University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
Please see below for detailed job description of the role.
This post is for a Laboratory technician to work as part of a clinical laboratory research team in the NIHR Clinical Research Facility (CRF). The appointee will have demonstrable experience of training and supervising staff in a clinical laboratory setting, responding to study queries, working with blood and clinical specimens and the ability to work in collaboration with a team of research nurses and clinicians.
The CRF laboratory provides an essential component of the clinical research pathway, processing study participant samples quickly and efficiently to ensure optimal results. This is facilitated by excellent communication both within the team and with doctors and nurses. As a result of our ongoing success in this role, we support in excess of 500 clinical studies, including numerous Covid-19 studies, for which we have been commended both internally and externally for the quality of our work, level of teamwork and flexibility in the current climate.
University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.
Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.
We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.
At UHS, we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.
At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognising that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.
What you’ll do
The appointee will take responsibility for responding to study-specific queries, training and supervising new and visiting members of staff, assisting with laboratory tours and receipt, tracking, processing, storage and sending of specimens taken as part of the research programmes according to recommended protocols. Laboratory experience, including PBMC isolation, biological sample handling and the use of sample tracking software, is essential, as is recent GCP and IATA training. Responsibilities will also include ensuring the lab is clean, tidy and well stocked with consumables and ensuring sample data is accurately recorded on electronic and paper logs. The post-holder is expected to be able to work without immediate supervision and to work an early or late shift pattern when required.
What we’re looking for
The post requires someone with experience working in a clinical laboratory setting, working with blood and clinical specimens, with the ability to work in collaboration with a team of research nurses and clinical investigators. Laboratory experience, including handling of biological samples both on desktop and within material safety cabinets, GCP training, IATA training and the use of sample tracking software such as Freezerworks is essential. The post holder will collect and process samples according to recommended protocols, ensuring accurate documentation. The post holder will liaise with investigators and other research staff involved in research studies and advise on their sample collection, processing and analytical procedures. They will also liaise with study monitors and sponsors to address study-specific queries. The post-holder is expected to be able to both work without immediate supervision and be able to train new laboratory staff whilst working an early or late shift pattern when required.
