NHS Scotland
Research Laboratory Assistant - Glasgow Clinical Research Facility
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The Role
Are you passionate about clinical research and looking for an opportunity to make a real difference to patient care? As a Research Laboratory Assistant within the Glasgow Clinical Research Facility (GCRF), you'll play a vital role in supporting innovative research studies and clinical trials across NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde. Working as part of a highly skilled multidisciplinary team, you'll contribute to projects ranging from early-phase clinical trials to large-scale public health research. This is an exciting opportunity to develop your laboratory expertise in a supportive and forward-thinking environment while helping to shape the future of healthcare. At NHSGGC, you'll benefit from excellent development opportunities, collaborative working, and the chance to be part of one of the UK's largest and most respected NHS organisations.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) may be able to provide visa sponsorship for certain roles, subject to the post meeting the relevant eligibility criteria. Sponsorship is not guaranteed and will be determined on a case-by-case basis following interview and during the pre-employment verification process. Applicants must state their current right to work in their application.
Duration, Location, and Working Pattern
- Duration: Full-time, fixed-term for 2 years
- Location: The Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
- Working Pattern: Monday - Friday
Key Responsibilities
- Receive, inspect, process, label, centrifuge, aliquot, and store a variety of biological samples including blood, urine, sputum, and stool to the highest quality standards
- Coordinate daily laboratory activities, support weekly scheduling, and provide guidance to colleagues where required
- Maintain laboratory equipment and environments, including monitoring freezers, fridges, and centrifuges, and escalating any issues or non-conformities
- Support clinical research study visits, data entry, and sample processing activities while adhering to research governance requirements
- Manage sample logistics, including packaging and shipment of research samples under controlled conditions such as dry ice transport
- Utilise research systems including electronic case report forms, EDGE, Q-Pulse, DATIX, and Microsoft Office to support accurate data management and record keeping
- Promote safe working practices and ensure compliance with Health & Safety, COSHH, Good Clinical Practice, and Good Laboratory Practice requirements
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Knowledge, Training, Qualifications, and/or Experience Required
- Educated to a minimum of 3 Highers at Grade C or above including Maths and Chemistry or Biology, or hold an SVQ3 in a relevant science subject or equivalent qualification
- Relevant or significant experience of laboratory techniques and sample processing procedures involving biological samples
- Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice, Good Laboratory Practice, Health & Safety requirements, and COSHH regulations
- Strong numeracy, literacy, technical skills, and manual dexterity with excellent attention to detail
- Ability to organise and prioritise workloads independently while managing competing demands in a fast-paced environment
- Relevant or significant experience of handling biological samples, maintaining laboratory equipment, or supporting research activities would be advantageous
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams and adapt to flexible working arrangements when required
What We Offer
We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme, and extensive learning and development opportunities.
As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:
- A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
- Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
- Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme
- Development opportunities including study bursaries, e-learning, and classroom-based courses
- Enhanced pay for working public holidays
- NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
- Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies
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Interested?
If you would like to find out more, we would love to hear from you.
For an informal discussion, please contact: Susanne Cathcart, Paediatric Research Nurse Manager, on 0141 232 7600 or Susanne Cathcart@nhs.scot
Details on How to Contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process
This vacancy may close early due to a high volume of applications. We recommend applying as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) recognises the importance of work-life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full-time hours can be accommodated, and where the tenure is listed as “various,” we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements. Flexible working will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion and are proud of the diverse workforce we employ.
By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We welcome applications from across the Armed Forces Community and recognise military skills, experience, and qualifications throughout the recruitment and selection process.
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