• Independently undertake routine laboratory diagnostic testing, including run acceptance testing using a range of platforms.
• Undertake pre-examination processes, including sample receipt and booking-in where required, running worksheet lists and ensure samples are tested within the required timeframe.
• Supervise Medical Laboratory Assistants working in their section and ensure the quality of work.
• Undertake internal quality control procedures; document and monitor for deviance.
• Investigate remedial action where assays are deemed not to have performed as expected and raise corrective and preventative actions using the laboratory quality management system. Independently investigate and report non-conformities.
• Analyse and provide technical reports for results.
• Correctly identify and add appropriate standard comments to test results and release for clinical review.
• Raise awareness of unusual or urgent results.
• Undertake and record acceptance testing that reagents and machines are fit for use.
• Maintain appropriate stocks/records/documentation in accordance with laboratory policies and procedures.
• Contributing to the writing, maintenance, and implementation of departmental Standard Operating Procedures.
• Maintain an ongoing and up-to-date Professional Development Plan.
• Independently participate in departmental audit calendar and generate audit findings.
• Assist in the supervision, training and teaching of staff and participate in the department’s training plan.
• HCPC Continuing Professional (CPD) requirements.
• Ensure personal competency documentation meets ISO 15189 standard.
• Ensure that safe working practices are followed by all staff members in accordance with departmental Safety Policy and maintain awareness of and adherence to the University’s policies, including those relating to discipline, grievance, sickness, absence and health and safety.
• Ensure all staff members comply with statutory and legislative requirements within the laboratory.
• Promotes equality and values diversity, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
• Supports the University’s sustainability agenda through resource efficient working.
• Any other duties commensurate with the grade.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

Knowledge

• Comprehensive practical and theoretical knowledge of medical laboratory science.
• Sound understanding of the basic principles of immunology and cell immunophenotyping.
• Detailed understanding of Health & Safety matters related to medical laboratory science and familiarity with local, University and national legislation (e.g. Health and Safety at Work Act).
• Ability to adhere to COSHH guidelines.
• Ability to adhere to local procedures such as risk assessments and SOPs.
• Clear appreciation of the implications and requirements concerning the confidentiality of patient information (e.g. General Data Protection Regulation, Caldicott principles, etc).
• Sound knowledge of internal and external quality control and quality management in the context of the requirement of UKAS ISO15189.
• Understanding of the requirements of GCLP and MHRA in the provision of laboratory services in the context of clinical trials and studies.
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010 and how to ensure in day-to-day activity, in own area, that this is abided by.

Skills – Desirable

• Capillary zone electrophoresis running and interpretation knowledge.
• Semi-automated gel electrophoresis running and interpretation experience.
• Automated ELISA platform experience (e.g. DSX).
• Automated turbidimetric analyser experience (e.g. Optilite).
• Indirect immunofluorescence slide preparation (manual and automated methods).
• Indirect immunofluorescence slide interpretation experience (Autoimmune encephalitis and cerebellum slide reading knowledge advantageous).
• Experience with Isoelectric focussing methods and oligoclonal band interpretation.
• Competent laboratory skills in immunophenotyping.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to contribute positively to discussions with staff at all levels both within and outside the department.
• Effective team working skills and the ability to contribute positively under direction and independently to departmental objectives.
• Ability to accurately undertake and report on sample investigations, analysing the outcome of tests or procedures and their clinical significance.
• Able to proactively recognise problems and suggest solutions.
• Computer literacy/IT skills that allow candidate to undertake the work required and ability to manipulate and present data and enable assay problem solving.
• Good attention to detail and focused manner.
• Willing and able to learn new skills.
• Take responsibility for maintaining competence and continual professional development.

Qualifications

• Biomedical Science degree, or equivalent qualification, acceptable to the IBMS/HCPC for State Registration.
• Completion of the IBMS training logbook or registration and ideally specialist portfolios.
• State Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council.
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in accordance with HCPC requirements.

Experience

• Post-registration experience in an integrated UKAS accredited blood sciences or immunology laboratory.
• Familiarity with ISO standards the requirements to adhere to these requirements.
• Experience in document writing and review to adhere to ISO standards.
• Experience of quality management systems.
• Familiarity with audit.
• Working knowledge of pathology LIMS

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquiries to Abbie Riley, email: a.riley.1@bham.ac.uk

View our staff values and behaviours here

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability