception strictly in accordance with the approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and in line with the requirements of Good Manufacturing and Good Laboratory Practice. To supervise and train less experienced assistant level staff and ensure their training is up to date. To actively participate in all training activities related to the post and keep own training records up to date. To communicate effectively with colleagues, other Trust staff and clients in both spoken and written language. To be aware of the patient needs and customer care aspects and carry out all tasks in line with Trust values.

About us

Here at NHS Professionals, we run England's largest NHS staff bank and are experts at putting people in places to care. Every year we help thousands of dedicated and highly skilled NHS workers enjoy better career opportunities, more flexible shifts, and a healthier work-life balance across our partnered Trusts.

Job responsibilities

Roles & Responsibilities include:

• Answer calls professionally, direct inquiries appropriately, and ensure accurate message-taking.
• Accurately log all received samples into department databases (including WJPS MRS, WJPS AF, Delian systems).
• Identify the correct specifications, organize documents by date, and place samples for testing. Scan, copy, and dispatch reports to appropriate customer recipients by 3:30 PM daily.
• Archive physical copies or scan and save all documents electronically as appropriate into files or into the computer electronic archiving system. All document copies must be in full, organised and readily retrievable.
• To organise inter-hospital transport of samples and materials, closely liaising with Trust drivers or occasionally couriers. To package safely and dispatch all items to client hospitals within 24 hours of the tests being completed and batch released.
• To place requests for maintenance and repairs with the Estates Department using the appropriate electronic system on the Trust's knowledge centre.
• To ensure that established health and safety measures are followed in his/her work. To make use of the Personal Protective Equipment provided (laboratory coat, safety goggles and gloves) to prevent the risk of exposure of yourself and all other staff to any laboratory contamination.
• To actively participate in QC Departmental meetings and promote continuous improvement in our work and contribute to maintenance of the Quality Management System.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Relevant NVQ 3 or equivalent in science-based subject or equivalent experience.
• Laboratory skills and willingness to undertake training.
• Good IT skills; Use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Databases.
• Ability to work accurately and concentrate on repetitive tasks being undertaken for long periods of time.
• Ability to use own initiative and work without supervision and be task-oriented and well organized.
• Must have a valid driving licence with access to a vehicle.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.