Assistant Technical Officer

University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 20,000 - GBP 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust in Plymouth is seeking a dedicated individual to handle sample processing and support laboratory operations. The role involves preparation and analysis of biological samples, adherence to Standard Operating Procedures, and effective collaboration with healthcare staff. Candidates should be competent in using laboratory equipment and IT systems. This position offers opportunities for career development within a progressive working environment.

Qualifications

• Competent in operating laboratory analysers.
• Familiar with office equipment including computers and printers.
• Knowledge of Standard Operating Procedures.

Responsibilities

• Receive and prepare biological samples for analysis.
• Make routine calls to healthcare staff.
• Manage stock levels and ensure compliance with SOPs.

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Receipt of samples, sample preparation, request data entry, presentation for analysis and dispatch to tertiary centres as appropriate.
• Make and receive routine telephone calls to/from GPs, medical, nursing and other healthcare staff.
• Prepare biological material collected from patients, including blood samples for analysis and analyse these following a Standard Operating Procedure.
• Work with colleagues to ensure the reception area delivers a timely processing of samples and test requests.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures to ensure that all send‑away samples are packaged and despatched in compliance with special postal regulations.
• Ensure senior staff are made aware when stock levels are low.
• Be competent in the use of office equipment including computers, printers, fax machines and photocopiers.
• Use the laboratory IT system to input results of tests, deal with enquiries for results, and use the Trust PIMS system to look up patient details.
• Operate complex laboratory analysers in order to carry out investigations.
• Assist senior staff in training new staff.
• Assist in the receipt, processing and storage of all samples derived from clinical trials, including those for which the department derives income.
• Remove samples and request forms from their plastic bags whilst checking the data on the sample matches that on the request form.
• Notify senior staff of all rejected samples due to inadequate patient ID or incorrect sample type for the test requested, or contact necessary persons, in accordance with the SOP for the area, to resolve any non‑compliance with policy.

The post holder will work together with senior staff and support staff in all sections of the laboratory to produce a timely, high quality, accurate and cost effective service.

The post holder will support the timely processing of patient samples serving all those patients attending PHNT, PCTs representing 100 General Practices and specialist assays referred to us from other Trusts within the Peninsula.

We are a people business where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work‑life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full‑time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.