Job summary An opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to become a valued member of our team in the Department of Cellular Pathology. The post is primarily based at St Jamess Hospital but there may be a requirement for cross site cover to meet service demands. The postholder will collect, deliver, receive and assist in the processing of clinical diagnostic specimens for biological testing. They will undertake routine clinical technical investigations, which may involve operating complex equipment following standard operating procedures. Some of this work may be under supervision. The postholder may also enter and retrieve patient demographic details using the laboratory information system. The postholder will be expected to communicate effectively with colleagues and other healthcare staff. An innovative department, we were the first laboratory in the UK digitally scanning all surgical slides and the first to introduce automated tissue sectioners to the UK. We are a regional Cellular Pathology Genomics Centre and pilot site for the Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad. The department has appointed a Transformation Lead to support with development of the service and is also supported by a Pathology Technology & Innovation Lead. Expected interview date(s): w/c 22nd April 2025 Expected Shortlisting Date 10/04/2025 Planned Interview Date 24/04/2025 Main duties of the job Working as a member of the departmental team you will be expected to perform a range of routine tasks in support of biomedical, scientific and medical staff. You will have problem solving skills that will allow you to make judgements and decisions about job related situations and will be required to communicate information, some of which may be related to patient management and care. Tasks may vary from day to day but examples would include: receiving diagnostic samples into the laboratory, preparation of samples, including sample/document collection and delivery, preparation of chemical reagents, processing, and safe disposal of clinical / laboratory waste. You may be required to respond to telephone enquiries, assist in monitoring, cleaning and maintenance of equipment, assist in the ordering, receipt and control of consumables and participate in laboratory audit processes. About us The department provides Histopathology, Andrology, Immunohistochemistry, Muscle, Molecular, Non Gynae Cytology and mortuary services for Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust and surrounding primary care centres. We are a well equipped and innovative department being the first laboratory in the UK digitally scanning 100% of surgical slides, also introducing the UK's first automated tissue sectioners. We process circa 58,000 surgical cases, 2,000 autopsy cases and 6000 non-gynaecological cytology cases per annum. We are a continually improving department, striving for high quality staff and processes. As a training hospital we serve to expand the knowledge and skills of all staff. There are plenty of opportunities to become involved, and further development is encouraged. We endeavour to follow 'The Leeds Way' at all times putting the patient first at all times. Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying 'at risk' members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any questions. Date posted 20 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 2 Salary £23,615 a year Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Flexible working Reference number C9298-PATH-421 Job locations Leeds General Infirmary Great George Street Leeds LS1 3EX Job description Job responsibilities PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY To perform appropriate technical laboratory procedures and tasks that are consistent with the job holders levels of knowledge, skills and experience. These tasks may vary from day to day but examples would include: receiving diagnostic samples into the laboratory preparation of samples prior to processing, including sample/document collection and delivery preparation of chemical reagents processing of certain clinical samples safe disposal of clinical / laboratory waste To prepare materials for distribution to clinical areas To enter and retrieve patient information using the laboratory computer system. To respond to telephone enquiries from users of the service in a manner that is in accordance with departmental procedures To assist in the day to day monitoring, cleaning and maintenance of laboratory equipment. To contribute to general departmental management by assisting in the ordering, receipt and control of consumables To demonstrate relevant job related tasks to new or more junior staff TRAINING AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT The jobholder must take responsibility in agreement with his/her line manager for his/her own personal development by ensuring that Continuous Professional Development remains a priority. The jobholder will undertake all mandatory training required for the role. COMMUNICATION & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS As the job holder you will communicate and work directly or indirectly with a diverse range of other staff. Those shown below are examples: Internal - Colleagues, supervisors and managers within the speciality - Pathology staff working in other specialities - Members of clinical teams including nurses, doctors and other practitioners - Administrative and secretarial staff - Estates and facilities