Associate Practitioner (Microbiology)

Job description

Job responsibilities

For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.

More detail about the role

Working as an integral part of the laboratory team you will assist the Biomedical Scientists in the investigation of patient samples. You will rotate throughout the laboratory and your role will include checking sample integrity prior to analysis, processing clinical specimens and operating and maintaining laboratory equipment in Bacteriology, Virology and Molecular departments. You will also undertake other tasks including receiving specimens, booking specimens onto the laboratory computer system, answering telephone queries and laboratory housekeeping duties. Working on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, on a rotational basis is also required for this post. To be the successful the candidate, as well as being friendly and reliable, you will need a flexible attitude towards work with strong IT, communication and organisational skills, and an acute attention to detail.

As an Associate Practitioner you will be responsible for designated areas of the laboratory, maintaining equipment, managing workflow and supervising, training and performing competency assessment of Biomedical Support Workers. You will need to liaise with the other Associate Practitioners and the Biomedical Support Staff Manager to ensure smooth running of the support staff team. Under guidance from the Support Staff Manager you will review the support staff rota and assist in their performance review and return to work meetings. You will be trained to read MRSA cultures and will play a lead role in coordinating staff to ensure that Quality Controls are undertaken.

Working Pattern: Current Laboratory opening hours are 8 am to 6pm, however this is under review. Core hours are from 09:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday (37.5 hours per week, part time would be considered), working on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, on a rotational basis.

Interview Date: WC 10th February 2025.

For further information please contact: Roz Debenham, Support Staff Manager, on 01392 402968.

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

Benefits

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.

You will also have access to other benefits including:

National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.

Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter

Car lease schemes.

The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).

Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.

Person Specification

General Requirements

Essential

• See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description

Desirable

• See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital

Barrack Road

Exeter

Devon

EX2 5DW

Employer's website

https://royaldevon.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)