Biomedical Laboratory Assistant (HHTO)

NHS Blood and Transplant; Greater London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a vital team at an established healthcare organization dedicated to saving lives through blood and tissue donation. This role in the Microbiology Services Laboratory offers the chance to work with blood samples, perform essential testing, and contribute to life-saving services. You'll be part of a collaborative environment, using your skills in handling samples and operating laboratory equipment. With a commitment to learning and professional development, this position not only provides an opportunity to make a difference but also offers competitive benefits, including generous holiday allowances and a supportive workplace culture. Be part of a mission that truly matters!

Benefits

27 days of holiday plus bank holidays

Comprehensive induction and training programme

Competitive pension scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in handling blood samples and using a pipette.
• Basic IT skills and ability to work in a team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples for microbiology/virology testing.
• Operate laboratory equipment and perform analytical tests.
• Monitor storage areas and ensure quality control of reagents.

Skills

Handling blood samples

Basic IT skills

Teamwork

Education

Level 3 qualification (A level or NVQ level 3)

Tools

Pipette

Standard laboratory equipment

Computer systems (LIMS, databases)

Job description

Job Summary

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is an integral part of the NHS, collecting and processing 2 million blood donations a year. Our Healthcare Scientists provide crucial support to NHS Hospitals, processing, testing and issuing blood and its components and delivering diagnostic and therapeutic services relating to the transfusion of blood and stem cells, transplantation and tissue banking.

The Microbiology Services Laboratory provides a centralised and diverse microbiology, virology, and serology service that is essential to the operation of NHSBT. This vacancy is based in Microbiology Services Laboratory Virology which is a specialist laboratory responsible for the confirmation of microbiological screen reactivity in samples from blood, tissue and stem cell donors. MSL Virology also performs some specialist non-blood donor screening (tissue, stem cell and organ donors), the lot release testing of microbiological assays, and provides expert advice and guidance.

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with experience in handling blood samples. Candidates should be comfortable with using a pipette and have experience with inputting information onto a computer system such as a database or a LIMS.

Main duties of the job

You will work as part of a team to perform a range of duties in the preparation of samples for microbiology/virology testing of blood, stem cell, tissue and organ donors. Your responsibilities will include:

1. Preparing samples/donor/patient material for testing and/or storage.
2. Operating equipment with supervision.
3. Performing automated and/or manual analytical tests.
4. Using standard laboratory equipment such as centrifuge, pH meter or dispensing equipment.
5. Preparing clean rooms for sterile operation.
6. Preparation and quality control of a range of reagents for use in local, national or external laboratories.
7. Transcribing computer-generated results.
8. Monitoring temperature of storage areas and responding to alarms and reporting problems when necessary.

About You

Experience and Knowledge

1. Experience of working as part of a team.
2. Experience of using computers and basic IT skills.

Qualifications and Training

1. Level 3 qualification e.g. A level or NVQ level 3 or equivalent qualifications OR equivalent experience.
2. Demonstrates a commitment to learning.

Please view the attached recruitment profile which is a summary of the detailed Job Description and Person Specification for the full personal attributes we require for the role. You will need to demonstrate these throughout the recruitment process.

About Us

At NHS Blood and Transplant, we’re incredibly proud of the many talented people who come together every day to make our organisation the very best it can be. We have clearly defined values that are centred around offering exceptional care to our donors and their families. We take care of each other too and we focus on building our expertise so we can change lives, provide quality support and offer fulfilling careers.

It’s an opportunity to contribute to a unique team as part of a service that saves lives 365 days a year. We offer brilliant benefits including 27 days of holiday (plus bank holidays), a comprehensive induction and training programme, and a competitive pension scheme.

We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace and aim to reflect the diverse communities we work with and positively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

Three small words, one big difference - Caring, Expert and Quality.

Together we'll save and improve more lives than ever.

Please view the attached recruitment profile which is a summary of the detailed Job Description and Person Specification.

**This vacancy is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship. Please do not apply unless you have another means of establishing a right to work, or you are already employed by the NHS and would transfer to the pay point at the top of Band 3**.

This vacancy will close at 23:59 on 16^th February 2025.

Interviews are anticipated to be held on 26^th & 27^th February 2025– subject to confirmation.

For informal enquiries please contact – Mhairi Webster, Microbiology Services Laboratory Manager at [e-mail].