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Form of work
SalaryDescription
Overview of the role
The world’s largest Biobank is undergoing a significant transformation to meet increasing scientific research demand. This includes a move to the prestigious Manchester Science Park involving relocation of >10million samples and setting up of a new sample processing and storage facility with the aim of supplying >1 million samples for health research each year.
We are hiring for a Laboratory Technician to join the team. This role is responsible for handling, processing, storing and shipping UK Biobank samples and performing associated activities to support the operation of the laboratory.
Your principle duties will include;
Handling samples throughout the sample lifecycle
- Receipt and aliquot new samples coming into the resource
- Pick samples from automated stores, freezers or LN2 tanks
- Extract/normalise/reformat samples using automated liquid handling systems
- Perform quality control checks on samples
- Ship samples
Undertaking tasks relating to sample management
- Perform location audits
- Pick samples from participant withdrawals destructions
- Perform consolidation of samples across sample storage locations
Supporting a safe, efficient working environment adhering to quality and other relevant standards
- Clean laboratory
- Undertake equipment maintenance
- Lab coat rotation
- Support audits against standards held by UK Biobank (i.e. ISO9001)
- Input to issue resolution
- Work to high standards for behaviour within the lab/ good laboratory practice
Supporting training and process improvements
- Identify areas for improvement (i.e. feedback sessions, change requests)
- Input to updates of laboratory documentation (SOPs, COSHH and Risk Assessments etc)
- Train members of the laboratory team in laboratory processes
Undertake additional duties in line with business needs
Working hours are 37.5 Hours, 5 shifts a week, Monday - Sunday, including Bank Holidays
Working hours are 37.5 Hours, 5 shifts a week, Monday - Sunday, including Bank Holidays
About you
Essential
- BSc in a relevant life sciences discipline or equivalent laboratory experience
- Experience of working in a laboratory (inc academic setting)
- Experience of working to SOPs or equivalent
- Proven ability to communicate with team members effectively
- User of Microsoft Office including – Word and Excel
- Excellent attention to detail
- Ability to manage own workload and prioritise tasks
- Pro-active attitude
Desirable
- Experience of working to the requirements of a relevant ISO standard (e.g. ISO9001, ISO17025, ISO15189, ISO27001), GxP or equivalent
- Experience of using a LIMS product or equivalent complex information system supporting scientific work
- Experience of training/mentoring others
- Experience of using automated liquid handling and/or storage systems
- Experience of shipping biological samples
Our passion for diversity and equity means creating a work environment for all employees that is welcoming, respectful, engaging, and enriched with opportunities for personal and professional development.
What's on offer
We have a range of benefits here at UK Biobank, some of the highlights of those are:
- 26 days' annual leave (which increases with length of service)
- Holiday buy scheme (buy up to 1 week of additional leave per year)
- A paid day off for your birthday (in addition to annual leave)
- USS Pension Scheme which is a ‘hybrid’ defined benefit/defined contribution scheme
- Enhanced family leave (available from day 1 of employment)
- Cycle to work scheme
- Professional subscriptions reimbursement (where applicable)
- Access to free gym
- Subsidised lunches (£5.50 contribution per day when working on site) and refreshments
- Free car parking
- Employee discounts portal
- 20% Discount at EE
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Eye-care scheme
- Annual flu vaccination
- Life Assurance cover
#LI-Onsite
The job advert closing date may change, so we recommend that if you are planning to apply that you do so without delay.
About UK Biobank
UK Biobank is a large-scale biomedical database and research resource containing in-depth genetic and health information from half a million UK participants.
The database, the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in the world, is anonymised and made widely accessible by UK Biobank to global researchers who use it to find new scientific discoveries about common and life-threatening diseases – such as cancer, heart disease and stroke which strike in mid-later life.
UK Biobank is an innovative organisation with over 250 staff across four sites in the UK that fosters an engaging environment and supports the development of our staff. Our dedicated teams work alongside the world's leading biomedical scientists in our joint mission to improve public health.
