Job Description

SENIOR LABORATORY SCIENTIST - MICROBIOLOGY

Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire

Full-time 40 hours per week | Permanent

Salary: Competitive (dependent on experience)

This is a great opportunity to work in our Poulton laboratory within our Microbiology department.

NationWide Laboratories, as an independent veterinary diagnostic laboratory, are dedicated to the improvement of animal health through direct support of veterinary practices in the UK and worldwide. We have been delivering service for over 30 years. NationWide Laboratories is a trading entity of National Veterinary Services Ltd. (NVSL).

Main purpose of the role

The role of Senior Laboratory Technician is focused on assisting the daily running of the laboratory section to which they are assigned and able to deputise for the Head of Department. Striving to drive customer excellence in all internal and external activities.

A Senior Laboratory Technician is responsible for providing a source of reporting, information, training, coaching, advice and support to the business and its colleagues.

They should provide support the team in ensuring that all initiatives are fully implemented, and that role model/ambassador behaviour, values and beliefs are adopted across the department.

A Senior Laboratory Technician should be able to work well alone or as a key team member to maximise the overall service delivered. A flexible 'can do' approach and ability to 'multi-task' is essential for this role.

Key Responsibilities

Plan and organise own workload and that of junior staff.

Is able to deputise for the Head of Department as required e.g. Day to day managing of the Department, validating/reporting of results, QC meetings etc.

Able to work autonomously and delegate duties where required.

Able to proactively deal with problems without support if required.

Able to answer colleagues' questions and give advice were necessary.

Understands the principals behind all procedures.

EQA scheme submission, review and troubleshooting.

SOP review.

To be able to troubleshoot problems with equipment and advanced understanding of all equipment in the relevant section.

Purchasing.

Source of technical knowledge and experience.

To implement and develop improvement to procedures.

Ensure all Quality control procedures are carried out and report any non conformances to Quality manager.

Carryout and report appropriate Lab tests and reviewing results based on appropriate experience level.

Provide direct training and support to Laboratory Scientists and Assistant Laboratory Scientists

Sample reception/opening up

Identify and prepare samples for analysis.

Analysis of samples.

To be familiar with the Matrix LIMS system and enter of sample data.

Ordering of stock and reagents.

Maintaining and correct use of laboratory Equipment.

Making reagents/media.

Laboratory general housekeeping.

Evaluating suppliers/subcontractors.

Internal Auditing.

Closing out audit findings with support of HOD.

Investigating and writing NCW reports,

Managing calibration status of equipment.

Identify own development needs

Works flexibly and collaboratively

Adopts and promotes role model behaviour, values and beliefs

Laboratory duties: Plate reading and identification of bacteria; routine culture and sensitivity testing; dermatophyte culture and microscopic examination for mites/ringworm; faeces examination, including culture, worm egg count and microscopy; urine microscopy and biochemical analysis; antibiotic sensitivity testing and further microbiological tests as required

Operation of Vitek Instruments and interpretation of results

Check and release results to clients

Personal attributes:

Qualifications, experience, skills, knowledge and competencies required to fulfil the role

Minimum of 5 years relevant experience.

Qualification in an appropriate subject.

Excellent attention to detail

Problem solving ability.

Demonstrates a detailed understanding of the important elements of laboratory diagnostic testing.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, written and verbal.

Strong organisational skills and the ability to 'multi-task'.

Good Computer skills.

Highly customer focused.

Highly motivated.

Challenges, questions practices and improves.

Team player.

Experience of quality systems, especially UKAS.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

Additional leave Company pension Cycle to work scheme Employee discount Health & wellbeing programme Life insurance Profit sharing Referral programme Sick pay Store discount
Schedule:

8 hour shift Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person