Laboratory Assistant Microbiology

The Methodist Church in Britain; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Learning and development opportunities

Flexible shifts

Wellbeing resources

Paid annual leave

Work across NHS Trusts

Job summary

NHS Professionals is seeking a microbiology supervisor for a six-month post at University Hospital of North Tees, within the North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust. The role involves validating kits, reading results, and supervising staff in the microbiology section.

You will also oversee stock, deliveries and waste, maintain records, and ensure safe, compliant laboratory practice across shifts. Prior microbiology experience and good IT/communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• GCSE English, Maths and Science.
• Experience working in a microbiology laboratory.
• Computer literacy and ability to document results.

Responsibilities

• Supervise assistant technical officers in microbiology.
• Provide supervisory cover for chemistry when required.
• Validate microbiology kits and sterility test samples.
• Read and record results on IT systems.
• Identify microorganisms using instrumental and classical techniques.
• Carry out basic sample examinations, microbiological checks and agar plate reading.
• Check submitted samples and supporting documentation are suitable.
• Monitor incubation temperatures and storage conditions through the Tutela system.
• Prepare customer deliveries accurately and coordinate with drivers.
• Manage consumable and equipment stock, maintain laboratory equipment, and keep the environment clean and safe.
• Dispose of microbiology and laboratory waste per Trust requirements.
• Maintain records and filing; report deviations and corrective actions.

Skills

Microbiology knowledge

Lab procedures

Computer literacy

Communication

Supervisory skills

Organisational skills

Education

GCSE English/Maths/Science

Job description

A six-month post supplied through NHS Professionals' staff bank for North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, in the microbiology section of the laboratory at University Hospital of North Tees. The work centres on validating kits and sterility samples, reading and recording results, and identifying microorganisms. The senior role also supervises assistant technical officers, covers the chemistry section when needed, and oversees stock, deliveries and waste handling.

What the job involves

• Supervise assistant technical officers in the microbiology section
• Provide supervisory cover for the Senior Assistant Technical Officer (Chemistry) when required
• Validate microbiology kits and sterility test samples against laboratory procedures
• Read and record test kit and sterility results, documenting them accurately on IT systems
• Perform identification tests on microorganisms using instrumental and classical techniques
• Carry out basic sample examinations, microbiological checks and agar plate reading
• Check submitted samples and supporting documentation are suitable
• Monitor incubation temperatures and storage conditions through the Tutela system
• Prepare customer deliveries accurately and make them available to drivers on time
• Manage consumable and equipment stock, maintain laboratory equipment and keep the environment clean and safe
• Dispose of microbiology and laboratory waste in line with Trust requirements
• Maintain records and filing; report deviations, change controls and out-of-specification results, progressing corrective actions

What's required

Qualifications

• GCSE English, Maths and Science

Experience

• Experience working in a microbiology laboratory

Skills & knowledge

• Understanding of microbiology and laboratory procedures
• Computer literacy
• Effective communication, teamwork, supervisory and organisational skills

Nice to have

• NVQ Level 2 in a laboratory environment
• GMP QC laboratory experience

What's offered

• Learning and development opportunities for career progression
• Flexible and committed shifts
• Wellbeing resources
• Paid annual leave
• Work across more than 50 partner NHS Trusts