Laboratory Technician Level 2 (Maternity Cover) – Internal Only

Preventx; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Preventx is hiring a Laboratory Technician Level 2 (Maternity Cover) in Sheffield to support high-volume diagnostic testing. You will operate automated platforms, manage samples, maintain traceability and follow ISO 15189 procedures while contributing to quality management and training of staff.

The role requires strong attention to detail, good laboratory practices, and the ability to work within defined procedures.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a laboratory environment.
• Understanding of good laboratory practice and quality management principles.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to follow documented procedures accurately.
• Competent IT skills and experience of laboratory computer systems.
• Ability to work independently within defined procedures and competency limits.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work flexibly within a high-throughput laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Receive, prepare, sort and process samples in accordance with laboratory procedures.
• Ensure sample traceability is maintained throughout all laboratory processes.
• Maintain laboratory workflows to support the timely delivery of results.
• Support laboratory housekeeping and ensure work areas remain clean, organised and compliant.
• Operate automated testing and sample handling platforms as trained and authorised.
• Load samples, reagents, controls and consumables onto analysers.
• Monitor analyser performance throughout testing activities.
• Review analyser run status and identify routine issues requiring intervention.
• Perform sample repeats, reruns and routine retesting activities.
• Escalate analytical concerns, unusual trends or unresolved technical issues to an Analytical Scientist or the Laboratory Technical Manager.
• Perform routine analyser maintenance and scheduled operational checks.
• Assist with analyser troubleshooting following approved procedures.
• Ensure equipment is maintained in a state suitable for testing.
• Record maintenance, faults and corrective actions accurately.
• Support equipment verification and routine operational checks when required.
• Work in accordance with ISO 15189 requirements, laboratory policies and standard operating procedures.
• Maintain accurate, contemporaneous and auditable records.
• Report incidents, non-conformances and quality concerns through the laboratory quality management system.
• Support corrective and preventive actions where appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety, COSHH, information governance and data protection requirements.
• Maintain competency for all authorised laboratory activities.
• Provide support and guidance to Laboratory Technicians during routine laboratory activities where appropriately trained.
• Assist in the delivery of training for new starters and existing staff within approved competency areas.
• Support stock control activities and inventory management.
• Monitor reagent and consumable levels and report shortages.
• Assist with reagent receipt, storage, preparation and stock rotation.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Good laboratory practice

Attention to detail

Procedural discipline

IT skills / LIMS familiarity

Independent working

Communication skills

Flexible in high-throughput

Education

Biological Sciences degree

Tools

LIMS

Laboratory automation platforms

Job description

Laboratory Technician Level 2 (Maternity Cover) – Internal Only

Maternity cover – up to 13 months

Mon-Fri / Tue-Sat rotation

PM shift

Reports To

Laboratory Operations Manager

Overview

The Laboratory Technician Level 2 is responsible for performing duties associated with the Laboratory Technician role whilst undertaking routine analytical activities.

The post holder will support the delivery of a high-volume diagnostic service through the operation of automated laboratory platforms, and routine analyser maintenance. The role requires a good understanding of laboratory processes, quality requirements, and technical procedures to ensure samples are processed accurately and efficiently.

The Laboratory Technician Level 2 will work within established procedures and competency limits, escalating complex technical issues, non-conformances, and analytical concerns where required.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive, prepare, sort and process samples in accordance with laboratory procedures.

• Ensure sample traceability is maintained throughout all laboratory processes.
• Maintain laboratory workflows to support the timely delivery of results.
• Support laboratory housekeeping and ensure work areas remain clean, organised and compliant.

• Operate automated testing and sample handling platforms as trained and authorised.
• Load samples, reagents, controls and consumables onto analysers.
• Monitor analyser performance throughout testing activities.
• Review analyser run status and identify routine issues requiring intervention.
• Perform sample repeats, reruns and routine retesting activities.
• Escalate analytical concerns, unusual trends or unresolved technical issues to an Analytical Scientist or the Laboratory Technical Manager.

• Perform routine analyser maintenance and scheduled operational checks.
• Assist with analyser troubleshooting following approved procedures.
• Ensure equipment is maintained in a state suitable for testing.
• Record maintenance, faults and corrective actions accurately.
• Support equipment verification and routine operational checks when required.

• Work in accordance with ISO 15189 requirements, laboratory policies and standard operating procedures.
• Maintain accurate, contemporaneous and auditable records.
• Report incidents, non-conformances and quality concerns through the laboratory quality management system.
• Support corrective and preventive actions where appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety, COSHH, information governance and data protection requirements.

• Maintain competency for all authorised laboratory activities.
• Provide support and guidance to Laboratory Technicians during routine laboratory activities where appropriately trained.
• Assist in the delivery of training for new starters and existing staff within approved competency areas.

• Support stock control activities and inventory management.
• Monitor reagent and consumable levels and report shortages.
• Assist with reagent receipt, storage, preparation and stock rotation.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience working in a laboratory environment.
• Understanding of good laboratory practice and quality management principles.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to follow documented procedures accurately.
• Competent IT skills and experience of laboratory computer systems.
• Ability to work independently within defined procedures and competency limits.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work flexibly within a high-throughput laboratory environment.

Desirable

• Degree in Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Life Sciences or equivalent scientific discipline, or equivalent laboratory experience.
• Experience working in a UKAS accredited or regulated laboratory.
• Experience operating automated analytical platforms.
• Experience of molecular diagnostics, serology or pathology testing.
• Knowledge of ISO 15189 requirements.
• Experience reviewing quality control results and analyser performance data.
• Experience using LIMS and laboratory automation systems.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at Preventx

At Preventx, we believe diversity drives innovation and inclusion strengthens our impact. We’re committed to creating a workplace that values individual differences and fosters a culture of respect, belonging, and growth.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences—including those from underrepresented communities. If you need any support with your application or adjustments during the recruitment process, we’re here to help.