Job overview

To maintain the microbiology and chemistry support areas in a suitable condition including tasks associated with ensuring laboratory and equipment are clean and orderly.

To ensure pharmaceutical products are fit for patient use by carrying out microbiological, physical and chemical testing using a range of classical and instrumental techniques and working under the supervision of a qualified and experienced analyst.

Quality Control North West is part of Stockport NHS Foundation Trust and is an NHS regional specialty department responsible for providing pharmaceutical quality control services to NHS and non-NHS clients. The laboratories at Stockport are well equipped and advanced in analytical instrumentation and are regulated by the MHRA and accredited to ISO 17025:2017 by UKAS.

Main duties of the job

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Scientists, to carry out a limited range of microbiological, physical and chemical tests on starting materials, packaging materials and pharmaceutical products to established specifications.

To sample raw materials from the production unit with particular regard to, avoidance of cross contamination, health and safety and adequate labelling.

To ensure chemicals used in pharmaceutical analysis are accurately prepared, stored, labelled and disposed of in accordance with laboratory procedures.

To perform regular inspection of reagents, chemicals reference materials and microbiological media.

To ensure glassware is ready to use.

To perform calibration checks on glassware using accurate analytical technique, and to produce and maintain accurate records.

To perform microbiological and chemical analysis on water and environmental samples in accordance with procedures, using a range of classical and instrumental techniques.

To perform routine downloads of temperature records from laboratory areas, to assess compliance.

Under supervision of the Senior Scientists, to carry out the calibration of a full range of laboratory equipment to predetermined time-scales.

To work at all times in accordance with the departmental Quality Manual.

To keep accurate records of all work performed.

Working for our organisation

We hold a unique position in the Stockport community as the provider of healthcare and we are one of its largest employers.

We believe that the best organisations are those that reflect the communities they serve. We are therefore seeking to improve the diversity of our workforce to make it truly representative of our local population.

We actively encourage applications irrespective of race, age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage & civil partnership, or pregnancy or maternity. Recognising those communities that are underrepresented within our workforce, we would particularly welcome applications from you.

If you require support with your application please contact a member of the recruitment team, who can discuss alternative application methods.

We recognise that flexible working is important. We take requests for flexible working seriously, consider any request we receive and try to work with you, so we can explore if your request may fit with the needs of the service.

Benefits we offer to you:

• Between 27-33 days of annual leave plus bank holidays
• NHS pension scheme membership
• Salary sacrifice schemes for lease cars, home electronics and more, to make your salary go further
• NHS Staff discounts
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary finance – for loans, savings, budget planning and tips on managing debt
• Stockport Credit Union– for local financial advice