Medical Laboratory Assistant

Medical Laboratory Assistant

Closing date : 04 January

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a part-time Medical Laboratory Assistant role within our busy and progressive accredited laboratory. The Cambridge Cellular Therapy Laboratory (CCTL) is a regional lab delivering cellular therapies, including providing analysis, processing, cryopreservation and storage of cells for therapeutic use.

It is based on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, the largest biomedical research campus in Europe; home to two NHS flagship trusts, multiple world-class research institutes, the University Medical School and a thriving biopharma ecosystem. The lab will expand to a new purpose built facility within the Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre providing 4 state-of-the-art cleanrooms and capability to manage Class 1 and Class 2 GMOs. CCTL is becoming increasingly involved in Immune Effector Cell / AT(I)MP cell handling, and facilitates the provision of CAR-T cells for a range of indications.

Main duties of the job

You will have a scientific background, experience of following SOPs and working in a laboratory environment. Knowledge of the role of an MLA within a Clinical Laboratory, and an understanding of stem cell transplantation will be essential.

Desirable criteria will include : experience of working to GMP, use of ultra-low temperature storage, experience in blood transfusion / haematology or immunology, and knowledge of the receipt, processing and issue of products for human transplant. You will be required to work on human blood and tissues in a Clean Room facility and also assist with the validation and maintenance of new equipment and a brand new facility. All work will be performed to strict GMP protocols that allow compliance with regulatory authority standards. You will work as a member of the team under the supervision of Scientists and the Production Manager.

You will be expected to form part of a team providing out of hours cover and potential weekend working after training has been given.

About us

Our Trust

Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1,100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people – patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing 'outstanding' care to our patients and rated 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH's values – Together – Safe, Kind, Excellent – are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.

CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people's age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.

Job responsibilities

Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.

As per Home Office guidelines, please be aware that, unfortunately, the Trust is unable to offer sponsorship for this particular position.

For NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough based roles, all applicants from NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough who have identified that they are at risk of redundancy will be prioritised over those not at risk. However, interviews cannot be guaranteed. This vacancy will close at midnight on 4th January

Interviews are due to be held on 15th January

Benefits to you

At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.

On CUH campus, hot food is available 24 / 7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only café, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.

CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.

Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.

We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.

Qualifications

GCSE Maths and English (A-C) or higher or equivalent.

A level in Scientific subjects or equivalent relevant experience.

Experience

Use of Microsoft Office products including creating and using spreadsheets to record or retrieve data accurately.

Following detailed instructions – such as standard operating procedures.

Experience of working within an environment assisting a team.

Previous experience of working in a medical / clinical laboratory or healthcare setting.

Management of stock.

Use of Ultra Low Temperature storage.

Experience in blood transfusion or automated Haematology or Pharmacy.

Knowledge

The role of Medical Laboratory Assistant within a clinical laboratory.

Understanding of confidentiality and data protection.

Receipt, processing, cryopreservation, storage, issue of products for human transplant.

Knowledge of Stem Cell Transplantation.

Understanding Health and Safety within a laboratory.

Skills

Able to work both in a team and as an individual.

Ability to work in an organised manner.

Ability to work to high standards and with a very high level of accuracy and precision.

Good time management.

Ability to follow processes and procedures.

Ability to multi-task.

Effective communication skills including telephone, email, and face to face.

Self-motivated.

Ability to cope under pressure.

Proactive approach to problem solving.

Additional Requirements

The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order)

• 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.

Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

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