staff External - Staff in primary care facilities - Staff in other hospitals - Staff in non NHS organizations (for example suppliers of consumables) - Patients SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS As the job holder you will be required to work in a clinical laboratory environment. As such you will work under controlled conditions where chemical and biohazardous materials are handled. For your own protection you will be required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment and for this you will receive training. Frequent periods of light and occasional periods of moderate physical activity related to stores management may be expected. The service is delivered from a number of different sites and you may be required, subject to consultation, to travel between sites. i) PHYSICAL EFFORT: This job requires a high degree of dexterity and precision when manipulating small tools such as pipettes, handling very small volumes of clinical material or when preparing microscope slides for examination by others. In order to achieve the required turn around times the work must be performed with both speed and accuracy. These tasks are repetitive and may involve the job holder standing at equipment or sitting at the laboratory bench for extended periods. Regular requirement to sit at PC and regular requirement for post holder to be mobile for collection & delivery of samples. This job requires the holder to participate in stock control, including the movement of goods from the point of delivery to the point of storage. This will require frequent movement of light and moderate loads up to 15kg. Subject to suitable and sufficient manual handling training the job holder may occasionally be asked to assist in the movement of laboratory equipment (e.g. centrifuges, incubators) or consumables that weigh in excess of 15kg. (e.g. gas cylinders, containers of large volumes of fluid) There is normally no requirement to lift people. MENTAL EFFORT: The day to day repertoire of this job is diverse and the job holder can expect to be asked by supervisory staff to change tasks at short notice. In order to minimize errors concentration is required on a daily basis when processing specimens. Occasionally this may require prolonged concentration and is subject to workload. The job holder is expected to operate complex laboratory equipment. This task requires concentration so that personal safety is maintained, and equipment is not damaged. There is no requirement for the job holder to drive a vehicle EMOTIONAL EFFORT: In normal circumstances there is little patient contact by the job holder and exposure to emotional circumstances is limited. However, subject to the requirements of the speciality some patient contact may occur such as in the collection of capillary blood samples from children. WORKING CONDITIONS: The job holder will be required to work with chemical and biological material on every shift. The working environment in a clinical laboratory is strictly controlled and under normal circumstances these hazards are contained. There will be occasional exposure to uncontrolled chemical and biological hazard after spillage or leakage. Exposure to physical aggressive behaviour is rare. Occasional exposure to verbal aggression occurs during telephone communication with service users Job description Job responsibilities PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY To perform appropriate technical laboratory procedures and tasks that are consistent with the job holders levels of knowledge, skills and experience. These tasks may vary from day to day but examples would include: receiving diagnostic samples into the laboratory preparation of samples prior to processing, including sample/document collection and delivery preparation of chemical reagents processing of certain clinical samples safe disposal of clinical / laboratory waste To prepare materials for distribution to clinical areas To enter and retrieve patient information using the laboratory computer system. To respond to telephone enquiries from users of the service in a manner that is in accordance with departmental procedures To assist in the day to day monitoring, cleaning and maintenance of laboratory equipment. To contribute to general departmental management by assisting in the ordering, receipt and control of consumables To demonstrate relevant job related tasks to new or more junior staff TRAINING AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT The jobholder must take responsibility in agreement with his/her line manager for his/her own personal development by ensuring that Continuous Professional Development remains a priority. The jobholder will undertake all mandatory training required for the role. COMMUNICATION & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS As the job holder you will communicate and work directly or indirectly with a diverse range of other staff. Those shown below are examples: Internal - Colleagues, supervisors and managers within the speciality - Pathology staff working in other specialities - Members of clinical teams including nurses, doctors and other practitioners - Administrative and secretarial staff - Estates and facilities staff External - Staff in primary care facilities - Staff in other hospitals - Staff in non NHS organizations (for example suppliers of consumables) - Patients SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS As the job holder you will be required to work in a clinical