Clinical Support Worker (Higher Level) - Microbiology

NHS National Services Scotland; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NHS Pension Scheme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Learning and development opportunities

Annual leave, generous NHS benefits

Job summary

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is seeking a Clinical Support Worker (Higher Level) to join the Microbiology Service at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. You will support diagnostic microbiology, work within a skilled laboratory team, and help ensure patient care across the region.

The role operates 36 hours over 7 days including evenings, weekends, and holidays as part of the out-of-hours system; permanent, full-time with visa sponsorship considered where eligible.

Qualifications

• Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Good understanding of Biomedical Science principles and laboratory practices.
• Awareness of infection prevention, health and safety and quality standards.
• Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, process and organise clinical specimens for laboratory testing.
• Register patient and sample information on laboratory systems.
• Support Biomedical Scientists in delivering a high-quality diagnostic service.
• Operate laboratory equipment and perform routine maintenance checks.
• Handle specimen storage, disposal and referral processes safely.
• Respond professionally to telephone, laboratory and service user enquiries.
• Assist with training, quality activities and departmental audits.

Skills

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Biomedical science principles

Attention to detail

Infection prevention & safety

Communication & interpersonal skills

Prioritisation under pressure

Education

3 Highers (Chemistry/ Biology) + Maths; or SVQ3 in science

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:

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Clinical Support Worker (Higher Level) to join the Microbiology Service within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Working as part of a highly skilled laboratory team, you will play a vital role in supporting the delivery of diagnostic microbiology services that contribute directly to patient care across the region. This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to develop their skills within a fast-paced and rewarding healthcare environment. At NHSGGC, you will be part of one of the largest NHS organisations in the UK, committed to investing in our people, supporting career development, and delivering high-quality services for the communities we serve.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) may be able to provide visa sponsorship for certain roles, subject to the post meeting the relevant eligibility criteria. Sponsorship is not guaranteed and will be determined on a case-by-case basis following interview and during the pre-employment verification process. Applicants must state their current right to work in their application.

Please see below for more details:

Skilled Worker visa and Health and Care Worker visa

Duration, Location, and Working Pattern:

• Glasgow Royal Infirmary, New Lister Building
• 36 hours over 7 days including evenings, weekends, and public holiday work as part of the laboratory out-of-hours system (contractual requirement)
• Permanent, full-time

Key responsibilities:

• Prepare, process and organise clinical specimens for laboratory testing
• Accurately register patient and sample information on laboratory systems
• Support Biomedical Scientists in delivering a high-quality diagnostic service
• Operate laboratory equipment and perform routine maintenance checks
• Handle specimen storage, disposal and referral processes safely
• Respond professionally to telephone, laboratory and service user enquiries
• Assist with training, quality activities and departmental audits

Knowledge, training, qualifications and/or experience required to do the job:

• 3 Highers at Grade C or above including Chemistry or Biology and Maths, or SVQ3 in a relevant science subject or equivalent qualification
• Experience working effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Good understanding of Biomedical Science principles and laboratory practices
• Strong keyboard skills with excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Awareness of infection prevention, health and safety and quality standards
• Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work accurately under pressure and prioritise competing demands

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

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion, please contact:
Operational Manager, Gareth Wilson, [e-mail], 0141 956 0428

Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process: Information for candidates

This vacancy may close early due to a high volume of applications. We recommend applying as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

This post may require a satisfactory PVG Scheme record check.

AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot can be great for planning and preparing your application, but your answers must be your own.

• Show us the real you: Your application should reflect your skills, experience, and motivations authentically.
• Use AI wisely: It’s fine to use AI for ideas or to check spelling and grammar, but don’t let it write your answers.
• Why this matters: Applications that rely on AI-generated content may be withdrawn. By applying, you confirm your responses are based on your own knowledge and achievements.

Tip: Think of AI as a helper, not a substitute. We want to understand you, not an AI tool.

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.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 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.

For application portal or log-in issues, please contact the Jobtrain Support Hub in the first instance.