University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
Please see below for detailed job description of the role.
This post is for a Higher Level Labortaory technician to work as part of a clinical laboratory research team in the NIHR Clinical Research Facility (CRF). The appointee will have demonstrable experience of training and supervising staff in a clinical laboratory setting, responding to study queries, working with blood and clinical specimens and the ability to work in collaboration with a team of research nurses and clinical.
The CRF laboratory provides an essential component of the clinical research pathway, processing study participant samples quickly and efficiently to ensure optimal results. This is facilitated by excellent communication both within the team and with doctors and nurses. As a result of our ongoing success in this role we support in excess of 350 clinical studies including numerous Covid-19 studies, for which we have been commended both internally and externally for the quality of our work, level of teamwork and flexibility in the current climate.
University Hospital Southampton is one of England’s largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.
Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.
We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.
At UHS we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

• To receive research samples (blood, sputum, saliva, urine, etc for processing.
• To perform biological sample processing following defined protocols and procedures.
• To perform PBMC processing.
• To log and label samples for storage or transport.
• To despatch samples to other laboratories or clinical sites as required.
• To maintain laboratory standards in accordance with current and future regulatory guidelines.
• To pack and transport blood samples from the CRF or clinical areas following current SOPs defining sample processing procedures, packaging and documentation.
• Inspect temperature logs for fridges, freezers and incubators and take corrective action when required
• Maintain laboratory equipment.
• To plan & prioritise own workload.
• To receive, store and maintain stocks of laboratory reagents and consumables.
• To perform any other appropriate duties as delegated by the NIHR/CRF Laboratory Manager.
• Use of sample tracking software
• To participate in the evaluation of new equipment, techniques and protocols.
• To assist in any research and development activities as required.
• To handle work arising from NHS, private, commercial and clinical trials organisations as required in accordance with agreed protocols and quality standards. This will include the following:

o Receiving specimens and entering patient and technical work details into a log book or computer database and collating own and others data.

o Assisting with the preparation of specimens prior to processing.

• To assist with specimen collection and processing of samples arising from NHS, private, commercial and clinical trials organisations according to current Standard Operating Procedures.
• To handle and analyse a range of biological material including blood, urine, faeces and body tissue.
• To perform automated, semi-automated and manual laboratory investigations.
• To operate complex electronic equipment according to laboratory and manufacturers guidelines.
• To prepare reagents and ensure they are stored and used according to manufacturer guidelines and laboratory procedures.
• To handle chemicals according to COSHH regulations.
• To collect laboratory and confidential waste and dispatch for safe disposal.
• To take responsibility for the safe use of laboratory equipment used personally and by other team members/students/trainees.
• To handle a range of tissue samples and other infectious material according to category II containment procedures.
• To deal with spillage of samples/chemicals in a safe and appropriate manner when necessary.
• To resolve and respond to study specific queries.
• To handle telephone enquiries and communicate results to other departments and outside agencies in accordance with laboratory protocols and in compliance with Data Protection Act.
• To input patient data into the laboratory computer system.
• To enter test results and predefined comments into the laboratory computer system.
• To communicate problems to scientific staff when quality control procedures indicate loss of performance of laboratory instruments or methods.
• To communicate with colleagues, other healthcare professionals and staff from external organisations and deal politely with all service users.
• To communicate stock levels to appropriate personnel to facilitate reordering.
• To participate in section meetings and feedback information/ suggestions for improvements in local policies and procedures.
• To report adverse clinical incidents to scientific staff.
• To assist with tours of the Clinical Research Facility laboratories
• Undertakes Statutory and Mandatory training as determined by the Trust.
• Perform all other training as required for clinical trial legal and protocol compliance.
• Train new members of the laboratory team

Please refer the Job description for details