Laboratory Technician

Role overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Laboratory Technician to join its clinical laboratory research team within the NIHR Clinical Research Facility (CRF). The role supports the research pathway by handling study samples efficiently and accurately, helping ensure high-quality results across a large and active research portfolio.

About the organisation

University Hospital Southampton is one of England’s major acute teaching trusts and offers strong learning and development opportunities. Southampton also provides a convenient place to live and work, with direct rail connections to London, an international airport, and easy access to the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

The trust promotes flexible working where possible and encourages applicants to present their own genuine experience and achievements rather than relying on generic or duplicated application content. It also places strong emphasis on inclusion, individuality and building an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory workplace where everyone can contribute and feel valued.

Main responsibilities

You will handle a wide range of study support tasks, including responding to queries from research staff and investigators, assisting with lab tours, and managing the receipt, tracking, processing, storage and dispatch of specimens collected for research studies. You will also record sample information accurately in both electronic and paper systems, keep the laboratory clean, organised and fully stocked, and work independently when required.

The post also involves collaboration with research nurses, clinicians, study monitors and sponsors, as well as advising on sample collection, processing and related analytical procedures. Early and late shifts may be required.

Technical requirements

Laboratory expertise is essential, including PBMC isolation, biological sample handling, the use of sample tracking software, and experience working with blood and other clinical specimens. You should be comfortable handling samples on the bench and within class II material safety cabinets, and be able to follow set protocols carefully and consistently.

Recent GCP and IATA training is required. Experience with sample tracking tools such as Freezerworks is also needed.

Person specification

Qualifications: GCSEs at grade A to C or equivalent in at least two of Maths, English and Science are required, along with 3 A levels including science or equivalent experience. A university degree in a science-related field, plus IATA and GCP qualifications, would be an advantage.

Experience: Applicants must have previous laboratory experience, including work in a research laboratory and biological sample processing. Experience in a class II MSC with hazardous biological materials is required. Training laboratory staff, sputum processing, differential cell counting and PBMC processing are desirable.

Skills and values: Strong written and spoken communication, precise adherence to laboratory procedures, experience with sample receipt, logging and shipping, and familiarity with sample tracking databases are important. The trust values of Patients First, Always Improving and Working Together are central to the role.

Working style

The successful candidate should be able to work with minimal supervision, contribute effectively in a collaborative team environment, and support high-volume research activity with accuracy, flexibility and professionalism.

Additional information

This role supports more than 500 clinical studies, including multiple Covid-19 studies, and the team has been recognised for the quality of its work, collaborative approach and adaptability during challenging periods.