IT and Technical Support

Job Description

Role: COVID-19 Lighthouse Testing Laboratory: IT and Technical SupportShifts: Day / Night Shift Rotation (Facility operates 24/7)Location: Reading (2 Days on-site at Bracknell per Week)JOB PURPOSEThe post holder will provide IT and Technical support to the COVID-19 Lighthouse Testing Laboratory by:* Providing first line technical support and troubleshooting within the Laboratory, covering IT hardware and software and other laboratory equipment* Liaising with external suppliers to arrange the efficient repair or restoration of service critical technical systems and equipment within the laboratoryPRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES1. To provide first line support and troubleshooting for:* IT equipment including PCs, MFD Printers, label printers and barcode scanners* IT software including the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), CheckIT (Tutella) Temperature Monitoring, Customer Relationship Management and document storage systems (iPassport)* Simple IT infrastructure / network matters* IT Hardware * Laboratory equipment (including analysers, ovens/incubators, safety cabinets, compressed air, fridges, freezers and centrifuges)2. To provide technical assistance in conjunction with Trust IT Services to system suppliers with regard to system implementation, analyser interfacing and equipment enhancements or upgrades.3. To be the first point of contact within the Laboratory for LIMS related issues, changes and queries and a key point of contact between the Laboratory, IT services and system suppliers.4. To assist in the management of the LIMS, including monitoring of system performance and basic trouble shooting, escalating issues where appropriate to support the continuing availability of the system.5. To monitor any relevant system event logs.6. To maintain change control procedures.7. To monitor and co-ordinate maintenance and service arrangements with external suppliers to ensure that effective and continuous support is provided for the Laboratory across all technical systems and equipment. This will involve having a sound understandingof the relevant service level agreements and coordinating the efficient repair and/or restoration of service critical laboratory equipment. The post holder will need to use tact and persuasion/negotiation skills to ensure that appropriate priority is given.8. To work in partnership with Trust IT Services and external suppliers to ensure that technical contingency and recovery arrangements for business critical systems are in place, up to date, understood by staff and routinely reviewed.9. To ensure effective communications are in place with all stakeholders including Trust IT Services and external providers.10. To ensure Laboratory staff are in receipt of adequate IT systems and specific induction training, including those aspects pertaining to security and confidentiality.11. To work in partnership with Trust Information Governance to ensure that the department complies with local and national policies for the safe, secure and confidential processing and storage of patient and other laboratory information.12. To provide straightforward operational support for the LIMS including peripheral system interfaces and associated hardware devices.13. To be a point of contact for service users to resolve any IT system related issues or problems including system access, electronic messaging.14. To work as part of a pathology team providing mutual support at all times ensuring that work is completed and that equipment is maintained appropriately.15. To monitor IT stock, re-order supplies and be involved in the procurement and purchase of new equipment and introduction of new methods.16. To ensure adequate procedures are introduced and maintained for the purpose of system and application backup.