Laboratory and Clerical Assistant in Banbury

We have an exciting opportunity for a Laboratory and Clerical Assistant to join our research team at Banbury Cross Health Centre. This is a bank post so working patterns will be varied but within the practice opening hours (weekdays 8am 6.30pm). Very occasionally, you may be asked to work at a weekend to support a clinic although this will be discussed in advance.

The role involves undertaking laboratory processes as part of the Research team, including training and following clinical trial protocols to perform laboratory processes, sample shipping and related tasks. You will also undertake administrative and clinic booking processes to support the wider Research Team.

You will need excellent IT skills, be adaptable to and enjoy using new systems including study specific systems (training will be provided). In addition, you must have strong verbal and written communication skills with an ability to build positive working relationships. This post would suit someone with an interest in clinical trials/research. You must be able to demonstrate excellent attention to detail and an awareness of data protection and GDPR. You must also be flexible and happy to work in a team or under your own initiative but recognise when to refer more complex issues to colleagues or line manager for support.

Main duties of the job

• You will engage in a range of activities to support our research team including developing laboratory knowledge and performing laboratory processes to support the needs of each trial.
• You will support the recruitment of study participants via booking activities and the collection and documentation of accurate data.
• You will work collaboratively with practice research team and clinical study teams.

About us

PML is a successful not-for-profit, GP-led organisation providing various NHS community and primary care clinical services to patients across Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire. We have evolved as a NHS healthcare provider since 2004 and in the last few years have grown significantly, now employing around 300 staff with a turnover of circa £16m. PML holds GMS contracts, as well as being a GP Federation representing circa 60 GP practices covering approximately 780,000 patients.

We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and circumstances and people with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

Job responsibilities

• Laboratory knowledge
  • Develop study specific laboratory knowledge as appropriate for research studies taking place at Banbury Cross Health Centre and other sites that may be working collaboratively with the practice.
  • Perform laboratory processes ensuring sample collection and storage procedures follow protocol requirements and best practice including completion of documentation e.g. sample, processing and storage logs, and respond to data management queries.
  • Support the Research team in organising ordering / collection / delivery of dry ice / packing materials for transportation of samples and ensure shipment of samples and documentation is completed following sponsor and/or local procedure.
  • Participate in the monitoring of temperature-controlled storage, take timely action and report temperature deviations.
  • Support the Research team in helping manage supplies monitoring and ordering of laboratory equipment/supplies to ensure sufficient quantities of complete, unexpired stock is available as required and equipment is maintained and working effectively e.g. sample kits, centrifuge.
  • Set up and ensure rooms that are used for laboratory activities are suitable for purpose and liaise with site management regarding any issues that may arise.
  • Ensure suitable PPE is available and used appropriately when working in the laboratory.
  • Ensure laboratory areas used for research activities are kept and left clean and tidy.
  • Take and record actions to address or elevate laboratory issues that may impact on the delivery of the activity/clinic and result in potential protocol deviations.
  • Act as an autonomous practitioner, taking responsibility for laboratory decisions where you are competent to do so and seek advice where this is unclear.
  • Have an understanding of adverse event reporting and recording and ensure that the Principal Investigator and Central Study Team are made aware of any such events.
• Administrative and clinic booking activities
  • Communicate by telephone, email and face to face with potential participants to provide information on trials.
  • Maintain up to date participant trackers (MS Excel).
  • Respond to enquiries and issues from participants and elevate to Research team members as appropriate.
  • Undertake pre-screening activities and document using templates.
  • Book appointments and send reminders to maximise attendance.
  • Assist with stock management and maintenance of supplies, keeping storage areas tidy.
  • Assist with photocopying, scanning, printing and filing documents/records.
  • Assist with administrative tasks in preparation for clinics e.g. creation of participant take home kits, participant document binders.
  • Assist with data entry, filing and other clerical tasks.
  • Use of the computer, internet, Microsoft office, clinical systems and study data entry platforms.
• Other responsibilities
  • Work according to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and research governance standards for all aspects of work practice.
  • Ensure that all data is handled according to the Data Protection Act and in a confidential and where necessary anonymised fashion.
  • Adhere to all relevant local policies and standard operating procedures for research studies taking place at Banbury Cross Health Centre and other sites that may be working collaboratively with the practice.
  • Attend Research team and Sponsor training events and other relevant meetings which are deemed essential to the satisfactory delivery of your role as agreed with the Research Management Team.
  • Support the Research nurses and Research Manager in the review of laboratory activities within Banbury Cross Health Centre and other sites that may be working collaboratively with the practice.
  • Undertake training as required this will include mandatory training, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and any other training required by the individual study teams.
  • Continue your own personal and professional development keeping updated with current practice.
  • Work across other PML research study sites as required.

This job description seeks to outline the key duties and responsibilities of the post holder and is not a definitive document and does not form part of the main statement of terms and conditions. This job will be reviewed periodically and changes may be made in consultation with the post-holder.

Person Specification

• Qualifications
  • GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent).
• Skills and Knowledge
  • Ability to develop good practical laboratory skills.
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Flexibility to agree working schedule to support trial and practice needs.
  • Attention to detail including ability to follow instructions.
  • Confidence in learning new systems and databases.
  • Ability to complete training to achieve and maintain NIHR Good Clinical Practice certification.
  • Flexible and adaptable approach.
  • Prepared to attend appropriate training and meetings as required to perform the role.
  • Demonstration of good practical laboratory skills.
  • Full driving licence/access to car.
• Experience
  • Experience of working in a primary care setting.
  • Use of EMIS.

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.