Healthcare Science Support Worker - Biochemistry

Dartford And Gravesham Nhs Trust; Dartford; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Darent Valley Hospital's Biochemistry Department invites applications for Healthcare Science Support Worker, Higher Level (Band 3). The role supports Biomedical Scientists in processing blood and urine samples and maintaining equipment.

Eligible applicants will have NVQ Level 3 or equivalent, good literacy and numeracy, and be able to work within a 24/7 shift system in line with AfC terms. Training on high-throughput analysers is provided.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience in laboratory practices.
• Basic literacy and numeracy were demonstrated as essential.
• GCSE Maths and/or Science achieved.
• Computer literacy and ability to handle laboratory analysers.

Responsibilities

• Stock control of reagents and analyser maintenance.
• Processing quality control samples and external quality assurance material.
• Follow standard operating procedures at all times.
• Perform manual testing procedures.
• Enter test results on the laboratory information system.
• Assist with UKAS accreditation.
• Liaise with engineers and service users; handle phone calls.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Computer literacy

Keyboard skills

Organisational skills

Education

NVQ Level 3 or equivalent

GCSE Maths and/or Science

Tools

Laboratory information system (LIMS)

Job description

Job summary

Applications are invited for the post of Healthcare Science Support Worker, Higher Level (Band 3). We are looking for Healthcare Science Support Workers with experience of working in an NHS pathology laboratory (or equivalent) to join our Biochemistry Department in Blood Sciences at Darent Valley Hospital.

In partnership with Beckman Coulter UK (BCUK) our laboratory houses a range of equipment including: Beckman Coulter AU5800 and DxI analysers.

Successful applicants will be expected to participate in an ongoing quality programme to maintain compliance with the United Kingdom Accreditation Standards (UKAS).

The Department covers a 24/7 shift system to support service delivery. The successful applicant will be expected to participate in the shift system where required in accordance with Agenda for Change (AfC) terms and conditions.

Applicants should have NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience of laboratory practices and should be able to communicate well (see person specification for further details).

There is an opportunity to learn how to maintain the high-throughput equipment we use as well as to learn a variety of biochemistry techniques for testing samples.

Main duties of the job

The role of the Healthcare Scientific Support Worker is to provide a support role to the qualified Biomedical Scientists. This will include housekeeping duties including stock control of reagents and generally maintaining a clean and safe environment for all staff, to prepare and maintain equipment, to manage the processing of blood and urine samples and to perform some manual testing of samples. The successful candidate will need to be pro-active in their role and use their initiative to work independently, though always supervised. Being able to organise work and prioritise duties is essential. Working with colleagues is necessary to ensure the daily tasks are completed.

Job responsibilities

• Stock control of reagents, analyser maintenance, processing quality control samples and external quality assurance material.
• Working to standard operating procedures at all times.
• Performing manual testing procedures.
• Entering test results on to the laboratory information system.
• Assisting with UKAS accreditation.
• Dealing politely and effectively with phone calls.
• Liaising with company engineers and other service users.

Essential

• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience of laboratory practices.
• Basic skills to include literacy and numeracy.
• GCSE maths and/or Science.
• Basic knowledge of biomedical procedures.
• Computer literate and good keyboard skills.
• Operating and maintaining laboratory analysers.
• Processing biological specimens.
• Good communication / interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work accurately under pressure.
• Ability to communicate with colleagues within the department.
• Experience in working within a team.
• Experience of working within a fast paced setting.

Desirable

• Extensive training in a laboratory in any Pathology discipline.
• Knowledge of clinical sample types within Microbiology.
• Knowledge of Laboratory computer system.
• Computer literate with specified LIMs system.
• Experience in working as Laboratory assistant or within a laboratory setting.
• Data analysis experience or previous working in specimen reception environment.

Salary: £27,106 to £28,850 a year per annum inclusive of allowances

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

Band: Band 3

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Closing date: 05 November 2026

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.

For questions about the job, contact: Senior Biomedical Scientist, Emma Champ, [e-mail], 01322428489

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust is committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer and welcomes applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences.