[ref. i8000020] University of Cambridge - Medical Laboratory Assistant
Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Medical Laboratory Assistant to join a 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 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.
Working for our organisation
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 1100 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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:
- applied for a Graduate visa
- or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment
- or the Trust has agreed that they will Sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment
If you require sponsorship for a Visa to work in the UK, to avoid disappointment, please check you are not applying from a Red list country - Code of practice for the international recruitment of health and social care personnel in England - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
This vacancy will close at midnight on 13 January 2025
Interviews are due to be held on 28 January 2025
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.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria- GCSE Maths and English (A-C) or higher or equivalent
- A level in Scientific subjects or equivalent relevant experience
- Undergraduate degree in Scientific subject
Experience
Essential criteria- 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
Essential criteria- 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
- Understands Health and Safety within a laboratory.
Skills
Essential criteria- 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
Essential criteria- Flexible in relation to working times including sometimes out of hours.
- There may be a requirement to participate in an On-call rota.
- The ability to understand and always behave towards patients, visitors, and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent.