Healthcare Scientific Support Worker

UK Health Security Agency; Bristol; On-site; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the UK Health Security Agency as a Healthcare Scientific Support Worker and be part of a dedicated team providing essential laboratory services. This role involves processing specimens and maintaining standards of lab competence, supporting the NHS with over 1 million specimens annually. Ideal for individuals with GCSE qualifications in Maths and Science, along with a passion for laboratory work.

Benefits

Civil Service pension with employer contributions

Learning and development

Flexible working options

Inclusive workplace culture

Qualifications

• GCSE in Maths, English, and Sciences required.
• Basic knowledge of health and safety practices.
• Experience with data systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Receive, label, and process specimens.
• Understand and use laboratory data entry systems.
• Assist with setting up laboratory tests.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

GCSE or O level in Maths, English and Sciences (Grade C or above) or equivalent

Tools

Laboratory Information System (LIMS)

Microsoft Office

Job description

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UKHSA Bristol, Southmead Hospital, BS10 5NB

Job Summary

The laboratory in Bristol is situated within the Severn Pathology suite of laboratories at North Bristol NHS Trust Southmead site. The laboratory receives in excess of 1 million specimens a year from a large number of clinical specialties across the Bristol and Bath hospital trusts which contribute to an interesting and varied workload.

The scope of this role is to learn and maintain good laboratory practice in the interests of the departmental commitment to provide an efficient service and to become a positive member of a team or teams in the function of service provision.

Working for your organisation

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Job Description

Under the supervision of a State Registered Biomedical Scientist:

• To receive, sort, unpack, label and process specimens in the laboratory.
• To understand the use of the laboratory information system (LIMS) and undertake data entry e.g. for samples received and referred.
• To electronically request and receive tests and look up results etc.
• To solve minor problems with mislabelled or mislaid samples and to generate worksheets.
• Collect and transfer laboratory consumables and samples to and from delivery points, storage areas and workstations.
• To accurately prepare samples for analysis.
• To assist with the setting up of automated and semi-automated tests.
• To follow various technical procedures e.g. Preparation of specimens Serological and Molecular techniques
• To maintain a high standard of competence in the performance of all tests appropriate to grade and investigations carried out in that area, following appropriate training.
• To perform technical work under the supervision of a BMS.
• To ensure important or unusual results are drawn to the attention of senior staff and to report complaints or anomalies as soon as possible.
• To use equipment in a safe and responsible manner.
• To perform general laboratory duties e.g. checking and cleaning instruments/equipment, recording temperatures, preparing reagents and assistance with stock control.
• To perform general clerical duties e.g. photocopying, filing, telephone answering, dealing with queries from clients, customers and other NHS staff and to undertake data entry.
• Assist in the training of other HSSW staff.
• To rotate through all relevant sections of the department as directed.
• To respond to changes in laboratory protocols as directed.
• To work in a conscientious and responsible manner ensuring care and accuracy.
• To cover the duties of other HSSW staff in their absence where possible.
• To receive goods and supplies into the laboratory.
• To help prepare and dispatch items/samples for referral, transport and posting.
• To issue specimen collection kits, containers and reagents to appropriate areas.
• To undertake sterilisation and disposal of laboratory waste including collection of discard and waste material, transfer of laboratory waste to designated collection/disposal areas.
• To undertake any reasonable task delegated by a senior member of staff.
  
  

Please see the job description for the full list of duties and responsibilities.

Under The Supervision Of a State Registered Biomedical Scientist

• To receive, sort, unpack, label and process specimens in the laboratory.
• To understand the use of the laboratory information system (LIMS) and undertake data entry e.g. for samples received and referred.
• To electronically request and receive tests and look up results etc.
• To solve minor problems with mislabelled or mislaid samples and to generate worksheets.
• Collect and transfer laboratory consumables and samples to and from delivery points, storage areas and workstations.
• To accurately prepare samples for analysis.
• To assist with the setting up of automated and semi-automated tests.
• To follow various technical procedures e.g. Preparation of specimens Serological and Molecular techniques
• To maintain a high standard of competence in the performance of all tests appropriate to grade and investigations carried out in that area, following appropriate training.
• To perform technical work under the supervision of a BMS.
• To ensure important or unusual results are drawn to the attention of senior staff and to report complaints or anomalies as soon as possible.
• To use equipment in a safe and responsible manner.
• To perform general laboratory duties e.g. checking and cleaning instruments/equipment, recording temperatures, preparing reagents and assistance with stock control.
• To perform general clerical duties e.g. photocopying, filing, telephone answering, dealing with queries from clients, customers and other NHS staff and to undertake data entry.
• Assist in the training of other HSSW staff.
• To rotate through all relevant sections of the department as directed.
• To respond to changes in laboratory protocols as directed.
• To work in a conscientious and responsible manner ensuring care and accuracy.
• To cover the duties of other HSSW staff in their absence where possible.
• To receive goods and supplies into the laboratory.
• To help prepare and dispatch items/samples for referral, transport and posting.
• To issue specimen collection kits, containers and reagents to appropriate areas.
• To undertake sterilisation and disposal of laboratory waste including collection of discard and waste material, transfer of laboratory waste to designated collection/disposal areas.
• To undertake any reasonable task delegated by a senior member of staff.
  
  

Please see the job description for the full list of duties and responsibilities.

Person specification

• GCSE or O level in Maths, English and Sciences (Grade C or above) or equivalent, or relevant experience within a lab based environment
• Basic knowledge of health and safety and safe working practices
• Previous experience of using computerised data systems, and working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word and Excel.
• Clear communicator with good writing, data entry and telephone skills ensuring accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Problem solving skills
• Able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own workload to set deadlines
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems
  
  

Alongside your salary of £23,875, UK Health Security Agency contributes £6,916 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
  
  

Selection process details

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

Job Description

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed essential criteria that have been selected from the job description, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• 500 word Statement of Suitability.
  
  

This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.

Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

• Meets all essential criteria
• Meets some essential criteria
• Meets no essential criteria
  
  

Only those meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:

• GCSE or O level in Maths, English and Sciences (Grade C or above) or equivalent, or relevant experience within a lab based environment
• Basic knowledge of health and safety and safe working practices
• Previous experience of using computerised data systems, and working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word and Excel.
  
  

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment.

Please do not exceed 500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

You will be invited to a face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Knowledge, experience, skills and abilities will be tested at interview.

You will be asked to prepare and present a 5–10 minute presentation. The subject of this will be sent to you prior to interview.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location:

This role is being offered as lab based at UKHSA Bristol, Southmead Hospital, BS10 5NB. Please note that hybrid working is not available for this role.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-terrorist Check.

For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance.

UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Reasonable Adjustments

The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone. To help you during the recruitment process, we will consider any reasonable adjustments that could help you. An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work. This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme. If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs.

You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments/

International Police check

If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and it could be time accrued over that period.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Your application may be rejected and/or you may be subject to disciplinary action if evidence of plagiarism is detected. Examples of plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence (AI), as your own.

Internal Fraud check

If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant’s personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.

Careers website

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
  
  

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job Contact

• Name : Jon Payne
• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

Recruitment team

• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

Further information

The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: [e-mail] If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Hospitals and Health Care

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