Specimen Reception Assistant

Job overview

BGL is part of the South West Genomic Laboratory Hub (SW GLH) which delivers genomic testing for patients with cancer and rare disease throughout the South West region. We are a large, well equipped, and friendly lab that values the experience new team members can bring to the role.

The laboratory is looking to recruit assistants to work in our busy Specimen Reception operation, as part of our welcoming technical team. Applicants should possess a good standard of general education (e.g., GCSE or equivalent, ideally to include Science), good keyboard/data entry skills and a calm, meticulous approach to work. Full support and training will be provided.

Our laboratory is actively building a diverse teams and welcome applications from everyone, of all ages and backgrounds, interested in a position in our growing organisation.

The laboratory is open between the hours of 8.00am and 8.00pm, including bank holidays and weekends and we offer flexible working options to support the diverse requirements of our staff. Offers of part-time hours, weekend working, and compressed hours will all be considered.

The work we perform helps provide answers to some of the most difficult questions facing patients and families across the UK and beyond. If you would like to join our team, knowing your work will go towards something truly valuable then please apply.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will work as part of our Preparation Teams - the first step in the sample journey through Bristol Genetics Laboratory. The role involves unpacking deliveries to the laboratory, sorting biological samples and referral information, and entering patient and testing data onto our laboratory computer system. Accurate, meticulous work and good keyboard skills are key to this role.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Staff

• To assist in the technical training of trainee staff as directed by training officers.
• To participate in staff appraisal according to Trust policies and procedures.

Laboratory

• To receive and process samples submitted to the Department in accordance with laboratory policies and protocols.
• To personally organise allocated work.
• To maintain a high level of professional competence in the performance of all duties
• To ensure the efficient and safe use of consumables and equipment within own working area.
• To participate in specimen reception/booking in and sample send away duties, including assisting with associated administrative and clerical duties in the laboratory.
• To be responsible for the day to day maintenance and cleanliness of the equipment with which they are working.
• To participate in internal and external quality control procedures.
• To participate in quality assurance procedures, as appropriate.
• To participate in audit as required, relating to numbers and failure rates of tests.
• To work in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures developed for use in the Department, and assist in the review of these as required.
• To abide by all Codes of Practice, Safety Regulations, statutory requirements and operational policies of the department and the service.

Communication

• To answer telephone enquiries, liaising with senior staff as appropriate
• To communicate with other members of the technical team to provide effective cover for work.

IM&T

• To be competent in using the department computer system.
• Professional
• To attend in-house training sessions as appropriate, and to maintain personal training records as required.