Job summary
The Microbiology department at the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS trust have some exciting opportunities following a significant investiment to allow the service to grow and be able to provide a comprehensive 24/7 clinical diagnostic microbiology service. We have permanent posts within our Medical Laboratory Assistant team. The role of a Medical Laboratory Assistant is varied and involves supporting the scientific staff (Biomedical Scientists) and as such is a key role in supporting a diagnostic service.
Main duties of the job
Work will include the receipt, sorting, and preparation of patient samples, maintaining stocks of consumable items, disposal of biological waste, operating and maintaining laboratory equipment as well as performing general housekeeping duties and clerical tasks including data input of patient demographics and test request information. The post holder will also be expected to answer telephone enquiries and perform visitor reception duties.
Previous experience in an NHS clinical laboratory would be an advantage but is not essential as full training will be provided. As important as laboratory experience is a positive attitude, experience of working effectively in a busy team environment doing work which may have been repetitive in nature but requires good concentration and attention to detail is also experience that we are looking for. A good level of secondary education is required with English, Maths and Science to GCSE (Grade A-C / 4 to 9) in addition an A Level or BTEC / NVQ equivalent qualifications.
This is a physical role which requires good mobility as you will be transporting boxes of samples around the department and between different pathology services. Some aspects of the role may require you to be on your feet across the full 7.5 hour shift whilst interacting with laboratory analysers. Please ensure you state in your supporting statement that you have the required physical skills to undertake this role as it is an essential criteria for the shortlisting.
About us
The Clinical Microbiology service is a comprehensive medical microbiology service handling in excess of 900,000 microbiology and virology samples per year. We are a well established Institute of Biomedical Science training centre and provide opportunities across a variety of professional qualifications for individuals that are able to demonstrate the key skills to progress within their microbiology career.
Please note this service is a 24/7 provision and therefore individuals must be flexible and able to work on all shifts including night shift provision.
In addition to the brief list above you must familiarise yourself with the full job description and person specification attached to this advert prior to applying.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For full details of the role please see the attached Job description.
IMPORTANT - you must be able to attend an on site interview and practical assessment within a two week notice period. Please do not apply if you cannot comply with this requirement. Please state at the top of your supporting statement that you have read this statement and can comply to the requirements. Interviews are likely to be held within 3-4 weeks of the advert closing date.
Please note that your supporting statement is an important part of the selection process. We recommend that you use the personal spec titles and indicate how you meet the role.
Please also provide an answer to the following question within your supporting statement:
Why is it important for a hospital to have a microbiology laboratory? Answers should only be a maximum of five lines.
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT DUE TO HIGH VOLUME APPLICATIONS THIS POST MAY CLOSE EARLY IF SUFFICIENT APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For full details of the role please see the attached Job description.
IMPORTANT - you must be able to attend an on site interview and practical assessment within a two week notice period. Please do not apply if you cannot comply with this requirement. Please state at the top of your supporting statement that you have read this statement and can comply to the requirements. Interviews are likely to be held within 3-4 weeks of the advert closing date.
Please note that your supporting statement is an important part of the selection process. We recommend that you use the personal spec titles and indicate how you meet the role.
Please also provide an answer to the following question within your supporting statement:
Why is it important for a hospital to have a microbiology laboratory? Answers should only be a maximum of five lines.
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT DUE TO HIGH VOLUME APPLICATIONS THIS POST MAY CLOSE EARLY IF SUFFICIENT APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE.
Person Specification
Training & qualifications
Essential
- Basic Science Qualifications GCSE
- A-Level / BTEC certificate/ diploma Level 3
Desirable
- oNVQ level 3 in Science subject and/or ECDL or equivalent
Experience
Essential
- oWorking experience with transferable skills
Desirable
- oPrevious laboratory experience (Working environment)
Communication and relationship
Essential
- oGood communication skills - written and verbal - application standard.
Analytical
Essential
- Experience ultising skills that are translatable
Desirable
- oprevious experience with analysers in microbiology
Other
Essential
- oAnswered the application question within the supporting statement - evidence of following instructions
- oAble to show an understanding why they would be good in the role
Physical
Essential
- Has stated that they have the required physical skills to perform the role
Person Specification
Training & qualifications
Essential
- Basic Science Qualifications GCSE
- A-Level / BTEC certificate/ diploma Level 3
Desirable
- oNVQ level 3 in Science subject and/or ECDL or equivalent
Experience
Essential
- oWorking experience with transferable skills
Desirable
- oPrevious laboratory experience (Working environment)
Communication and relationship
Essential
- oGood communication skills - written and verbal - application standard.
Analytical
Essential
- Experience ultising skills that are translatable
Desirable
- oprevious experience with analysers in microbiology
Other
Essential
- oAnswered the application question within the supporting statement - evidence of following instructions
- oAble to show an understanding why they would be good in the role
Physical
Essential
- Has stated that they have the required physical skills to perform the role
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.