laboratory environment. As such you will work under controlled conditions where chemical and biohazardous materials are handled. For your own protection you will be required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment and for this you will receive training. Frequent periods of light and occasional periods of moderate physical activity related to stores management may be expected. The service is delivered from a number of different sites and you may be required, subject to consultation, to travel between sites. i) PHYSICAL EFFORT: This job requires a high degree of dexterity and precision when manipulating small tools such as pipettes, handling very small volumes of clinical material or when preparing microscope slides for examination by others. In order to achieve the required turn around times the work must be performed with both speed and accuracy. These tasks are repetitive and may involve the job holder standing at equipment or sitting at the laboratory bench for extended periods. Regular requirement to sit at PC and regular requirement for post holder to be mobile for collection & delivery of samples. This job requires the holder to participate in stock control, including the movement of goods from the point of delivery to the point of storage. This will require frequent movement of light and moderate loads up to 15kg. Subject to suitable and sufficient manual handling training the job holder may occasionally be asked to assist in the movement of laboratory equipment (e.g. centrifuges, incubators) or consumables that weigh in excess of 15kg. (e.g. gas cylinders, containers of large volumes of fluid) There is normally no requirement to lift people. MENTAL EFFORT: The day to day repertoire of this job is diverse and the job holder can expect to be asked by supervisory staff to change tasks at short notice. In order to minimize errors concentration is required on a daily basis when processing specimens. Occasionally this may require prolonged concentration and is subject to workload. The job holder is expected to operate complex laboratory equipment. This task requires concentration so that personal safety is maintained, and equipment is not damaged. There is no requirement for the job holder to drive a vehicle EMOTIONAL EFFORT: In normal circumstances there is little patient contact by the job holder and exposure to emotional circumstances is limited. However, subject to the requirements of the speciality some patient contact may occur such as in the collection of capillary blood samples from children. WORKING CONDITIONS: The job holder will be required to work with chemical and biological material on every shift. The working environment in a clinical laboratory is strictly controlled and under normal circumstances these hazards are contained. There will be occasional exposure to uncontrolled chemical and biological hazard after spillage or leakage. Exposure to physical aggressive behaviour is rare. Occasional exposure to verbal aggression occurs during telephone communication with service users Person Specification Qualifications Essential Maths GCSE standard or equivalent qualification English GCSE standard or equivalent qualification Other Criteria Essential The job holder will be required to work with chemical and biological material on every shift. This job requires the holder to participate in stock control requiring frequent movement of light and moderate loads up to 15kg Skills and Behaviours Essential Basic computer skills, knowledge of conventional IT software and IT literacy e.g. Microsoft Office Able to become an integral member of a team providing a clinical technical service Able to communicate clearly and effectively Able to demonstrate relevant tasks to others as appropriate Able to demonstrate examples of dexterity Able to take account of changes in service delivery by demonstrating a flexible approach to work Experience Essential Basic laboratory technical procedures An understanding of health and safety in the workplace An understanding of patient confidentiality Understands the requirement for following policies and procedure Desirable Previous experience of working in a laboratory Person Specification Qualifications Essential Maths GCSE standard or equivalent qualification English GCSE standard or equivalent qualification Other Criteria Essential The job holder will be required to work with chemical and biological material on every shift. This job requires the holder to participate in stock control requiring frequent movement of light and moderate loads up to 15kg Skills and Behaviours Essential Basic computer skills, knowledge of conventional IT software and IT literacy e.g. Microsoft Office Able to become an integral member of a team providing a clinical technical service Able to communicate clearly and effectively Able to demonstrate relevant tasks to others as appropriate Able to demonstrate examples of dexterity Able to take account of changes in service delivery by demonstrating a flexible approach to work Experience Essential Basic laboratory technical procedures An understanding of health and safety in the workplace An understanding of patient confidentiality Understands the requirement for following policies and procedure Desirable Previous experience of working in a laboratory Employer details Employer name Leeds Teaching Hospitals Address Leeds General Infirmary Great George Street Leeds LS1 3EX Employer's website https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)