Laboratory Technician

Location: Emmanuel Kaye Building, NHLI, Imperial College London; 1b Manresa Rd, London, SW3 6LR 

Job Summary 

This post has responsibilities to undertake and support academic, laboratory-based research into the occupational determinants of respiratory diseases. This activity is within the context of running a busy clinical service for the investigation of workplace respiratory disease. The laboratory technician will carry out the diagnostic work for the measurement of specific IgE and IgG antibodies and measure aeroallergen levels to occupational allergens under the supervision of the Head of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Laboratory. The routine tests will be run according to the standard operating procedures in the laboratory and for which training has been given. 

Occupational exposures remain an important – and largely preventable – cause of lung diseases in the UK. The mission of the Department of Occupational and Environmental Respiratory Disease at Imperial College (www.lungsatwork.org) is to understand the distribution and determinants of workplace diseases with an aim of preventing them; key to this is our unique and world-class immunology service where most of the activity centres around occupational asthma, a priority for prevention for the UK Health and Safety Executive. The post holder will play a key role in this exciting and important mission. 

The post holder will also work within the Department’s laboratory service at the Royal Brompton NHS Foundation Trust. The laboratory is unique within the UK for providing a bespoke service to assist in the accurate diagnosis of occupational lung diseases. While the service is driven by the requirements of the UK occupational health community, its research and diagnostic services are internationally recognised. 

Duties and responsibilities 

• You will run diagnostic assays and prepare allergen extract for bespoke assays.
• You will play an active role in multidisciplinary meetings and liaise with the clinicians in the specialist clinical service providing timely results.
• You will compose and send reports to our external clients.
• You will ensure documentation is keep up to date and accurate.
• You will play an integral role in assuring the laboratory retains ISO-accreditation including participating in the NEQAS quality control scheme.
• You will support the laboratory manager with the planning and arrangement of facilities and consumables to ensure smooth running of the labs.
• You will be a role model for promoting best practice and compliance with health and safety regulations and Imperial Collage policies.

Essential requirements

• 3 A-levels (2 in science subjects), or equivalent vocational qualifications
• Highly motivated and a desire to learn new skills. 
• Excellent manual dexterity
• Experience in a laboratory setting
• Willingness to work independently and as part of a team.
• Understanding of relevant regulations and procedures relating to the safe running of a laboratory service
• Ability to understand and address non-routine work.
• Good organisational skills including record keeping.
• Appropriate computer skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Experience in presenting work to internal/external audiences. 

Further Information 

This is a full time and fixed term contract (12 months) initially with view to extension. 

Candidates will need to complete an online application form and if shortlisted will be invited to attend for interview including some practical skills. 

Should you require any further details on the role please contact: Dr Jennifer Canizales: j.canizales@imperial.ac.uk 

To apply, visit www.imperial.ac.uk/jobs and search by the job reference MED04503

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