Assistant Healthcare Scientist Microbiology

Job summary

A full time, 1 year fixed term contract position covering maternity leave has arisen within the Microbiology service. They should be a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual educated to at least GCSE level or equivalent. A keen eye for detail is required along with the ability to work accurately and precisely.We are committed to a healthy work-life balance; therefore, we would be happy to consider flexible working across 7 days a week.In this post we can offer you an excellent opportunity for personal development or to acquire specialist training depending on your experience, in a rewarding and supported environment, depending on your aspirations and interests. We are recognised by the "IBMS" and the "National School for Healthcare Science" for training.We currently train Associate Practitioners, Trainee Biomedical Scientists, Trainee Clinical Scientists and apprentices at several different levels.

Main duties of the job

The applicants must be flexible, able to prioritise and manage their time effectively. They should be able to remain calm under pressure.

They will be required to work in all areas of the laboratory including using a wide range of analysers and manual laboratory techniques, waste management, and clerical duties.

The successful applicant will be required to participate in the '7-day working' pattern, extended day and bank holidays.

About us

The Microbiology Service is centralised at the William Harvey site and is a Specialist Clinical Virology laboratory as well as a member of the UK Clinical Mycology Network, holding Specialist Mycology Service. The service is clinically led by 5 highly experienced Consultant Microbiologists and we also have an expanding team of Clinical Scientists.The Microbiology department processes in excess of 600 thousand tests per year. We have an extensive repertoire and scope of practice with much of the latest high-quality innovation and technology, for instance Maldi-ToF, Biofire film array, Elite Ingenius molecular platform, 2 Alinity M molecular platform's, Serosep EntericPCR, Luminex respiratory PCR, Biomek i5 robotic extraction platform, Liaison XLs,IQ Sprints, Virtuo automated blood culture platforms on 2 hospital sites, Beckman Coulter Microscan (broth dilution) for AST and Autoplak automation for plate inoculation. We are busy expanding our Mycology service having recently introduced the Galactomannan test to accompany our anti-fungal susceptibility testing. We are also committed to a proactive repatriation plan and we offer our services to neighbouring Trusts, as part of the Kent and Medway Pathology Network.The philosophy of the department is to invest in and develop the staff, strive for excellence, and to have a forward thinking and ambitious Service Improvement plan.

Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If artificial intelligence (AI) programmes are used then the application may be rejected due to this document being an important part of the assessment process. This does not prevent applicants seeking appropriate support with applications should they need to for the purposes of any declared disability.