Biomedical Support Worker - Higher Level (Cellular Pathology) (XR03)

Job summary

Are you looking for a new challenge? Are you highly motivated and enthusiastic? Do you enjoy working as part of a large team? We are seeking a motivated individual for a full-time permanent post in the Cellular Pathology Department. The department benefits from advanced technologies such as Xpress processing and digital scanning, and is the first to introduce fully automated sectioning to the UK.

There will be a requirement to undertake routine and more complex clinical technical investigations, and the successful candidate will work in a fast-paced environment, completing work at short notice and to tight deadlines. Previous laboratory experience, attention to detail, organisational qualities, personal flexibility, and excellent communication skills will be required. You will be expected to undergo some in-house training to attain competence within the laboratory.

The department operates a 6 day week, Monday to Saturday, with standard day and extended day shifts between 7:30 AM and 7:30 PM.

Expected Shortlisting Date: 10/03/2025

Planned Interview Date: 20/02/2025

Main duties of the job

You will work as a member of the departmental team, collecting, receiving, and assisting in the processing of clinical diagnostic specimens for testing.

As part of the team, you will be expected to perform a range of routine and more complex laboratory investigations some of which may be under the supervision of more experienced scientific and technical staff.

You will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute towards the provision of an accurate and timely service for patients.

You will be expected to apply professional judgements and specialist skills to technically complex and sometimes difficult situations, and how to work, often under pressure, either independently or as part of the team.

Within the team, you may be required to organise the tasks of support workers and demonstrate relevant job-related tasks to new or more junior staff.

You will contribute to general departmental management, for instance, by assisting in the ordering, receipt, and control of consumables.

About us

The department provides Histopathology, Andrology, Immunohistochemistry, Muscle, Molecular, Non Gynae Cytology services for Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust and surrounding primary care centres.

We are a well equipped and innovative department. We are the first laboratory in the UK digitally scanning 100% of surgical slides and have introduced the UK's first automated tissue sectioners. We process circa 58,000 surgical cases, 2000 autopsy cases, and 6000 non-gynaecological cytology cases per annum.

We are a continually improving department, striving for high quality staff and processes. As a training hospital, we serve to expand the knowledge and skills of all grades of staff. There are plenty of opportunities to become involved in, and further development is encouraged.

We endeavour to follow 'The Leeds Way' at all times, and our focus is to put the patient first at all times.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Primarily based at St James University Hospital, there may be a requirement to rotate to other sites and sections. Participation on a Saturday rota may also be required.

CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS

1. To gain new knowledge through experience, formal study, and participation in relevant training schemes
2. To become an integral member of a team providing a clinical technical service
3. To work independently when and as directed by supervisors
4. To communicate clearly and effectively whether orally, graphically, or electronically
5. To plan the designated workload and assist in the organisation of tasks undertaken by support workers
6. To work with precision and follow accurately the documented laboratory standard operating procedures
7. To operate highly complex laboratory equipment safely and efficiently
8. To input and extract patient data from the laboratory computer system
9. To demonstrate relevant tasks to others as appropriate
10. To contribute actively towards the improvement of service quality by participation in relevant discussions with other team members
11. To remain competent in established procedures and to develop new skills as experience is accrued.
12. To participate actively in the departmental appraisal scheme
13. To take account of changes in service delivery by demonstrating a flexible approach to work

CORE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

1. Carry out a range of basic and more complex technical procedures. This will include instruction in the safe and effective use of highly complex laboratory equipment. You will understand the need to report adverse events in the event of errors and failures.
2. Participate actively in departmental internal and external quality assurance schemes. Your level of knowledge and understanding will allow you to recognise when expected levels of quality have not been met.
3. Participate in the maintenance of a safe working environment. This will include an awareness of the hazards associated with your work. In addition, you will be made aware of any suitable actions to take in the event of breaches in health and safety. Such hazards include fire, manual handling, breach of security, controlled and uncontrolled exposure to chemical, biological, and radioactive materials.
4. Maintain patient confidentiality. You will recognise the absolute requirement to protect sensitive information that is related to patient care.
5. Observe the requirements of departmental policies relating to service provision, for example, sample labelling and adverse event reporting.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

1. To perform, sometimes under supervision, appropriate technical laboratory procedures and tasks that are consistent with the job holder's level of knowledge, skills, and experience.
2. To develop your competences in the department and to perform tasks accurately and in accordance with departmental standard operating procedures.
3. To participate in departmental research and development projects, audit processes, and support appropriate clinical trials involving the laboratory.
4. To enter, manage and retrieve patient information using the laboratory computer system.
5. To communicate accurately sensitive and complex information to users of the service in a manner that is in accordance with departmental procedures.
6. To demonstrate relevant job-related tasks to new or more junior staff.
7. To actively participate in the laboratory quality assurance programme.
8. To contribute to general departmental management, for instance, by assisting in the ordering, receipt, and control of consumables.

This list is not exhaustive and the changing needs of the service from time to time may require the development of other appropriate tasks and skills. These will be fully discussed with the post holder in advance of their implementation.

The Pathology Department of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is located on several sites. Subject to consultation, the post holder may be required to work in a laboratory based at an alternative site as required by the Laboratory Manager.

In addition, the Trust requires compliance with a number of corporate policies and procedures. These policies will be discussed with your line manager during your period of induction and further information is available from the Trust's intranet site.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Previous experience of working in a laboratory
• Basic computer skills, Knowledge of conventional IT software

Desirable

• Competence in a range of complex laboratory procedures

Other Criteria

Essential

• Physically able to move around and between sites
• Physically able to assist in movement of moderate loads

Qualifications

Essential

• A level /NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) preferably in science subjects

Skills and Behaviours

Essential

• Able to work in a team and independently
• Good communicator and friendly attitude
• Flexible approach to work
• Good manual dexterity with Good hand / eye coordination

Employer details

Employer name: Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address: Leeds General Infirmary, Great George Street, Leeds, LS1 3EX

Employer's website