Laboratory Analyst

Peopleforce Recruitment Ltd; Loughton; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Lab Analyst for a 3-month contract in Loughton. The successful candidate will analyze drugs of abuse in biological samples, ensuring adherence to safety guidelines and quality standards. Required qualifications include a science degree and knowledge of drug metabolism. Candidates should have at least two years of laboratory experience. This role offers the opportunity to work with innovative technology in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a science-related field or equivalent experience.
• Understanding of drug metabolism and related processes.
• Knowledge of sample extraction methods essential.

Responsibilities

• Analyze drugs in biological samples using immunoassay methods.
• Prepare lab reagents, solutions, and controls for testing.
• Conduct equipment checks and maintain laboratory documentation.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Drug analysis

Safety guidelines adherence

Education

Science degree or equivalent experience

Tools

CEDIA

LC/MS/MS

Job description

Overview

Experienced Lab Analyst - Loughton - 3 month contract

Peopleforce Recruitment are supporting a global leading healthcare company in pursuit of an experienced lab analyst. This company provides industry-leading technology and expertise to support diagnostic testing. As an Experience Analyst, you will work in our Loughton laboratory within the screening and confirmation department.

The main responsibility is to analyse drugs of abuse in biological samples using immunoassay methods (CEDIA, HEIA) and confirmatory techniques such as LC/MS/MS. All work must follow safety guidelines, SOPs, and quality standards (ISO 17025).

Responsibilities

• Extract drugs from urine samples (SPE/LLE) and manage related steps such as batch setup, sequence checks, sample storage and disposal.
• Screen urine samples using CEDIA and HEIA methods; prepare daily controls and reagents.
• Authorise negative screening results when required.
• Prepare laboratory reagents, solutions and controls.
• Set up instruments and run system suitability tests.
• Perform daily/weekly/monthly equipment checks, maintenance, and record-keeping.
• Troubleshoot assay and instrument issues.
• Maintain safe, efficient lab practices in line with H&S and quality standards.
• Review and process instrument data.
• Monitor general QC performance.
• Carry out calculations for standards, QC materials and reference solutions.

Additional / Non-Daily Responsibilities

• Complete required training modules on time (lab, H&S, quality).
• Participate in internal and external audits.
• Adapt to schedule changes as needed.
• Help maintain stock levels in the laboratory.
• Support development and rollout of new methods and processes.
• Train, mentor and support new analysts alongside senior team members.
• Keep SOPs up to date by reviewing and revising them when required.

Basic Qualifications

• Science degree or equivalent experience.
• Understanding of drug metabolism.
• Knowledge of extraction methods.
• Basic understanding of LC/MS for troubleshooting.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least 2 years of laboratory experience.
• Previous experience performing the responsibilities listed above