Laboratory Sorting Technician

Cogent; Newtownabbey; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave + holidays

Pension scheme

Life Assurance

Healthcare plan

Long service recognition

Job summary

Cogent is seeking a laboratory technician to support semen assessment, media preparation and operation of production flow cytometry sorters. The role includes processing, freezing semen samples and ensuring accurate record keeping in a GMP-style environment.

The candidate will maintain equipment, perform controls during sorting, and report deviations to the line manager. Collaboration with the lab team is essential to maximise production and meet business aims.

Qualifications

• Experience in a biology-based laboratory is preferred.
• Knowledge of flow cytometry principles is advantageous.
• Experience with semen processing or AI biology is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Comply with H&S directives, SOPs and policies to ensure good laboratory practice.
• Operate autonomously within responsibilities while following lab SOPs and production planning.
• Maintain GxP standards for flow cytometer operation and sorting lab areas.
• Prepare media, process semen samples and report deviations to line manager.
• Maintain workflow and care for instruments and equipment, ensuring team collaboration to maximize production.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

IT skills

Teamwork

Autonomy

Technical abilities

Lab workflow

Tools

Flow cytometry equipment

Job description

Main Purpose of Role: Semen assessment, media preparation, operation of production flow cytometry sorters and processing and freezing of semen samples. Record keeping and basic maintenance of production lab and flow cytometry equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• At all times fully comply with CBL H&S directives, SOPs and policies to allow good laboratory practice and full compliance with the Regulations and Industry Standards.
• Operate autonomously through the different operations under his/her responsibility, respecting CBL lab SOPs, sexed production planning and CBL lab production standards (details on following points below).
• Ensure the CBL lab GxP on the flow cytometers operation and the sorting lab working area are observed and maintained.
• Ensure the CBL Lab GxP on media preparation, processing of semen samples and the working area are observed and maintained.
• Perform and act on the different controls during the sort and the sorters operation, media preparation, processing of semen samples and correct/report any deviation to the line manager.
• Maintain the workflow, manage the tasks, and take care of the instruments, equipment and tools linked to the role.
• Effective collaboration with the rest of the lab team sharing knowledge and supporting colleagues to ensure the department maximises production and meets the business aims.
• Complete other duties as required from time to time.

Essential Skills

• Working to high personal standards and accuracy, with good troubleshooting and problemsolving aptitudes, and a methodical and organised approach.
• Confidence with IT interfaces and systems.
• Working well within a team but with the ability to work autonomously and take individual responsibility.
• Good technical abilities, and a willingness to understand the operation of general laboratory equipment and flow cytometry sorters.

Desirable Skills and Attributes

• The following attributes would be advantageous but not essential, as full training will be given:
• Previous experience working in a biology-based laboratory and basic laboratory skills.
• Previous knowledge and/or experience in the principles of flow cytometry.
• Previous experience with sperm and AI biology.
• Experience of a commercial production environment.

Enhanced Benefits

• Annual leave entitlement starting at 23days plus bank holiday, increasing with length of service up to 28 days plus bank holidays
• Matched Pension Scheme
• Life Assurance (4 times basic salary)
• BUPA healthcare and Dental Plan
• Long Service Awards at and 30 years
• Enhanced Family Leave