Job summary
- Main area
- Research and Development
- Grade
- Band 5
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time
- Part time
- Job ref
- 188-THQ02042026
- Employer
- University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Southampton General Hospital
- Town
- Southampton
- Salary
- £32,073 - £39,043 per annum per annum pro rata
- Closing
- 16/04/2026 23:59
- Interview date
- 21/04/2026
Employer heading
Laboratory Technician
Band 5
Job overview
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.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will play a critical role in the initial stages of processing biological samples for clinicla trials both directly and through supervision of a team of dedicated technicians. They will also assist with the ongoing management of the new Anti-Microbial Laboratory.
The Post holder will be responsible for:
a) Participating in the recruitment of new team members
b) Processing a range of clinical specimens for screening and monitoring of clinical trials and provide accurate, timely and appropriate sample data. To perform biological sample processing following defined protocols and procedures.
c) Staffing and resource planning within the UHS CRF laboratories under the direction of the Clinical Research Facility Laboratory Manager and Deputy Laboratory Manager.
d) Planning and coordinating work schedules for staff, contractors and suppliers.
e) Supporting the CRF Laboratory Manager, CRF study management and operational teams in assessing and planning for relevant components of new project adoption.
f) Supporting the development of new projects in the Anti-Microbial Resistance laboratory
g) Resource planning within the UHS Anti-Microbial Resistance laboratory
Working for our organisation
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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Under the direction of the CRF Laboratory Manager, manage and deliver training and 1:1 coaching to band 4 and band 3 laboratory staff members for development purposes.
Taking responsibility for ensuring samples are processed and shipped according to GCP and IATA and study specific standards/ protocols.
Determines own work within established parameters, referring to manager when necessary, planning & prioritising own workload making adjustments to plans according to unforeseen circumstances
To work flexible shifts, in conjunction with CRF team members, to provide 24 hour cover for the laboratory service as required.
To receive and communicate complex issues to scientific and medical staff and suppliers when quality control procedures indicate loss of performance of laboratory instruments or methods
Person specification
Qualifications, knowledge and experience
Essential criteria
- Educated to degree level within a science-related field.
- GCP qualification
- IATA qualification
- GCSE level A to C or equivalent in at least two from Maths, English and Science
- 3-A levels including science
- Previous laboratory experience
- Experience of biological sample processing techniques
- Experience of working within research
- Experience of processing in material safety cabinets
- Experience in training and managing individuals within a scientific laboratory setting
- Good written and verbal communication
- Ability to follow set procedures and laboratory protocols meticulously.
- Knowledge of sample tracking databases such as Freezerworks.
- Able to work late shifts as required and able to work under reduced supervision when working out-of-hours
Desirable criteria
- Experience in PBMC processing
- Experience in working with Category II level pathogenic samples
- Experience in supporting laboratory management, planning workflows, ordering equipment and consumables
- Experience in sample receipt, logging and shipping as per IATA requirements
Skills
Essential criteria
- Attention to detail
- Collaborative approach
- Communication
- General IT skills
- Taking the initiative
- Teamwork
- Time management
Trust Values
Essential criteria
- Patients First
- Always Improving
- Working Together
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Gavin Babbage
- Job title
- Translational Scientist Laboratory Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
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