Senior Assistant Technical Officer

Job overview

We are seeking a motivated & organised individual to support the delivery of a high-quality diagnostic service within the Automated Chemistry Section or Chemistry Special Investigations (CSI). Working with Biomedical Scientists (BMS), Associate Practitioners (AP) and Assistant Technical Officers (ATO), the post holder will contribute to the smooth running of the service.

The role focuses on the coordination and administration of National External Quality Assurance (EQA) schemes, including preparation, distribution, tracking, analysis, and timely reporting of results. The post holder will maintain accurate EQA records, ensure appropriate storage throughout all stages, support troubleshooting, and assist with ordering materials and documentation.

Duties also include supporting laboratory operations, such as use and maintenance of analytical equipment, reagent replenishment, calibration and quality control processes, and assisting in the analysis of patient and EQA samples in line with SOPs.

***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 support clerical and technical duties within the Automated Chemistry Section or Chemistry Special Investigations (CSI), working as part of a multidisciplinary team with Biomedical Scientists, Associate Practitioners and Assistant Technical Officers to ensure the efficient running of the service.

The post holder will assist in the administration of National External Quality Assurance (EQA) schemes, including preparation, distribution, analysis, result collation and timely reporting. They will maintain accurate records of EQA from receipt to reporting and ensure appropriate storage throughout all stages. Responsibilities include supporting troubleshooting of EQA material, assisting with ordering and documentation, and contributing to the set-up of EQA specimens on NPEX.

The role will involve operation and basic maintenance of analytical equipment, including reagent replenishment, management of IQC and calibration materials, and analysis of patient and EQA samples in line with SOPs. The post holder will also assist with raising non-conformances (DATIX), participate in audits, and support the department’s quality management system, including data entry for COSHH, MSDS and asset records.

Additional duties include supporting stock control systems and, where required, assisting with ATO tasks such as automated track operation, aliquoting specimens and general laboratory housekeeping.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• To plan and prioritise own work under supervision of an Associate Practitioner/Biomedical Scientist and be fully aware of service requirements.
• To ensure that your own work is carried out efficiently, accurately and in accordance with departmental procedures.
• To work as part of the quality team to ensure all necessary quality standards are met, including UKAS ISO15189:2022.
• Uses Q Pulse to record Automated Chemistry activities and issues such as NCWs, audits, documentation, as directed.
• To ensure that your own work is carried out efficiently, accurately and in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Respond to telephone enquiries within the area of work from staff in both primary and secondary care, (subject to departmental telephone SOPs).
• To participate in the performance of audits as directed by Associate Practitioners/BMS.
• To assist in the administration of departmental National External Quality Assurance schemes (EQA) including the preparation, distribution, result collation and sending reports back to the scheme organisers/departments, as directed and in accordance with procedures (SOP).
• To perform operation of analytical equipment to include maintenance, replenishing of reagents, ordering and loading of IQC and calibration material and perform analysis of patient and EQA specimens within Automated Chemistry.

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For further information please see attached job description