Job summary This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the largest microbiology departments in England as an AO grade Healthcare Scientific Support Worker/Medical Laboratory Assistant.
The Manchester Medical Microbiology Partnership (MMMP) is a collaboration between UKHSA and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.The microbiology partnership provides comprehensive routine services and specialist services to a wide range of hospitals across the North West and beyond and also assists in any UKHSA co-ordinated responses or activity of a national/international nature, Bioterrorism incident or major disease enteric outbreaks, COVID19, SARS.The department employs around 130 staff and has a workload in excess of million specimens covering major clinical specialties including respiratory medicine, transplantation, burns, renal medicine, urology & paediatrics.
The department embraces all aspects of a modern clinical bacteriology service combining traditional methodologies with laboratory automation.The post holder will act as a laboratory assistant to provide support to the scientific team providing services to patients and clients as an aid to clinical diagnosis.You will be expected to work hours, flexible between the hours of 8am - 8pm Monday to Sunday.
Main duties of the job Working as part of Laboratory TeamRotate through various managed units within MicrobiologySample receipt and handingSample preparation and reagent preparation following protocolsClerical duties, including use of computers, and data entry, telephone enquiriesProvide results service to wards, GPs and other hospitalsDealing with patients, visitors and deliveriesMonitor and maintain appropriate stock levels, receipt of deliveries and preparation of ordersCleaning and disinfection of equipment and laboratory areasMonitoring and routine maintenance of equipmentPerform manual, semi-automated and automated tests according to protocolsDisposal of patient samples in accordance with relevant guidelinesAutoclaving of waste material and patient samples (involves moderate lifting)Portering dutiesWork in a safe manner in accordance with Laboratory Health and Safety policies and procedures About us We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.
UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders.
To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities.
We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.
Please visit our careers site for more information Job description Job responsibilities Processing specimens, sub culturing of specimens, cleaning and maintenance of equipment, assisting BMS staff in analytical techniques, and use of automated equipment within Containment Level 3 laboratory.
You would be using automated equipment and assist with its maintenance within Containment Level 2 laboratories.
You would need to participate in Quality Assurance and Quality Control activities, and assist the department in maintaining UKAS accreditation.
The postholder would participate in audit processes, drug trials, research projects as required.
You would be assisting in the production of bacteriological culture media.
You may be expected to provide emergency cover between the laboratories at Manchester Medical Microbiology Partnership.
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 below listed 4 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a: Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) 500 word Statement of Suitability.
This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.
The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.
Please be aware that you will be assessed on the below listed 6 essential criteria, rather than the full list on the job description document.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment Please do not exceed 500 words.
We will not consider any words over and above this number.
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.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview (Competency based) You will be invited to a 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.
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 based at UKHSA Manchester, Manchester Royal Infirmary, M13 9WL.
If based at one of our scientific locations 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 andapplicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.
Eligibility Criteria Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).
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 a Counter-terrorist Check.
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.
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.
Person Specification Qualifications & Experience Essential Previously worked in Laboratory Experience of working in a health care environment Clear communicator with good writing, data entry and telephone skills ensuring accuracy Able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own workload to set deadlines