Sample Preparation Technician

Hays Specialist Recruitment is now looking for 6 Sample Preparation Technicians to join the AstraZeneca Covid-19 Screening Team for a 6 month contract assignment at AstraZeneca in Gothenburg.


This role is responsible for confirming that the human biological specimens delivered to the designated assessment area are accounted for on the specimen manifest. Primary responsibilities will be the removal of specimen transport tubes from the kit packaging according to the safety guidelines outlined in COVID-19 Specimen Receiving SOP, while using necessary PPE. Identifying samples that may be compromised or do not meet established acceptability criteria according to defined processes and procedures will also be a critical part of this role (e.g., not properly labelled, open tubes, empty tubes etc.). Personnel in this position will be required to sort samples as needed into racks, pipette samples into 96 well plates, complete viral inactivation steps and enter required information in a LIMS system. Individuals will be trained on a specific sample preparation procedure that is compatible with the downstream assay method and they will also receive training and guidance on proper, safe handling and processing of samples according to a specific COVID-19 Specimen Processing SOP that is applicable. Initially this process will be mostly manual but during the assignment increasing levels of benchtop automation will be deployed and individuals will be required to flex between manual and automated work stations. These roles report to an AstraZeneca sample preparation shift leader for operational leadership.


Key Requirements for this role:
Work in BSL2 lab with previous experience of aseptic technique preferred.
Work with human biological specimens. HepB Vaccination advised.
Work with samples which may contain SARS-Cov-2.
Attention to detail to ensure chain of custody of all samples
Working and communicating across a fast-paced cross organisational team.
Strictly following SOPs.
Alternative pattern shift work