Job responsibilities
Under the supervision of a State Registered Biomedical Scientist:
- Receive, sort, unpack, label and process specimens in the laboratory.
- Understand the use of the laboratory information system (LIMS) and undertake data entry e.g. for samples received and referred.
- Electronically request and receive tests and look up results etc.
- Solve minor problems with mislabelled or mislaid samples and to generate worksheets.
- Collect and transfer laboratory consumables and samples to and from delivery points, storage areas and workstations.
- Accurately prepare samples for analysis.
- Assist with the setting up of automated and semi-automated tests.
- Follow various technical procedures e.g. Preparation of specimens Serological and Molecular techniques.
- Maintain a high standard of competence in the performance of all tests appropriate to grade and investigations carried out in that area, following appropriate training.
- Perform technical work under the supervision of a BMS.
- Ensure important or unusual results are drawn to the attention of senior staff and to report complaints or anomalies as soon as possible.
- Use equipment in a safe and responsible manner.
- Perform general laboratory duties e.g. checking and cleaning instruments/equipment, recording temperatures, preparing reagents and assistance with stock control.
- Perform general clerical duties e.g. photocopying, filing, telephone answering, dealing with queries from clients, customers and other NHS staff and to undertake data entry.
- Assist in the training of other HSSW staff.
- Rotate through all relevant sections of the department as directed.
- Respond to changes in laboratory protocols as directed.
- Work in a conscientious and responsible manner ensuring care and accuracy.
- Cover the duties of other HSSW staff in their absence where possible.
- Receive goods and supplies into the laboratory.
- Help prepare and dispatch items/samples for referral, transport and posting.
- Issue specimen collection kits, containers and reagents to appropriate areas.
- Undertake sterilisation and disposal of laboratory waste including collection of discard and waste material, transfer of laboratory waste to designated collection/disposal areas.
- Undertake any reasonable task delegated by a senior member of staff.
Essential criteria
- GCSE in Maths and English and Sciences or equivalent experience in a lab based environment.
- Good written and verbal English.
- Educated to NVQ 2 level in a relevant subject or equivalent level of qualification or significant equivalent previous proven experience.
- Basic knowledge of health and safety and safe working practices.
- Previous experience of using computerised data systems. And working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word and Excel.
- Clear communicator with good writing, data entry and telephone skills ensuring accuracy and attention to detail
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Problem solving skills.
- Able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own workload to set deadlines.
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems.
Desirable Criteria
- Interest in Science and Technology
Selection Process Details
This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 10 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:
- Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
- 1250 word supporting statement.
This should outline how you consider your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria. You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible). Please do not email us your CV.
Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 1250 words. We will not consider any words over 1250 words.
Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we may longlist into 3 piles of:
- Meets all essential criteria
- Meets some essential criteria
- Meets no essential criteria
If used, the pile Meets all essential criteria will proceed to shortlisting.
Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of:
- GCSE in Maths and English and Sciences or equivalent experience in a lab based environment.
Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview
You will be invited to a single face to face interview. If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview
Interviews dates to be confirmed.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Location
This role is being offered as office/lab based at our site in Southmead Hospital, Bristol. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.
Security Clearance Level Requirement
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorist Check.
You will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.
Eligibility Criteria
External: Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).Salary Information
If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.
