Medical Laboratory Assistant

Job description

Job responsibilities

• Receive and process biological samples safely according to standard operating procedures and risk assessments
• Recording of clinical patient information into the laboratory information management systems (LIMS) database
• Work independently and within a team to support completion of diagnostic testing to meet the needs of the RIPL service provision
• Provide resilience for answering of queries via the RIPL telephone line
• Operate, maintain and clean a range of laboratory equipment safely, e.g. centrifuges, balances, microbiology safety cabinets, and pipettes
• Act as laboratory supervisor for specific area ensuring equipment is maintained and calibrated and relevant documentation is available and up to date
• Perform testing for environmental anthrax involving specimen processing in an ACDP 3/SAPO laboratory
• Comply with waste disposal protocols
• Maintain a clean, safe and tidy working environment
• Perform stock control procedures for reagent and consumable stocks within the laboratory
• Play a leading role in training of junior and new staff
• Ensure all work is undertaken in accordance with safety and ISO15189 quality requirements and complete any training requirements as required for this post
• Perform other duties required by the line manager
• Escalate risks that cant be controlled to the senior management team
• Engage in equality and diversity principles and maintain a culture of inclusion and belonging by actively contributing to a workplace where diverse perspectives are valued and respected
• To maintain a positive attitude to the work of the laboratory and other members of the team
• To ensure health, safety and welfare are afforded priority and to demonstrate commitment to health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors and comply with relevant UKHSA health and safety policies at all times
• Notify accidents, near misses, dangerous situations and shortcomings in health and safety via the appropriate management structure
• To report any personal sickness (during and after such an event) that may have potentially been caused by or may impact upon work, in line with the UKHSA Sickness Absence management policy

Essential Criteria

• GCSE English and Maths at C grade or above or relevant experience working in a laboratory
• Experience of working in a regulated environment
• Ability to work in a team and individually
• Good communication, organisational and time management skills
• Intermediate keyboard skills
• Ability to prioritize activities and workload against conflicting demands
• Able to participate in surge/outbreak cover situations as required
• 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

• Experience in handling clinical specimens

Selection Process Details

Stage 1: Application and Sift

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Experience, Technical skills and Strengths.

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 8 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
• 1000 word supporting statement.

This should outline how your behaviours, skills, experience and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

The Application form and supporting statement will be marked together.

Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.

Longlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

• Meets all essential criteria
• Meets some essential criteria
• Meets no essential criteria

Those falling into the 'Meets all essential criteria' will progress to Interview.

Shortlisting:

In the event ofa large number ofapplications we may conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of:

• GCSE English and Maths at C grade or above or relevant experience working in a laboratory
• Experience of working in a regulated environment
• Ability to work in a team and individually

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.

Behaviours, Technical Skills and Strengths will be assessed at interview.

Technical skills will be assessed through technical based questions. Which will based upon Laboratory skills and compliance.

The behaviours assessed will be :

• Making effective decisions (Lead behaviour)
• Communicating and influencing
• Working together
• Working at pace

Interview dates are to be confirmed. Please note, these dates are subject to change.

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 lab based role at our Scientific Campus in Porton.

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.

If based at one of our labs, 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

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.

Person Specification

Application form and Supporting Statement

Essential

• Application form and Supporting Statement

Behaviours

Essential

• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Working at Pace

Technical Skills

Essential

• Technical Based Questions

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

Scientific Campus

Porton

SP4 0JG

Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)