Associate Practitioner

Job summary

We are seeking a highly motivated associate practioner with experience in diagnostic microbiology. We have now worked to set up a new in-house and environmental monitoring service to help support monitoring the wards within the hospital.You are expected to have previous experience as a Medical Laboratory Assistant, laboratory technician or equivalent and to have worked in a molecular diagnostic or academic laboratory. A key eye to details and working in an organised manner is crucial to this role. Previous experience in diagnostics and sequencing would be advantageous. The successful post holder will be required to work closer with the laboratory manager, infection control and estates.

An essential part of this role will be weekend cover as part of core hours. This role will also involve going into clinical areas to complete sampling and so comfort for being in a patient facing role is essential.

The department provides an extensive range of investigations to support the specialist patient population of this tertiary referral paediatric hospital, and also provides a specialist service to other hospitals. This is an excellent opportunity to work as part of a very experienced and dedicated team to gain extra skills and knowledge of paediatric microbiology and next generation sequencing.

This is a vibrant, progressive, well equipped, and a ISO15189 accredited laboratory.

Main duties of the job

• To supervise support staff within the Microbiology and Virology Department under the direction of BMS's and senior BMS's

• Perform work strictly according to current Standard Operating Procedures in order to facilitate the provision of accurate and timely reports

• Collect environmental samples for environmental monitoring and to support the Space and Place verification process

• Report to the Senior Biomedical Scientist if work/systems fail to meet the specified standards and/or Turnaround Times

• Work with the Infection Prevention and Control Healthcare Scientist to support report preparation

• Assist in the production, review and amendment of Standard Operating Procedures

• Good understanding of the potential risks when handling infectious samples

• Safe working within the clinical ward and theatre environment

About us

GOSH is committed to recruiting the best person for the job, based solely on their ability and individual merit as measured against the criteria for the role; through a process that is fair, open, consistent and free from bias and discrimination.

We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture where all staff are valued, respected and acknowledged. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, disability status or length of time spent unemployed.

We particularly welcome applications from BAME communities, people with disabilities and/or long-term health conditions and LGBT+ community members.

We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants and employees are treated fairly and consistently. We are proud to be accredited as a Disability Confident Employer, a member of Business Disability Forum and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.

We have active and Executive supported BAME, LGBT+ and Allies, Disability and Long-Term Health Conditions and Women's staff networks. Staff networks are employee-led groups formed around interests, issues and a common bond or background. Staff network members create a positive and inclusive work environment at Great Ormond Street Hospital by actively contributing to the Trust's mission, values and efforts specific to inclusion. All of our staff networks are open to any employee.