Biomedical Support Worker - Pathology

NHS Ayrshire & Arran; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 39,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NHS Pension Scheme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme

Development opportunities including B\

Job summary

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is seeking a Biomedical Support Worker to provide essential laboratory support within the Cytology area of Pathology at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital site in Glasgow.

The role requires strong organisational skills, accuracy, and teamwork, with a 36-hour week and shifts 09:00–17:00, Monday to Friday, plus weekend/holiday rotas. Clear experience or qualification in science is essential for this post.

Qualifications

• 3 Higher qualifications including Chemistry or Biology with Maths, or SVQ3 in a science subject, or modern apprenticeship in life sciences or equivalent.
• SVQ3 in a relevant science subject or modern apprenticeship in life sciences.
• Ability to work under pressure and with accuracy in a laboratory setting.
• Experience or knowledge of using IT systems and safety in handling chemicals.

Responsibilities

• Label slides and perform block checking as part of quality control.
• Scan slides and documents for digital workflow and archive.
• Manage delivery receipt and stock of chemicals, reagents and consumables.
• Maintain health and safety in the laboratory and follow SOPs.
• Support weekend and bank holiday rota as required.
• Familiarise with departmental and divisional health and safety policies.

Skills

Under pressure

Organisational skills

Time management

Attention to detail

IT literacy

Chemical safety

Education

3 Highers incl Chemistry or Biology + Maths

SVQ3 in life science subject

Modern apprenticeship in life sciences

Equivalent accredited education

Tools

TelePath computer system

Job description

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.

The Role

This position is available within the Cytology area of the department, based in the Laboratory Medicine building at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital site, Glasgow.

The post of Biomedical Support Worker in the department of Pathology is an essential post in the successful running of the department. The post holder will provide laboratory support to both medical and scientific staff. The department provides Diagnostic Cytopathology and Andrology services to Greater Glasgow & Clyde, as well as the Cytology Cervical Screening service for Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Grampian, Tayside, Orkney, Shetland, and Ayrshire and Arran.

The post requires excellent organisational skills, good numeracy, literacy and keyboard skills. Further essential skills are accuracy and attention to detail. The post also requires excellent teamwork skills.

Qualifications should include either: 3 Highers at Grade C or above, which should include either Chemistry or Biology together with Maths, or SVQ3 in relevant science subject, or completion of modern apprenticeship in life sciences or completion of equivalent accredited education / learning.

All other roles will be assessed for sponsorship eligibility in line with current Home Office requirements. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) can only issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) where these are met.

Duration, Location, and Working Pattern

• Location based in Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
• Permanent Contract
• Full-time position (36 hours per week)
• Shift pattern for this post are Monday – Friday 0900-1700 (shift TBC), the service also covers Saturday and Public holidays (0800-1200)

Key Responsibilities

• Labelling slides
• Block checking as part of overall quality control
• Scanning slides and documents as part of digital workflow
• Scanning blocks for archive
• Receipt and storage of deliveries
• Assist in maintaining stock levels of chemicals, reagents and consumables within your current work section.
• Shared responsibility for health and safety within the laboratory
• Ensure that safe working practises are maintained according to standard operating procedures
• Be familiar with all core Divisional polices such as sickness reporting, annual leave requesting and health and safety policies.
• Commitment to weekend and bank holiday rota
• Shared responsibility for health and safety within the department.
• Be familiar with Department and Divisional health and safety polices and ensure that they are followed in order to maintain a safe working environment for all staff and visitors
• Please refer to the job description for further details.

Essential

• 3 Highers at Grade C or above, which should include either Chemistry or Biology together with Maths, or
• SVQ3 in relevant science subject, or
• Completion of modern apprenticeship in life sciences, or
• Completion of equivalent accredited education / learning
• Ability to work under pressure
• Good organisational and time management skills
• Accuracy and attention to detail are required skills
• Knowledge of using IT systems
• An understanding of safety when working and handling chemicals

Desirable

• Sound knowledge of laboratory terminology
• Working knowledge of TelePath computer system
• Previous experience working in an NHS diagnostic laboratory

What We Offer

We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.

As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:

• A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
• Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme
• Development opportunities including study bursaries, e-learning and classroom-based courses
• Enhanced pay for working public holidays
• NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
• Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies

For An Informal Discussion, Please Contact

Suzanne Ferrá, Pathology Operations Manager, 0141 354 9469, [e-mail]

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NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) recognises the importance of work-life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full-time hours can be accommodated, and where the tenure is listed as “various”, we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements. Flexible working will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process.

NHSGGC encourages applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and are proud of the diverse workforce we employ.

By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We welcome applications from across the Armed Forces Community and recognise military skills, experience and qualifications throughout the recruitment and selection process.

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