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Junior Laboratory Assistant - Days

Employer
Blue Arrow
Location
Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Salary
£24082/annum Bonus
Closing date
5 Jul 2021

View more

Job Sector
Science
Contract Type
Temporary
Hours
Full Time
Fixed Term Contract - Full Time - no previous experience required

We're currently seeking to employ a team of Junior Laboratory Assistants in Leamington Spa to work in a state of the art, high output diagnostics laboratory environment as part of the UK's NHS Test and Trace programme.

As well as playing a vital role in supporting society's return to a more normal way of life by helping to break the chains of COVID-19 transmission, you will also gain invaluable experience and exposure to some of the country's most highly skilled individuals in the scientific community.

This role represents a once in a lifetime opportunity to go above and beyond to support public health. Successful candidates will be offered the opportunity to be trained on new processes and develop a wide set of laboratory skills.

We are looking for team members who are able to learn new skills, work as part of a dynamic team, have attention to detail and able to follow health and safety standards.

Salary/Benefits/Hours:

As well as a competitive rate of pay of £24,082.50pa (with a 20% uplift applied for night working and an end of contract bonus), you'll receive comprehensive training on relevant lab procedures and equipment.

The bonus will be paid in two parts. 10% of your salary will be paid after 9 months and a further 10% after 18 months. For example, if your salary is £24,082.50, you will be paid a bonus of £1806.18 after 9 months and once more after 18 months.

This role will work on a shift pattern and will require full flexibility. Please be aware that you will be required to work one weekend day upon undertaking the daytime shift pattern.

We do also have alternative shift options available, as follows:

Sunrise
Full-time Nights
Part-time Nights

Your responsibilities:

As a Junior Laboratory Assistant, you will be responsible for providing support with the processing of testing samples from receipt, through to sample processing and storage, in line with laboratory and quality management processes. During your shifts you will have the opportunity to work closely with Junior Lab Technicians, Senior Lab Technicians and Biomedical Scientists.

You will be required to work in accordance to laboratory Standard Operating Procedures, ensuring adherence to Health & Safety standards and cleanliness in the laboratory area, as well as other laboratory standards.

You will support testing within a specific section of the process, inclusive of:

Sample Unpacking (This will entail removing a high volume of double bagged samples from boxes and neatly preparing them for the next station by carefully placing them in sealed plastic crates)
Sample Preparation (This involves carefully removing samples from their bags, ensuring the sample is fit to continue in the process (for example ensuring there are no leaks and/or cracks in the vials), and carefully placing these samples in a well-plate. Sample preparation takes place within a microbiological safety cabinet, for which training will be provided)
Equipment Operator Support (This will involve maintaining sample flow to each workstation, re-stocking equipment consumables and removing bio-contained waste to enable continuous station operation.)

In addition, the following is desirable but not mandatory:
Experience and Education:

Laboratory experience
Experience in high throughput environment (e.g. Manufacturing)
Experience in working within strict Health & Safety procedures
Experience working in a team
GCSE Maths and English - Grade C /4-5 or above (or equivalent qualification)

Skills:

Ability to follow specific instructions and follow a process
Ability to learn a number of different processes and be able to support several laboratory tasks
Ability to learn how to work with laboratory equipment. (Training will be provided)
Ability to work productively within a team
Ability to remain attentive whilst undertaking process-based tasks
Understanding of relevant health and safety policies and procedures relative to the role
High attention to detail and ability to identify and escalate risks and issues
Clear and concise communication skills
Confidence in articulating process and/or safety breaches

Successful candidates will be provided with training and accreditation for all of the roles and processes they are required to undertake and will have the opportunity to learn and develop new skillsets.

As part of the recruitment process, successful candidates are required to complete online tests for which no specialist knowledge or experience is required. These tests are incompatible with smartphones, and must be completed on a computer, laptop or tablet.

You will also be joining a diverse and hugely welcoming team. Diversity at NHS Test and Trace is about reflecting the communities we serve, holding the principles of equality and inclusion at the heart of everything we do and all that we stand for, embracing differences, creating possibilities, and growing together. We aim to foster a culture where individuals of all backgrounds feel confident in bringing their whole selves to work, feel included and their talents are nurtured, empowering them to contribute fully to our purpose.

Please note that if you are successful in your application for this role, your job title when you start work will be Laboratory Support Technician. This is literally a once in a lifetime opportunity to join a team of highly skilled individuals, all focussed on delivering the best possible outcome.

Please be aware that BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) including a media check, is the required level of screening for all staff working at the Leamington Spa Laboratory.

If you're ready for a new challenge and want to be part of the team delivering this essential lab work, please apply today

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