Job Benefits:
* Life Assurance
* Discount platform (supermarkets, high street, cinema & travel)
* 25 days annual leave (28 days after 3 years of service)
* Enhanced absences (sickness and parental)
* Learning & Development opportunities
* Dog friendly offices
Job Summary:
* To actively participate in the day-to-day activities of the VPG laboratory operation ensuring all tests are carried out to the highest quality and within the agreed turnaround times.
* Assist in delivering a market leading pathology service to all clients of the VPG.
Duties & Responsibilities:
* Work safely in the laboratory - following all relevant SOP's, health and safety, risk assessments and COSHH documentation.
* Understand and follow all quality procedures to meet the required quality standards
* Understand and comply with any internal or external regulations relevant to the workplace
* Maintain excellent housekeeping, including laboratory maintenance procedures, cleaning, and decontamination
* Understand and perform management, control, and disposal of laboratory waste
* Always understand and adhere to Good Laboratory Practices
* Undertake any mandatory training as required by the business
* Perform basic laboratory investigations and participate in daily scientific and technical activities of the laboratory section
* Participate in the receipt, recording, storage, allocation, and disposal of specimens - also identifying and resolving issues effectively with the assistance of senior colleagues where appropriate
* Participate in the input, retrieval, and analysis of data, seeking advice from a senior colleague where appropriate
* Participate in the day-to-day maintenance and cleanliness of equipment and working areas within the laboratory
* Prepare reagents and other materials for routine laboratory use following appropriate SOP's
* Perform general laboratory duties as assigned by the lab manager - e.g., Temperature checks
* To work in accordance with SOPs at all times
* Utilise the laboratory LIMS and other application software to authorised protocols
* To actively participate in ongoing training and further learning / CPD where appropriate
* Plan and prioritise work allocations - responding to the needs of routine and urgent activities
* To contribute to the internal and external QC/QA procedures and highlighting concerns to a senior colleague
* Requesting and maintaining stock in an efficient way, ensuring correct supplies are always available
* Ensuring results are reported within expected TAT's
* Ensure laboratory maintenance is being performed and any quality assurance procedures are followed
* To undertake any other reasonable duty when requested to do so by an appropriate manager
Knowledge, Skills, Attributes & Experience:
Essential:
* A minimum requirement of 3 GCSE's to include English and Maths and at least one science subject.
* Must be able to work unsupervised once training is complete.
* High attention to detail required to work accurately within agreed timeframes.
* Ability to communicate with a wide range of levels of staff within the laboratory.
* Good developed interpersonal and team working abilities.
* Ability to manage time to best advantage.
* Ability to adapt efficiently to change.
* Able to plan activities within area of work.
* High degree of dexterity required.
* Able to concentrate for prolonged periods of time.
* A good working knowledge of principles underlying testing procedures.
* An ability to work in a systematic manner. Be able to work independently to complete allotted tasks in a time-sensitive manner with a high attention to detail.
* High degree of dexterity required and able to concentrate for extended periods of time.
* Good knowledge of computer applications and LIMS including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
* Good problem-solving skills.
* Ability to manage change and create a positive environment throughout the change process.
* Takes responsibility for and contributes to own personal development.
* Maintains required level of quality of their own work.
* Ability to communicate effectively, courteously and with clarity at all times.
Desirable:
* An interest in science and ambition to progress within the laboratory.
Working Hours:
This is a full time role, Monday to Friday with participation in the Saturday rota.