Medical Laboratory Assistant

The Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL) provide a front-line diagnostic service for the detection of Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers (Ebola, Lassa, CCHF, Marburg), Arboviruses, Rickettsiae, and a range of ACDP Hazard Group 3 bacteria including Bacillus anthracis and Francisella tularensis. RIPL is also the provider of the Leptospira acute diagnostic service and the Lyme disease specialist unit diagnostic service. We are UKAS ISO
15189 accredited and hold approval to provide IBMS registration and Virology specialist portfolios. The post holder will provide support to the laboratory and registered Biomedical Scientists. This will include but is not limited to, specimen reception support, patient data entry and support with performing a wide range of diagnostic assays, utilising both serological and molecular techniques. The highest standards of quality and safety are essential.

As a laboratory support worker you will provide both technical and administrative provision for the specialist reference laboratory work undertaken within RIPL in accordance with UKHSA and laboratory policies and procedures with particular focus on areas of data entry, laboratory housekeeping and stock control. Technical work using ELISA, PCR and CL3 techniques will also be performed, following relevant training,

• Participate in the receipt of biological samples safely for the laboratory according to standard operating procedures and risk assessments, utilising laboratory equipment such as centrifuges and microbiology safety cabinets, and recording of clinical patient information into the laboratory information management systems (LIMS) database.
• Provide support for tasks across the laboratory to ensure diagnostic testing is completed and the needs of the RIPL service provision are met. This includes taking responsibility for stock control procedures within the laboratory, supervising an area within the laboratory to ensure all equipment is maintained and calibrated to schedule, and that relevant documents available and up to date.
• Ensure all work is undertaken in accordance with safety and ISO
  15189 quality requirements and complete any training requirements as required for this post.

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.