Job overview
The post holder will work together with senior staff and support staff in all sections of the laboratory to produce a timely, high quality, accurate and cost effective services.
The post holder will support the timely processing of patient samples serving all those patients attending PHNT, PCTs representing 100 General Practices and specialist assays referred to us from other Trusts within the Peninsula.
Going forward as UHP Pathology department works to deliver its vision then there will be an expectation of interdepartmental working across various Pathology departments.
***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***
Main duties of the job
- To assist with the operation of the Automated Track and HbA1c analysers in the Biochemistry section. Including maintenance, troubleshooting and patient sample analysis.
- To partake in Automated Chemistry stock checks and reagent management.
- To replenish consumables in the Automated Chemistry Section
- To follow Standard Operating Procedures relating to each section/area.
- To be available for the 24/7 rota and EWD/Weekend rota in Reception/Automation.
- To prepare biological material collected from patients, including blood samples for analysis and analyse these following a Standard Operating Procedures.
- To assist Reception as and when required with the receipt of samples, sample preparation, request data entry and to make and receive telephone calls from other healthcare staff.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
- Receive, check, and process samples ensuring correct patient identification, appropriate sample type, and volume.
- Prepare samples for analysis (e.g. centrifugation, aliquoting, barcoding).
- Identify and escalate non-compliant samples in line with SOPs.
- Record and communicate rejected samples appropriately.
- Prioritise urgent and routine samples effectively.
- Ensure samples are stored appropriately and safely.
- Load/unload samples and manage workflow on analysers.
- Operate analysers and assist in performing diagnostic tests.
- Maintain analyser performance and workflow efficiency.
- Perform basic maintenance and equipment checks.
For further information please see attached job description
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential
- • GCSE’s grades A-C/4-9 or above in Science, Maths & English or equivalent level of qualification/ equivalent demonstrable experience in a laboratory or regulatory environment
Desirable
- • Science Healthcare qualification. • Science qualification (A-Level or equivalent
Apitude and Abilities
Essential
- Excellent communication skills, being able to deal with staff at all levels of the organisation and patients with tact and diplomacy
- Proven ability to effectively organise and prioritise own work
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- • Understanding of SOP-driven environments.
- • Awareness of sample handling principles.
Desirable
- NHS Pathology demonstrable experience
- Demonstrable experience working in a healthcare or laboratory environment. the Section
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This advert is for Assistant Technical Officer (ATO) - Automated Chemistry with University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust in Plymouth, South West, England. It is listed as a Band 2 Administrative and IT role. The advertised salary is £25,272 Per Annum. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 24 Jun 2026.
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