Associate Practitioner

Public Health Wales; Swansea; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A national public health agency in the UK is seeking an Associate Practitioner for its microbiology team in Swansea. This role involves routine laboratory procedures under supervision, requiring a science graduate or those with microbiology experience. The successful candidate will undergo training in various methodologies, including molecular science and virology. Strong communication skills and manual dexterity are essential, along with participation in 24/7 shift patterns. This position offers a solid start for a career in medical microbiology.

Benefits

Well established career pathways

Supportive flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Proven Microbiology laboratory experience or a science graduate.
• Experience of working within a clinical microbiology laboratory.
• Evidence of following verbal and written instructions.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, check, and process samples.
• Enter data into the laboratory information system.
• Participate in 24/7 working based on agreed shift patterns.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Technical ability

Good communication skills

Document writing skills

Ability to prioritize

Education

Biological Sciences Degree

IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part 1 or 2

Tools

Laboratory information system

Automation tools

Job description

Public Heath Wales Microbiology operates as a network of laboratories with Regional Laboratories across Wales.

The Band 4 Associate Practitioner post within our 24/7 team based in Singleton Swansea is to undertake routine laboratory procedures with supervision. The successful candidates will gain experience in a diagnostic laboratory service using rapid molecular platforms and large throughput analysers.

This post would suit candidates that have proven Microbiology laboratory experience and associated work based education and competency or a science graduate. The successful candidates will have the opportunity to rotate through a number of sections during their employment, gaining experience in a number of methodologies to include molecular science and microbiological diagnostic testing. We are looking to roll out training beyond covid analysers and this will eventually include areas within Bacteriology and virology. We have well established career pathways and so this could be a brilliant launch pad for a professional career in medical microbiology.

Main duties of the job

Duties will include preparing, checking and processing of samples as well as data entry into the laboratory information system. The successful candidate will have good communication skills, technical ability, good hand-eye coordination amongst others.

Work undertaken by the COVID team has been paramount to Public Health Wales' response to COVID-19. The team will also respond to any further outbreaks/winter pressures.

The Microbiology network provides services across the 24/7 period based on agreed shift patterns. This can differ based on need but all post holders will be expected to participate in 24/7 working either at their main base or in support of other sites should the need arise or as part of the agreed local rota. Where excess travel is required, this will be taken into account around start / finish times and travel expenses.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.

About us

We are Public Health Wales- the national public health agency in Wales. Our purpose is 'Working together for a healthier Wales'. We exist to help everyone in Wales live longer, healthier, happier lives. Together with our partners, we work to increase healthy life expectancy, improve health and well-being, and reduce inequalities for everyone in Wales, now and for future generations.

Our teams work to prevent disease, protect health, and provide leadership, specialist services and public health expertise. We are the leading source of public health information, research and innovation in Wales. In a world facing complex health challenges, our work has never been so important.

We are guided by our Values, 'Working together, with trust and respect, to make a difference'. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace that values equality and diversity. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve and are supportive of flexible working arrangements, including part time roles and job sharing.

To find out more about working for us and the benefits we offer please visithttps://phw.nhs.wales/careers/

For guidance on the application process, please visithttps://phw.nhs.wales/working-for-us/applicant-information-and-guidance/

Job responsibilities

You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Undertaking or gained an IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part 1 or 2 or equivalent qualifications and/or experience
• Biological Sciences Degree

Experience

• Experience of working within a clinical microbiology laboratory
• Good manual dexterity and hand/eye co-ordination
• Evidence of following verbal and written instructions and complex protocols and procedures.
• Good basic IT skills, document writing skills
• Experience of staff supervision.
• Experience of quality control procedures

Knowledge and Skills

• Evidence of ability to use automation
• Knowledge of health and safety in relation to the laboratory including the disposal of waste.
• Evidence of competence in laboratory techniques.
• Ability to prioritise

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.