The successful candidate will work as a Non-Registered Laboratory Scientist assisting in the provision of an efficient and smooth running diagnostic Histopathology service. Participating in all laboratory support tasks as required to ensure patient samples are processed quickly, accurately and safely.

tissue embedding
cutting tissue sections (microtomy)
assisting during tissue dissection
specimen reception
digital scanning
general laboratory duties - maintaining tissue processors, staining machines, stock levels. These duties require manual handling of 5 litre containers of liquid, use of fume cabinets and movement of 10Kg boxes / containers
maintaining slide and block files
Maintaining post mortem block and slide files in line with HTA requirements
Collating slides for MDTs and limited clerical tasks if required, Work with fresh and formalin-fixed tissue samples, paying particular regard to the potential microbiological hazards posed by fresh tissue and the chemical hazard posed by formalin.
Match samples with request forms and input patient and test information into the laboratory computer system, requiring complete accuracy and attention to detail. This information is of a complex and sensitive nature
Following appropriate training, assist Consultant Histopathologists with complex cut ups, exercising a degree of decision making.
Assist with photography of diagnostic cases when required
Under guidance, set up processing machines and commence overnight cycles
Outpatient Clinics - if required
Attend at outpatient clinic selecting appropriate fixative as required then performing staining and labelling of slides for immediate microscopical assessment.
Apply standard quality control measure to stained slides to ensure the quality of work.
Enter diagnostic cytology specimens onto in-house computer system.
Have a working knowledge of the departmental filing system in order to retrieve slides and forms.
Perform a variety of manual laboratory procedures within the laboratories such as smear preparations, centrifugation, tissue embedding techniques, and microtomy, H&E staining, and some basic special stains
Ensure the use of appropriate control materials
Undertake specialist procedures to ensure that Human Tissue Act (HTA) guidelines are maintained
Assist in the maintenance and integrity of the departmental archive of diagnostic blocks and slides. Again, ensuring HTA requirements are maintained and displaying a high level of numerical accuracy.
Under supervision, despatch biological samples to referral centres, requiring complete accuracy and attention to detail. Ensure despatch complies with current local and national guidelines for transport of dangerous/infectious material
Participate in the supervision and training of Trainee BMSs, support staff, scientific and clinical staff where required.
Maintain knowledge as appropriate
Exercise a degree of autonomy within established limits and through guidance from qualified staff
Attend regular appraisal in accordance with the Trust Policy.
Develop an awareness of the requirements of Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and local Health and Safety Policies, reporting problems, errors or breaches via the appropriate mechanisms.
Practice at the level of professional, ethical and legal codes of the Trust's protocols and guidelines and be responsible for developing own practice.
Develop proficiency in all departmental policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) as required to assist in the assessment, planning and prioritisation of tasks.
Ensure that the main lab workload is processed in a timely and efficient manner.
Ensure that personal performance complies with United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) and other professional standards.
Abide by current policies and procedures defined by the OUHNHS Trust and/or the Directorate Clinical Governance / Risk Management team
Be aware of the inherent hazards of the work and to take appropriate precautions at all times, reporting to the Head Biomedical Scientist or Safety Officer any accident or potential hazards.
Comply with the requirement to practice within the data protection and confidentiality guidelines
Comply with the requirements of internal and external/national quality assurance and control schemes; reporting problems, errors or breaches in procedures via the appropriate mechanisms.
Display and maintain a high level of IT skills in order to record data, including clinical request information and laboratory data, manually onto the laboratory computer system or produce documents using word processors, for a variety of purposes
Participate proactively in the maintenance of an efficient and cohesive service by the assessment of the quality and priority of work. This will involve planning and organising of the workday on an ongoing basis with cross cover provided for periods of absence and will require the ability to work flexibly performing multiple tasks.
Treat everyone associated with the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust with courtesy and respect, be they visitors, local colleagues or the wider population.
Communicate effectively and professionally using the appropriate mechanism (email, face to face meetings etc), following agreed protocols (telephone and visitor SOPs for example) and work to promote effective team working.
Ensure efficient use and maintenance of resources; be aware of stock levels and rotation, storage conditions, batch numbers and expiry dates, thus ensuring the viability of the reagents.
Ensure that the workload is processed in a timely and efficient manner; assessing samples for urgency and ensuring samples meet acceptance criteria for testing, and deal with any non-compliance in accordance with departmental protocols.
Ensure equipment is in full working order, assisting with troubleshooting and preventative maintenance on highly complex, expensive automated systems.
Ensure appropriate records are kept, and liaise with senior staff and service engineers where appropriate.

Foundation degree or Diploma in Laboratory Science or equivalent, EDCL or equivalent knowledge, Previous experience in histology preferably in an NHS lab
Aware of Health and Safety within a clinical laboratory environment
Aware of confidentiality and the Data Protection Act
Aware of the role of laboratory medicine
Basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology
Basic knowledge of histopathology
Basic knowledge of chemistry
Have experience in an NHS diagnostic lab, Basic keyboard skills, e.g. Microsoft word, Exce
Good hand-eye coordination
Numerate
Good communication and presentation skills, Quick to learn and comprehend
Able to work on own and as team member
Able to perform light physical work (10Kg boxes)
Capable of intense periods of concentration

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research.

42 temporary Scientific jobs in Abingdon-On-Thames, Oxfordshire