Associate Practitioner

The Welsh Transplantation Laboratory has a vacancy for an enthusiastic, well-organised and self-motivated individual to join our team as an Associate Practitioner.

We are a busy Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Laboratory based within the headquarters of the Welsh Blood Service in Talbot green, approximately 12 miles from Cardiff. The laboratory offers a wide range of laboratory testing to support patient care in Wales including kidney, pancreas and haemopoietic stem cell transplantation, platelet immunology, and disease association testing services.

We are looking for an individual with a keen interest in laboratory science who can work flexibly within a team of laboratory staff. You will perform a range of laboratory testing including sample receipt and data entry; preparation and processing of samples; and performance of laboratory assays.

You will rotate through the laboratory sections during your employment, gaining experience in a variety of different laboratory techniques including genetic tests (next generation sequencing, RT-PCR) and serological (Luminex based HLA antibody testing) methodologies.

The laboratory has an excellent record in training and development making it an ideal environment for individuals who wish to progress their career within the field of Healthcare Science.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work autonomously in accordance with defined policies and procedures referring to HCPC Registered Scientists as required.

The post holder will be responsible for managing and prioritising their own workload according to agreed parameters.

The post holder will assist in the preparation, processing, testing and analysis of patient and donor samples.

Receive, check sample suitability, validate identifiers and log samples into laboratory database, assigning tests required according to agreed profiles.

Prepare genomic DNA, serum and lymphocytes from blood and other sources for use in laboratory assays.

Provide Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA) typing services for clinical diagnosis of patient and donor samples using a range of DNA-based techniques E.g. RT-PCR, NGS.

Perform clinical HLA-antibody screening and definition testing of patient samples using Luminex assays.

Prepare and dispense laboratory chemicals and reagents in accordance with laboratory usage and current/projected usage.

Interpret and assign individual test results in accordance with agreed criteria.

Assist in maintaining a programme of cleaning, decontamination and basic preventative maintenance of equipment and the completion of appropriate records.

Use specialist scientific equipment requiring a high degree of concentration, co-ordination accuracy and precision e.g. DNA sequencers, luminex analyser.

Here at Velindre University NHS Trust we are extremely proud of the specialist services we provide across the whole of Wales in our cutting-edge Velindre Cancer Centre and ouraward-winning Welsh Blood Service, as well as the expertise of our corporate functions that bring the two divisions together. We are also fortunate to host the NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership and Health Technology Wales and have developed strong partnership working with these expert services.

Formed in 1994, the Trust has a dedicated workforce that continuously strives to provide the key principles of prudent healthcare through a wide array of roles. We play a vital role in the communities we support and have ambitious plans for the future to continue to improve the services we deliver. We strive to maintain our core values in everything we do by being; accountable, bold, caring and dynamic, and ensuring the best possible care for our patients and donors.

If you want to work for an organisation that prides itself on making a real difference and offers exciting career opportunities then Velindre University NHS Trust is the place for you.