QC Laboratory Senior Assistant Technical Officer | North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust; Stockton-on-Tees; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A public health organization in Stockton-on-Tees is seeking a professional to oversee the processing of microbiology test samples and ensure laboratory standards. Responsibilities include maintaining equipment, supervising junior staff, and ensuring cleanliness. Experience in microbiological testing and accurate documentation are essential. The role closes on October 3, 2025.

Qualifications

• Experience in microbiology testing processes.
• Knowledge of laboratory procedures and equipment.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation.

Responsibilities

• Process microbiology test samples and document results.
• Ensure laboratory cleanliness and equipment maintenance.
• Supervise junior staff in the microbiology section.

Job description

Overview

The post holder is responsible for processing of test samples within the Microbiology section of the laboratory. This includes receipting, testing of samples and reading and documenting results in IT systems. Other areas of responsibility include handling and maintaining supplies, maintenance of equipment, and ensuring the laboratory is clean and tidy.

Responsibilities

• Processing microbiology test samples, including receipting, testing of samples and reading results.
• Documenting results in IT systems.
• Handling and maintaining supplies.
• Maintenance of equipment.
• Ensuring the laboratory is clean and tidy.
• Ensuring all associated paperwork is completed, up to date and filed appropriately.
• Reading results of tests, kits and sterility tests and recording the results in accordance with laboratory procedures.
• Performing identification tests on microorganisms using instrumental and classical microbiology techniques.
• Validating microbiology kits and sterility test samples in accordance with laboratory procedures.
• Performing basic checks and tests on samples, including accurately reading agar plates and other basic microbiological tests.
• Undertaking basic microbiological tests such as bioburdens and tests on non-sterile samples using a laminar flow cabinet and aseptic technique.
• Checking integrity of samples and documentation submitted for testing.
• Monitoring incubation temperatures and storage conditions using the Tutela monitoring system.
• Disposal of microbiology and other laboratory waste in accordance with laboratory and trust procedures.
• Assembling deliveries for customers, ensuring drivers receive all items in a timely manner, considering schedules for urgent orders.
• Raising deviations, change controls and out of specification results as appropriate according to local procedures and taking required actions in a timely manner.
• Authoring controlled forms as appropriate. Approving procedures, forms, methods and specifications as appropriate.
• Supervising Assistant Technical Officers working in the microbiology section of the laboratory.
• Ensuring the above workload is completed by team working and planning for expected absences and increased workloads.
• Informing Internal Operations Lead about any upcoming problems that cannot be solved within the team.
• Maintaining all equipment according to schedule to ensure performance is maintained.
• Preparing, maintaining and monitoring stocks of consumables and equipment used in the microbiology section of the laboratory.

Additional Information

This advert closes on Friday 3 Oct 2025.