Laboratory Technician (Microbiology) in Leeds

40 hours per week Tuesday - Saturday. Salary: DOE.

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 prepare and process clinical microbiology samples with a high degree of accuracy for the Lead Scientists and Clinical Pathologists to analyse and interpret before reports are sent to the requesting veterinary practitioners. To meet internal KPIs under the supervision of the Laboratory Manager/Head of Pathology. Ensures maintenance of sufficient stock of consumable items and provides technical support for the testing service within the VPG and to external clients, as well as ensuring the routine maintenance of the testing equipment and identifying any issues which may put the service at risk. To build and maintain credible and productive relationships by working in partnership with other Lead Scientists and the rest of the laboratory team.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work confidently in the microbiology department performing all designated duties in accordance with local working practices whilst maintaining high personal standards and conforming to Health and Safety regulations.
• Prepare samples for routine investigations, working on own initiative to agreed protocols.
• Culture clinical samples onto the appropriate media and complete basic identification of bacteria.
• Participate daily in the scientific and technical activities of the laboratory section, which may include specimen reception functions, under the supervision of the Laboratory Manager.
• Participate in the receipt, recording, storage and disposal of specimens and identifying and resolving issues effectively.
• Participate in the input and retrieval of data.
• Be responsible for the day to day maintenance and cleanliness of the equipment in own area of responsibility.
• Participate and assist others in the preparation, cleaning, decontamination of equipment and working areas.
• Prepare reagents for routine laboratory use.
• Perform general laboratory duties, e.g. checking instruments and recording temperatures.
• Deal with telephone enquiries to and from the department.
• Ensure appropriate records and documentation of specimens examined are maintained to ensure accuracy of laboratory reports.
• Assist with the training of Laboratory Assistants in new techniques and procedures.
• Plan and prioritise work allocations, responding appropriately to the needs of routine and urgent activities.
• Assist with the writing and updating of Standard Operating Procedures for testing methods used within the laboratory.
• Work in accordance with standard operating procedures at all times.
• Manage ordering and maintain stock control in the most efficient way, ensuring the correct supplies are always available.
• Ensure maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment and that quality assurance procedures are followed.
• Ensure Quality Assurance Reports for their designated section are maintained, issues highlighted and that reports are available for review by the management team and/or QC department.
• Request new equipment as needed, following the appropriate procurement procedures.
• Assist with the development of new laboratory procedures and techniques.
• Utilise the laboratory LIMS and other application software according to authorised protocols including 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.
• Demonstrate ongoing competency against training plans and participate positively in CPD (continuous professional development) activities.
• Undertake any other reasonable duty, when requested to do so by an appropriate manager.

Essential:

• The candidate should possess a relevant Scientific Degree or a minimum of 2 years of related lab experience or a higher level of education may be substituted for experience.
• Experience in Microbiology.
• Proven to plan, prioritise and manage workload.
• A strong working knowledge of principles underlying testing procedures.
• Ability to train other technical staff in this role and provide some technical support to pathology staff.
• 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.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to adapt to change.
• Ability to communicate with a wide range of levels of staff within the laboratory.
• Ability to communicate technical information accurately verbally, written and electronically.

Desirable:

• Understanding of administrative systems and computer applications in use within Pathology, particularly LIMS/DTE.
• Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Scientists.
• A good understanding of animal diseases relevant to the testing service.