Biomedical Laboratory Assistant (HHTO)

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

Job summary

Join a dedicated team at a leading healthcare organization where you will play a vital role in saving lives. This position offers the opportunity to work in a specialist laboratory, handling blood samples and conducting important tests that contribute to the health and safety of patients. With a commitment to exceptional care, this organization values its employees and promotes a culture of learning and teamwork. You will enjoy competitive benefits including generous holiday allowance, comprehensive training, and a supportive work environment. If you are passionate about making a difference in healthcare, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

27 days of holiday plus bank holidays

Comprehensive induction and training programme

Competitive pension scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in handling blood samples and operating laboratory equipment.
• Commitment to learning and working as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples for microbiology/virology testing of donors.
• Perform automated and manual analytical tests under supervision.

Skills

Teamwork

Basic IT skills

Handling blood samples

Education

Level 3 qualification (A level or NVQ level 3)

Equivalent experience

Tools

Pipette

Laboratory equipment (centrifuge, pH meter)

LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System)

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 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].