Biomedical Support Worker (XR02) in Leeds

An opportunity has arisen for enthusiastic people to join the busy but friendly laboratories of HMDS located in the Institute of Oncology, Bexley Wing, St. James University Hospital. Successful candidates will be joining our team of consultants, scientists and support staff to help deliver diagnosis of blood cancers for patients from across Yorkshire and Humberside. The work is varied and rewarding and the role is ideal for anyone with an interest in science and/or healthcare wanting to start a career in science or looking for new challenges.

Main duties of the job:

• Applicants should have a minimum of 5 GCSEs or equivalent including maths and English.
• Previous laboratory experience is desirable but not essential as full training will be given.
• General laboratory duties include patient data entry, preparing blood and bone marrow films, extraction of DNA and reagent preparation.
• The postholder may also be asked to support a specific area of the lab, for example molecular or flow cytometry.
• The role will also include archiving of sample material.
• Attention to detail and accuracy are essential.

About us:

HMDS provides a specialist service for the diagnosis of blood cancers and is part of the central laboratory for the Yorkshire and North East Genomic Laboratory Hub. The laboratory is the largest of its type in the United Kingdom with a high throughput of specimens including peripheral blood, bone marrow and tissue biopsies. The department also has a strong research programme and there will also be the opportunity to be involved in development projects related to research and clinical trials.

Job responsibilities:

• To collect, receive and assist in the processing of clinical diagnostic specimens for biological testing.
• To undertake routine clinical technical investigations, which may involve operating complex equipment following standard operating procedures.
• To enter and retrieve patient demographic details using the laboratory information system.
• To communicate effectively with colleagues and other healthcare staff.

Knowledge, skills and experience required:

• Numeracy, literacy and basic computer skills are essential.
• In order to carry out the job successfully the holder will acquire a level of theoretical knowledge and understanding of routine and non-routine procedures through in-house training supplemented by ongoing attendance at relevant training courses.

Core behaviours and skills:

• To become an integral member of a team providing a clinical technical service.
• To communicate clearly and effectively whether orally, graphically or electronically.
• To work independently when and as directed by supervisors.
• To plan the designated workload.
• To work with precision and follow accurately the documented laboratory standard operating procedures.
• To operate complex laboratory equipment safely and efficiently.
• To input and extract patient data from the laboratory computer system.
• To demonstrate relevant tasks to others as appropriate.
• To contribute actively towards the improvement of service quality by participating in relevant discussions with other team members.
• To remain competent in established procedures and to develop new skills as experience is accrued.
• To gain new knowledge through experience and participation in relevant training schemes.
• To participate actively in the departmental appraisal scheme.
• To take account of changes in service delivery by demonstrating a flexible approach to work.

Core knowledge and understanding:

• Carry out a range of basic technical procedures, including instruction in the safe and effective use of complex laboratory equipment, recognising system failures and errors.
• Participate in the maintenance of a safe working environment, being aware of hazards and taking appropriate actions in the event of breaches in health and safety (fire, manual handling, security, chemical, biological and radioactive exposures).
• Maintain patient confidentiality.
• Observe departmental policies relating to service provision, e.g. sample labelling and adverse event reporting.

Principal duties & areas of responsibility:

• Receiving diagnostic samples into the laboratory.
• Preparation of samples prior to processing, including sample collection when appropriate.
• Preparation of chemical reagents.
• Processing of certain clinical samples.
• Safe disposal of clinical/laboratory waste.
• Preparation of materials for distribution to clinical areas.
• Entering and retrieving patient information using the laboratory computer system.
• Responding to telephone enquiries from users of the service in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Assisting in the day-to-day monitoring, cleaning and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Contributing to general departmental management by assisting in the ordering, receipt and control of consumables.
• Demonstrating relevant job-related tasks to new or more junior staff.
• Participating in laboratory audit processes.

Person specification:

• 5 GCSEs including Maths and English or equivalent qualifications.
• Study to A level in sciences or equivalent qualifications.
• Previous experience of working in a laboratory.
• Knowledge of conventional IT software e.g. Microsoft Office.
• Able to work in a team.
• Able to work independently.
• Flexible approach to work.
• Friendly attitude.
• Numerate and literate.
• Physically able to assist in movement of moderate loads.
• Physically able to move around and between sites.

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.