Job overview

Applications are invited  to join the team of Assistant Technical Officers (ATO) in the busy Blood Bank Department of Combined Labs at University Hospitals Plymouth. The post will be based in the Blood Bank Department in Derriford hospital.  ATO staff assist the Biomedical Scientists in the examination of a wide range of clinical samples from patients, in order to determine the laboratory diagnosis, and appropriate treatment, for patients.   ATOs additionally carry out other support duties essential for the smooth running of the Department. The role is interesting, varied, and full training and supervision is provided.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Main duties of the job

You will be working in a team to book in Group and Save Blood Samples and other product requests. You will use analysers, centrifuges and various other pieces of equipment to test samples according to standard national methods. You will regularly monitor fridge temperatures. You will use the on site Blood Bank vehicle to drive to various hospital establishments in Plymouth and possibly the rest of Devon and Cornwall. 

Key working relationships  exist between the post holder and the Section Leader, Senior BMS, scientific staff and support staff in the section, working together in a team

The ideal candidate works well in a team, understands how to work to urgent deadlines, has good communication skills, and has attention to detail.

The laboratories are areas of biological risk, thus full health and Safety training is given, PPE provided and standard procedures  used to ensure staff safety while processing patient samples.

You will need to have a full clean driving licence with 2 years of driving experience.

The applicant will be required to work regular nightshifts and weekends at an enhanced pay rate.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Working for our organisation

We are a people business – where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.