Medical Laboratory Assistant in Manchester

We are looking for top talent to join the UK’s leading and fastest growing pathology company – a scientific organisation with a clinical purpose.

Job overview: Precision. Cutting edge technology. The fight against Cancer. If the above touches you, inspires you to find fulfilment in what you do in your job, this opportunity might be for you. As Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) you’ll be there supporting the scientists and other specialists in the treatment of patients by ensuring precise actions are taken, the environment is fit to conduct this necessary work and you adapt to changing techniques and technologies.

Working in the Stem Cells team, which sits within Blood Sciences, you will be joining a team of scientists at the leading edge of diagnostic therapy. And at The Christie, the largest single site cancer centre in Europe, you will be working with world renowned specialists in their field, a great network to learn from and to develop your skills in this niche discipline.

Main duties of the job: The Department provides laboratory support as an integral part of the HTA and JACIE accredited Stem cell and Bone Marrow transplant programme. As such, there are strict protocols and quality markers that you’ll need to follow. This is precise therapy with lots at stake. A key element of your contribution will be to ensure the working environment is sterile and equipped correctly to the highest standards. This isn’t just about normal cleaning and preparation, this is working in a highly regulated laboratory undertaking the following, non-exhaustive list of key duties:

• To perform cleaning and disinfection duties in the cleanroom and preparation laboratory, meeting aseptic standards where required
• Perform daily checks, completing and filing paperwork
• To perform environmental monitoring of the cleanroom and associated areas.
• To transport dry shippers, Nitrogen vessel and cool boxes to and from the department as required
• Handling liquid nitrogen, filling dewers and shippers
• Assist Stem cell team members with routine tasks as required.

All duties carried out are in accordance to written departmental policies and operating procedures.

Joining SYNLAB, you will join one of the largest providers of laboratory pathology and diagnostic services in Europe. SYNLAB is the European leader in delivery of high-quality pathology testing and imaging services. With this exhaustive network, you will join a large family encouraging you to be the best you can be, to support the services we provide our customers and to have a lasting impact on the lives of patients.

Learning and Development is crucial therefore, as you develop your skills in this niche area, there will be opportunities to move up within this supporting post. You’ll learn new techniques and keep up to date in this field, you’ll access our ACCE competencies training framework to ensure you’ve got the tools necessary to perform at the highest standards and meet your career goals.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities: The purpose of your role is to perform all designated duties in accordance with local working practices, to maintain high personal standards and conform to Health and Safety regulations. You will also prepare and process clinical specimens for biomedical testing, within operating procedures and protocols. You will be required to work in accordance with the HTA regulations and guidance and JACIE standards and continue with personal development through academic or practical experience. Part of your key responsibilities will include providing leadership and supervision, as directed, of trainee Medical Laboratory Assistants.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• To perform all designated duties in accordance with local working practices, to maintain high personal standards and conform to Health and Safety regulations.
• Prepare and process clinical specimens for biomedical testing, within operating procedures and protocols.
• Propose changes to standard operating procedures as required in order to develop and streamline the service or to reflect other changes.
• Utilise the laboratory LIMS, Q-Pulse quality monitoring system and other application software according to authorised protocols including assisting in computer data entry in all areas of the laboratory.
• Communicate efficiently, courteously and with clarity at all times, whether face to face, telephone or electronic methods referring enquiries to senior staff where appropriate.
• Attend and participate positively in laboratory and other meetings as directed by Laboratory managers.
• As directed by senior laboratory staff, plan and prioritise work allocations, responding appropriately to the needs of routine and urgent activities.
• To continue with personal development through academic or practical experience.
• Use consumables and equipment within your allocated section responsibility and be responsible for stock control audits, maintaining sufficient stock in the areas it is used, and recording through approved channels as required.
• Report all incidents and adverse events to senior staff.
• Demonstrate ongoing competency against training plans and participate positively in CPD (Continuous Professional Development) activities.

Person specification:

• 4 GCSE at Grade C or equivalent, including English and a science subject
• Experience of laboratory working or cleaning to a high standard
• Aseptic training or experience
• Experience of clerical working or data input
• Good degree of accuracy & numeracy
• Ability to communicate with a wide range of levels of staff within the laboratory and user organisations
• 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
• Knowledge of Aseptic techniques, infection control

Applications are welcomed from applicants with a disability. We can make reasonable adjustments and offer support and advice in a variety of ways throughout the application process. All applicants are welcome to apply regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation. Equality of opportunity is our policy.

For our Permanent workforce we offer a competitive benefits package. All employees are entitled to:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Ground breaking development opportunities

Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All employees have a responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in the course of their daily duties and for ensuring that they are aware of the specific duties relating to their role.

Please apply for this post online. If you have problems with using the online process, or need any assistance, please email recruitment@synnovis.co.uk. Your e-mail address is important to us. We communicate to all job applicants via the e-mail address which has been provided on the application form. Please ensure that you check your e-mail on a regular basis.

Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close any adverts before the published closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications. If you decide to apply for this post but do not hear back from us within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been short-listed on this occasion. Thank you for your interest in SYNLAB.