Job overview

The microbiology research team at North Bristol NHS Trust are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and motivated full time Research Assistant to work within the phage project team at the antibiotic research laboratory to assist the team with contract-based research.

The ideal candidate will be reliable, honest, organised, flexible with working hours and keen to learn and be able to follow instructions and procedures.

They must be able to work effectively as part of a small team, as well as being able to work independently.  Excellent communication skills and data entry skills are required and the candidate must have good manual dexterity.

The post holder will need to have met the requirements as listed in the person specification.

North Bristol NHS Trust recognises the need to invest in our research staff and is dedicated to their training and development.

1 x substantive position, full time (37.50) hours per week.

To learn more about working at NBT, watch our video. 

 

Main duties of the job

• To undertake data entry and associated clerical duties including input and retrieval of data from Department and other IT systems.
• To undertake routine maintenance and diagnostic checks on specialist equipment.
• To assistant in the procurement, provision and management of laboratory supplies.
• Carry out data collection as appropriate using computer packages. To collect identify, store and prepare bacterial isolates and associated documentation for internal projects and, national and international surveillance studies.
• To liaise with national and international couriers for transporting bacterial cultures.
• To prepare isolates for storage at -70 C and to maintain the associated database.
• To prepare and maintain stocks of bottled media and reagents for specialist research projects.
• Dismantle and reassemble in vitro models for autoclaving.
• To collect samples from in vitro models and perform viable counts using the spiral plater. 
• To maintain safe and efficient standards of work, following codes of practice.
• To participate in staff appraisal according to Trust policies and procedures.

Working for our organisation

• Daily regular movement between geographically separate sections of the laboratory required, transporting equipment, consumables and samples
• Manual handling including lifting heavy objects and waste bags on a regular (daily) basis
• Daily requirement to wear personal protective equipment e.g. gloves, goggles, etc. as supplied.
• Daily exposure to pathogenic bacteria
• Occasional exposure to hazardous chemicals and UV light, blood and other body fluids/tissues including potential Regular use of equipment that can expose the worker to very low temperatures -80C freezers
• Daily requirement to concentrate for long periods at technically demanding procedure.
• Frequent extended periods of computers required for data analysis and input
• Performance of repetitive tasks required
• The post-holder may be required to work alone and /or out of hours