We are committed to helping our staff balance their work and home lives and ensure they feel supported, valued and appreciated so whilst you care for our patients and clients, we’ll take care of you. We offer many different ways of helping staff including career development opportunities, flexible working, good annual leave and pension schemes, health and wellbeing packages and financial support systems. Joining the Trust also allows you access to a number of saving options via our salary sacrifice schemes and a wide range of discount opportunities with retailers and service providers. Job overview A vacancy has arisen for a self-motivated and enthusiastic individual to join this dynamic and internationally respected EQA programme based within the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust. The individual will be required to supervise the daily activities of the MLA team and will work with administrative staff and healthcare scientists in the area of Immunology, Immunochemistry & Allergy by delivering an efficient and responsive EQA service to UK and international clinical laboratories. This is a non-patient facing role within UK NEQAS and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that will ideally suit an individual looking to join an internationally respected team and be exposed to new and exciting developments. Main duties of the job • To receive requests/specimens and ensure sample integrity. • Redirect specimens as appropriate. • Work in line with all prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Policies as directed and be involved in the review process • Perform pre-analytical preparation of EQA samples according to protocols. • Undertake duties associated with the EQA Team as required. • Enter and analyse EQA sample data into bespoke computer systems where appropriate. • File and retrieve EQA samples pre- and post-production including the long-term storage of a proportion of samples. • The safe disposal of biological materials and waste according to local and national guidelines • Perform basic laboratory procedures under appropriate supervision. • Prepare solutions and reagents as required following protocols. • Assist with the cleaning and decontamination of laboratory equipment and benches. • Respond to telephone enquiries by undertaking retrieval of results from the bespoke computer systems and to communicate information to appropriate service users in line with departmental procedures. • To demonstrate working procedures and communicate own knowledge and understanding to others, including all less experienced staff irrespective of grade. • Undertake appropriate administrative duties. • Undertake the retrieval/appropriate updating of records using the appropriate EQA computer systems. • Assist in planned research and development. Working for our organisation You will be working for an organisation which values and respects all of its staff and the community it serves. The Trust is a leader in the NHS and research sectors and provides excellent benefits for its staff. This includes commitments to professional development but also many policies to support employees in balancing their personal and professional lives. Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust operates with a budget of £1.2 bn, has a workforce of over 18,500 employees, covers five hospital sites, provides care from over forty community settings, and has an excellent reputation for research. As an organisation we value and respect our staff and the community we serve. We provide excellent staff benefits; this includes commitment to professional development but also many initiatives to support employees in balancing their personal and professional lives. Person specification Education & Qualifications Essential criteria • GCSE at Grade C or above in English and Maths or equivalent qualification. • Short courses / demonstrable experience in HR / management / supervision such as work allocation and checking, recruitment & selection, contribution to appraisal procedure. • Qualifications/short course or demonstrable experience in MS Office Desirable criteria • Experience to Vocational Qualification Level 3 (or equivalent) level plus additional theoretical or applied training in EQA to diploma equivalent level • Extensive laboratory experience, plus knowledge of a range of EQA healthcare science duties acquired through training • Obtained or in the process of obtaining the IBMS Certificate of Achievement. Experience Essential criteria • Detailed understanding of team leader job content • Experience of leadership/supervision • Experience of training others Desirable criteria • Previous MLA experience within EQA Centre • Project management skills Skills & knowledge Essential criteria • Keyboard and basic IT skills • Has an awareness of Health and Safety issues and Risk assessments in laboratory practice. • Effective communication skills, written and oral. Can communicate effectively with staff of all grades. • Evidence of effective time management skills (including working to tight deadlines) • Evidence of a methodical approach. • Ability to concentrate for extended periods of time whilst performing laboratory duties • Ability to follow and work to SOP and policy Personal Qualities Essential criteria • Commitment to complete and maintain Internal training and required laboratory competences • Ability to plan and prioritise allocated work • Ability to work individually and as part of a team • Team skills – maintains composure in pressurised situations. Motivates others in the team.