Clinical Support Worker Microbiology

NHS National Services Scotland; Scotland; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A major healthcare provider in Scotland seeks a Clinical Support Worker to assist in the laboratory by handling clinical specimens and providing support to Biomedical Scientists. Applicants require 3 Highers at Grade C or above or equivalent qualifications in life sciences. The role involves registering patient information and ensuring compliance with safety standards. This position offers a chance to work in a state-of-the-art microbiology lab in Glasgow, contributing to essential healthcare services.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Inclusion policy

Support for Armed Forces Community

Qualifications

• Collection and preparation of clinical specimens for analysis.
• Registration of patient-related information onto systems.
• Assisting Biomedical Scientists in laboratory tasks.

Responsibilities

• Process and analyze clinical specimens in the laboratory.
• Ensure safe disposal of clinical waste.
• Handle telephone queries from staff and external agencies.

Skills

Clinical specimen collection

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

3 Highers at Grade C or above

SVQ3 in relevant science subject

Completion of modern apprenticeship in life sciences

Tools

Laboratory Information System

Microbiology equipment

Job description

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

Shift Pattern - 37 hours over 7 days including evenings, weekend and public holiday work as part of the laboratory out of hours system (contractual requirement)

Clinical Support Workers duties include the collection and preparation of materials and clinical specimens for analysis, including the safe disposal of clinical waste. They register patient related information onto the Laboratory Information System or other manual systems. They are responsible for working within Specimen Reception and dealing with telephone queries from staff from other departments and external agencies. They will provide assistance to the Biomedical Scientist for provision of the laboratory service and perform specific laboratory tests as required.

Applicants require 3 Highers at Grade C or above (one of which should include either Chemistry or Biology together with Maths) or SVQ3 in relevant science subject or equivalent qualification, or completion of modern apprenticeship in life sciences, or completion of equivalent accredited education / learning. Applicants would be required to achieve the mandatory inductions standards for health care support workers in Scotland and to comply with the code of conduct throughout your employment.

The Diagnostic Clinical Microbiology Service for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is delivered from two sites: Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI) and Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH). The laboratories provide a full and comprehensive Microbiology service to the population of Greater Glasgow & Clyde, hospital based users e.g. medical, nursing, estates, pharmacy and other department staff e.g., users in Primary Care and General Practice.

The post is based at the Microbiology Laboratory at Glasgow Royal Infirmary which is a state of the art facility which contains extensive microbiology equipment such as Vitek 2, Vitek MS, Virtuo Blood Culture system, WASP / WASPLab and MGiT TB Analysers. The laboratory processes around 400,000 specimens per annum and in addition to routine microbiology sections, also includes Environmental (air and water) testing and a Mycology section. The laboratory holds UKAS accreditation for ISO 15189 and ISO 17025 standards.

Informal contact: Catriona Noble, Operational Manager - [e-mail] - 0141 956 0428

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

As from 1st April 2026, the Agenda for Change full‑time working week will be reducing from 37 to 36 hours per week. Part time hours will be reduced pro‑rata. However, there will be a corresponding increase in the hourly rate so that pay will not be affected.

This post may close early to the volume of response. Please submit your application form as soon as possible.

Due to the volume of applications that we receive, we will not be able to provide shortlisting feedback.

NHSGGC‑NHS Scotland encourages applications from all sections of the community. We promote a culture of inclusion across the organisation and are proud of the diverse workforce we have.

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

NHSGGC recognise 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 the tenure is listed as 'various', we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements and this will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process. Relevant HR policies on our HR connect site.

Candidates should provide original and authentic responses to all questions within the application form. The use of artificial intelligence (AI), automated tools, or other third‑party assistance to generate, draft, or significantly modify responses is strongly discouraged. By submitting your application, you confirm that all answers are your own work, reflect your personal knowledge, skills and experience, and have not been solely produced or altered by AI or similar technologies. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in your application being withdrawn from the application process.

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