Healthcare Support Worker/Medical Laboratory Assistant

Bidvane; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 21,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full training provided

CPD activities support

Annual pay award

Job summary

Manchester Royal Infirmary is seeking a support role in the microbiology department to assist Biomedical Scientists with receiving, preparing and examining clinical specimens, plus reagent preparation and clerical tasks. Training is provided and no formal qualifications are required.

The post operates on a 24/7 rotating shift in a Containment Level 3 laboratory. Counter Terrorism Check clearance is required, typically after three years' UK residence.

Qualifications

• GCSEs in maths, English and sciences or equivalent lab-based experience.

Responsibilities

• Receive, prepare and examine clinical specimens under supervision.
• Perform manual and automated tests following defined procedures.
• Prepare reagents, calibrators and conduct antimicrobial tests.
• Enter demographics and results into the laboratory information system.
• Monitor stock levels and assist with clerical tasks.

Skills

Clear communication

Data entry

Teamwork

Follow protocols

Education

GCSE Maths

GCSE English

GCSE Sciences

Job description

A support role in the microbiology department at Manchester Royal Infirmary, within the Manchester Medical Microbiology Partnership between UKHSA and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. The post assists Biomedical Scientists with receiving, preparing and examining clinical specimens, alongside reagent preparation, stock control and clerical work. Work runs on a rotational shift pattern covering 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in a Containment Level 3 laboratory, with full training given and no formal qualifications required. Counter Terrorism Check clearance is needed, which normally means three years' UK residence.

What the job involves

• Work under remote supervision of a Registered Biomedical Scientist, following defined examination procedures and referring non-routine issues
• Perform manual and automated tests to protocol, with high accuracy and precision, including initial review of quality control data before BMS approval
• Receive, prepare, sub-culture and examine clinical specimens, including high-risk specimens, in a Containment Level 3 laboratory
• Assess sample suitability and liaise with scientific and nursing staff under the sample acceptance policy
• Generate worksheets and laboratory reports, and enter demographics and results into the laboratory information system with data integrity
• Promptly notify or telephone urgent and unusual results to medical, nursing and GP staff
• Prepare reagents, calibrators, identification tests and antimicrobial susceptibility tests
• Monitor stock levels, receive deliveries and prepare orders
• Send samples to external reference laboratories with correct, UKAS-compliant paperwork
• Carry out routine maintenance and minor troubleshooting of automated equipment
• Clean and disinfect equipment and laboratory areas, and dispose of tissue and patient samples per guidelines
• Undertake clerical tasks, telephone enquiries and post, and support research and equipment evaluation under supervision

What’s required

Qualifications

• GCSE or equivalent in Maths, English and Sciences, or equivalent lab-based experience

Experience

• Previous work experience
• Experience of working in a laboratory
• Experience of working in a healthcare environment

Skills & knowledge

• Clear communication with good writing, data entry and telephone skills, ensuring accuracy
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Ability to follow written protocols
• Methodical and organised

Checks & eligibility

• Basic DBS check
• Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance
• Baseline Personnel Security Standard
• Normally three years' UK residence to allow vetting

Nice to have

• Keyboard skills

What’s offered

• Full training provided
• Support for CPD activities
• Annual pay award