Job overview
The transplant programme at the Royal Marsden Hospital has established a reputation for high quality service provision which we strive to maintain and improve by commitment to excellence and innovation.
There is now an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic graduate to join the team. This is a 2 year fixed term Band 3 post working a Medical Laboratory Assistant offering the post holder the opportunity to increase their knowledge and understanding of stem cell transplantation. The department holds IBMS training status and the post-holder will be expected to undertake their registration portfolio guided by experienced trainers. The successful candidate will provide support to the laboratory team to ensure the smooth operation of this essential service. The post holder will work closely to departmental operating requirements to maintain quality standards demanded by regulatory bodies.
Due to the nature of the work the individual must be able to work with high levels of concentration and attention to detail. The post requires a level of physical fitness to be able to move heavy equipment and to stand for long periods in order to be able to fulfil the role. We are looking for a strong team player with excellent organisational skills, but also the ability to work alone.
Main duties of the job
1. To support the stem cell transplant and cellular therapy programmes
2. To perform a wide variety of support tasks within the Cellular Therapy Laboratory under the supervision and direction of the state registered biomedical scientist staff.
3. To take an active role in maintaining cleanliness of the clean-room including the cleaning of all floors and surfaces with biocides. To undertake training in and to perform environmental monitoring of the clean room areas.
4. To support qualified staff processing stem cells for transplant following departmental SOPs. This involves working independently as well as in a team. Support activities involve carrying out detailed calculations and using a variety of equipment.
5. To take an active role in maintaining adequate stock levels and performing accurate logging of batches and expiry dates of all consumables and equipment used in cell processing.
6. The Cellular Therapy lab holds IBMS training status and training in laboratory practise will be given as the post-holder is expected to complete an IBMS registration portfolio. There will be a requirement for some of the work towards the portfolio to be undertaken in the post-holder’s own time.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
These responsibilities will be carried out under the guidance of the Head/Deputy Head of the Cellular Therapy laboratory
Laboratory duties
Clean room working - this involves stringent aseptic technique and adherence to relevant standards of working.
Run controls and perform full blood counts using an automated analyser.
Provide critical support to stem cell processing staff in the clean room.
Participate in storage and checking of cryopreserved stem cells.
Participate in maintenance, cleaning and monitoring of the cryogenic storage facility, cleanroom areas and general laboratory.
To assist with general laboratory portering.
Other Responsibilities
To work within the limits of capability and responsibility of the post, seeking advice and direction where appropriate.
To participate in training and assessment for specified tasks, completing programmes to a satisfactory level of competence.
Working conditions/effort
The post is laboratory-based with time spent in the clean room, cryogenic storage area, unclassified lab and office. The post involves standing for significant periods, lifting, cleaning and other physical tasks.
The post involves frequent movement between the Cellular Therapy Transplant Laboratory, various diagnostic pathology labs and adult and paediatric ward areas
The post involves working with blood products and liquid nitrogen
Performance of repetitive tasks is required
Person specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential criteria
7. GCSE grade A-C or equivalent in English, Maths and Science and an IBMS accredited degree in Biomedical Science
8. Understand the requirements to complete the IBMS registration portfolio
Experience
Essential criteria
9. Working individually and as part of a team
10. Working to quality standards
Desirable criteria
11. Working in a hospital laboratory
Skills Abilities/knowledge
Essential criteria
12. Able to work accurately to specific operating requirements and instructions
13. Excellent organisational ability
14. Able to work accurately with meticulous attention to detail
15. Very basic understanding of stem cell transplantation
The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential. We are committed to this because we know that greater diversity and inclusion will lead to an even greater positive impact for the people we serve.
Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close any adverts before the published closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications. We advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment.
Flu Vaccination – What We Expect of our Staff
At The Royal Marsden we have an immune compromised patient population who we must protect as much as we can against the flu virus. Each year, seasonal flu affects thousands of people in the UK. Occurring mainly in winter, it is an infectious respiratory disease capable of producing symptoms ranging from those similar to a common cold, through to very severe or even fatal disease.
The wellbeing of our staff and patients is of the upmost importance to us, and it is the expectation of The Royal Marsden that all patient-facing staff have an annual flu vaccination, provided free of charge by the Trust.
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