Associate Practitioner - Microbiology

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust; Dartford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Dartford seeks an Associate Practitioner to perform biomedical investigations and support laboratory operations. Responsibilities include data analysis, management of quality control, and training support under the supervision of Biomedical Scientists. Applicants should have experience in laboratory settings and be prepared for varying shift patterns. This role is key to ensuring high standards in patient care.

Qualifications

• Experience in performing standard biomedical investigations and data analysis support.
• Ability to operate laboratory analysers and troubleshoot instrumentation.
• Familiarity with quality control management.

Responsibilities

• Perform standard biomedical investigations on body fluids, swabs, tissues, and blood samples.
• Manage quality control and support Biomedical Scientists.
• Engage in training and development activities.

Job description

Overview

As an Associate Practitioner you will be expected to perform a range of Healthcare scientific activities, including undertaking standard biomedical investigations (tests) and data analysis support on routine tests on body fluids, swabs, tissues and blood samples. Tasks include operation of laboratory analysers, troubleshooting analysers, quality control management and supporting Biomedical Scientists where appropriate. There will be an element of Serology and Molecular involvement, all under the supervision of specialist Biomedical Scientists. You will be expected to support training and supervision of MLA / HSSW staff. You will not authorise results as this is a non-HCPC registered post.

The department is part of North Kent Pathology Services and consists of a large Microbiology laboratory formed when Darent Valley Hospital and Medway Maritime Hospital Pathology departments integrated. The Microbiology department processes more than 750,000 tests annually and is approved as a training laboratory by the IBMS and HCPC.

Responsibilities

• Perform standard biomedical investigations and data analysis support on routine tests across a range of body fluids, swabs, tissues and blood samples.
• Operate laboratory analysers and troubleshoot instrumentation as required.
• Manage quality control and support Biomedical Scientists in daily activities.
• Provide training and supervision support for MLA / HSSW staff.
• Work within the supervision of specialist Biomedical Scientists and adhere to relevant clinical governance and safety requirements.
• Contribute to Serology and Molecular workflows as part of the Microbiology department.
• Adhere to non-HCPC registered post requirements; do not authorise results.
• Engage with training and development activities as part of the department’s commitments.

Department and Equipment

The Microbiology department comprises bacteriology, serology, molecular, mycology, parasitology and specialist services in Andrology and OSNA (One step nucleic acid amplification for breast tissue/lymph node analysis). Equipment includes Microscan automation, MALDI-TOF, Vitek, Sedimax, Virtuo, BacT/Alert 3D TB, VIDAS, DS2, Cobas 480 and Genexpert. Appropriate training will be provided to enable competent operation of these instruments where applicable.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you will have opportunities to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we have achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge and have a commitment to the Armed Forces Community.

Quality Improvement and Working Pattern

We are dedicated to using a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) approach as our shared organisation model of change to enhance our services and ensure excellence in patient care.

The department operates on a 16 week roster encompassing early and late shifts, rest days during the week for weekend shifts worked. Core Hours are 08:00-16:30 and Late shifts are 12:30-21:00. Bank holiday working is expected. There may also be a requirement to work extended working days and night shifts. There may also be an element of cross-site working.