Job summary
Our Cellular Pathology team is happy to welcome an Assistant Technical Officer passionate about science while enjoying working in a state-of-the-art laboratory at Peterborough City Hospital.
As an Assistant Technical Officer, you will thrive in a diverse and supportive environment which offers you the support needed in carrying out your daily duties and responsibilities. Our department is staffed by friendly, highly motivated, and professional biomedical scientists and support workers, dealing with approximately one million samples per year.
With us, you will have the opportunity to rotate and experience all areas of the Cellular Pathology department completing tasks such as receiving and booking in specimens, assisting technical and clinical staff in the selection of sample material for pathological assessment, tissue processing and embedding, storage, cataloguing, filing and disposal of archival material, as well as maintaining laboratory equipment according to established procedures.
We are passionate about science and innovation, and we are committed to offering you all opportunities for career progression. You will be highly motivated with good attention to detail and able to work well in a busy team environment.
By joining our team, you will also join the laboratory rota. The core hours are 8.30am-5pm, including participation in early shift 7.30am-4pm, with potential for adjustments to include a late shift (9.30am-6pm) and/or Saturday working should the service require.
Main duties of the job
You will be responsible for receipt of histology and diagnostic cytology specimens and involved in the preparation of samples under the guidance of biomedical scientists.
Using your experience, you will work with the team to improve working practices. You will monitor equipment function and maintenance and advise senior staff of any problems.
Data entry is vital to your role. You will use your attention to detail when inputting patient and specimen details provided by the team onto the live laboratory information system (LIMS), as well as procedural data on the live system. You will use databases and software to produce documents and work lists.
You will have a duty to maintain the health, safety and welfare of self, employees, patients or other third parties visiting the department or general areas of the Trust as well as informing the line manager of any Health and Safety concerns identified.
You will ensure confidentiality and conformity with the requirements of the Data Protection Act, in collaboration with the Caldecott Guardian, Data Protection Officer and the Security of Information Officer.
About us
We are dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusivity within our workforce and warmly welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, with a particular emphasis on encouraging those from disabled, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, as well as candidates from our local area.
As part of our commitment to supporting our employees we offer a range of benefits including:
1. Generous annual leave entitlement starting at 27 days and increasing to 29 days after five years of service and 33 days after 10 years of service, in addition to the national Bank Holidays (pro-rata for part time staff);
2. Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme;
3. Flexible working opportunities;
4. Enhanced hourly rates for unsociable hours e.g. night shifts, weekends, bank holidays;
5. Opportunities for career development and training to help you progress in your role;
6. Wellbeing support and activities to promote a healthy work environment;
7. Access to our in-house physiotherapy service;
8. On-site canteens offering subsidised meals;
9. Subsidised staff parking (currently free);
10. Free Stagecoach Bus Travel to and from work within Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
We strive to create a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees feel valued and empowered to excel in their roles. Join us and become part of a team dedicated to making a positive difference in our community.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main responsibilities:
1. To carry out routine laboratory tasks and assist in all sections in the Cellular Pathology Department on a rotational basis according to departmental protocols.
2. To work closely with senior staff to deliver a quality driven, cost effective and customer focussed service.
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential
1. 5 GCSE or equivalent
Desirable
1. NVQ 3 in laboratory /science discipline or equivalent
Experience
Essential
1. Experience of data entry
Desirable
1. Previous experience of working in a laboratory
2. Previous experience of working in an NHS setting
Knowledge
Essential
1. Knowledge/understanding of the Data Protection Act
2. Knowledge/understanding of Health and Safety in the workplace
3. Understanding of histology and its function
4. Understanding of cytology and its function
5. Understanding of COSHH regulations
Skills
Essential
1. Ability to maintain prolonged concentration and work accurately with attention to detail
2. Ability to communicate at all levels
3. Self-motivated and able to work within a team culture
4. Able to comply with policies and procedures
5. Physically able to perform all tasks of the role including manual handling of bulk reagents for equipment and stock maintenance with suitable equipment where necessary
6. Competent in the use of MS Office applications e.g. Outlook, Excel, Word
Desirable
1. Understanding of medical terminology
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.
Employer details
Employer name
North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Peterborough City Hospital
Bretton Gate
Peterborough
PE3 9GZ
Employer's website
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