Job overview

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a modern and well-equipped laboratory providing an extensive repertoire of investigations. The Immunology and Flow Cytometry laboratories in Southampton General Hospital are HCPC and ISO 151989 accredited. There are a wide range of analytical platforms in use and different techniques which will broaden your experience and provide a rewarding challenging work environment. 

Main duties of the job

Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. We highly recommend you review this document and use it when completing your application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting. 

For an overview of the main duties of the role please see the ‘Job Description and Main Responsibilities’ section below. To understand the day-to-day responsibilities in more detail please read the full job description document attached. 

Working for our organisation

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care. 

All non-clinical roles may involve a mixture of on site and remote working, Specific details and flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

What you will do:
- To process pathological specimens for screening, diagnostic and monitoring purposes.
- To deliver a high-quality service that meets the needs of the patients and service users.
- To liaise with other healthcare professionals to develop and maximise the effectiveness of the service.

What we are looking for:
Applications are invited from well organised, enthusiastic, and self-motivated individuals who have good interpersonal skills to join our team in the Immunology Department. 
A high level of attention to detail, dexterity, technical skills, and critical thinking are essential as well as the ability to multitask.
A technical aptitude with experience and knowledge gained in an NHS medical laboratory is essential.
To understand the day-to-day responsibilities in more detail please read the full job description and job specification documents attached. 

The core hours will be between 08:00 - 16:00, although depending on the requirement of the services the successful applicant might be required to work between 08:00 - 20:00.

Additional Information:
Interviews will be held on 17th and 18th June 2024.
Should you have any queries, please use the contact details below to get in touch.
Robert Stevens (Senior Immunology Manager)
[email protected]

Person specification

Trust values

Essential criteria

• Patient First
• Always Improving
• Working Together

Qualifications / training required

Essential criteria

• GCSE level qualifications, including English language, maths and a science subject or equivalent.
• NVQ 3 leading to Foundation Degree in Health Sciences (or equivalent level of knowledge)

Previous or relevant experience necessary

Essential criteria

• Demonstrable experience in clinical laboratory.
• Experience with handling electronic data and fluent keyboard skills.
• Experience of setting up and implementing internal processes and procedures

Aptitudes and skills required

Essential criteria

• Data entry and keyboard skills.
• Demonstration of good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work on own initiative and without supervision.
• Good literacy skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Excellent numeracy skills
• Demonstrate high degree of concentration and attention to detail.
• Demonstrate capabilities to manage own workload and make informed decisions in the absence of required information, working to tight and often changing timescales
• Ability to prioritise tasks.
• Ability to handle clinical samples.
• Understand the importance of confidentiality and trustworthy
• Conscientious, methodical approach to duties
• Showing willingness to learn and improve
• Promotion of equality of opportunity and good working relations (providing practical leadership).
• Willing to work flexibly and as part of a team
• Deal calm and politely with personnel who are working in areas of pressure.

Desirable criteria

• Capability to plan over short, medium and long term timeframes and adjust plans and resource requirements accordingly

Please be advised that this vacancy may close earlier than stated if large numbers of applications are received.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to acknowledge receipt of your application. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date of this post, please presume that you have not been selected for interview.

Applicants from University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust whose posts are considered to be ‘At Risk’ will be given prior consideration for this post

Our Trust runs the return to practice course each year for nurses who have been out of the profession and wish to return. To find out more please visit our website:

http://www.uhs.nhs.uk/WorkingHere/Typesofjob/Nurses/Returntonursing.aspx

http://www.discoversouthampton.co.uk/   Information on Southampton as a place to live and enjoy

https://www.uhs-vle.co.uk/   See what fantastic training and development we have on offer at UHS

http://www.youtube.com/user/SouthamptonHospitals learn about the Trust through visiting our YouTube channel 

Getting to Work

Application can be made for parking on site at UHS or through one of the park and ride schemes. This will be based on specific criteria to determine eligibility for site parking as this can be very limited.  UHS encourages staff to utilise other green methods of getting to work such as cycling or walking where possible. UHS is well connected through bus services to the city centre and other areas.

Please note that we will not accept any applications or queries via agencies, under any circumstances.

Our staff are positive about working at UHS and rate us above average compared to other NHS Trusts in the Staff Attitude Survey. We are rated strongly on a number of areas including teamwork, communication and engagement.

Equality remains at the centre of all Trust policy making, service delivery and employment practice with all employees being given equality of opportunity to develop, apply for promotion and have working arrangements that enable them to achieve a manageable work-life balance.

The Trust actively promotes a work environment free from harassment and discrimination and provides training for managers and staff to ensure this happens. The Trust also closely monitors recruitment activity, training and development and employment practices to ensure equality of practice with regard to race, colour, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital status and age.

As a service provider the Trust ensures equality of access and delivery of our services through the provision of interpreter services, facilities for the disabled and sensitivity for patients ethnic and religious differences and needs.

Relocating to Southampton

If you are thinking of moving to the Hampshire area, please find below a link to our website which offers guidance on finding accommodation:

http://www.uhs.nhs.uk/relocating-to-southampton

The Trust is under a duty to protect the public funds it administers, and to this end may use the information you have provided on this form for the prevention and detection of fraud. It may also share this information with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds for these purposes.