Registered Biomedical Scientist

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Public Health Laboratory in Birmingham is seeking a Healthcare Scientist Support Worker to join a busy microbiology service supporting patient care and public health across the region.

You will provide technical and administrative support, rotate through microbiology sections, handle specimens and assist BMS staff under supervision, with training and development opportunities in a nationally recognised healthcare organisation.

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English at grade C or above or equivalent experience working in a laboratory.
• Experience of using computerised data systems.
• Basic knowledge of Health & Safety and working in a laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and administrative support to scientific staff, assisting with processing, preparation and handling of clinical specimens.
• Sample receipt and handling, sample preparation and reagent preparation following protocols.
• Clerical duties including use of computers and data entry, telephone enquiries.
• Provide results service to wards, GPs and other hospitals; assist BMS staff with analytical techniques.
• Monitor and maintain stock levels, receipt of deliveries and preparation of orders.
• Cleaning and disinfection of equipment and laboratory areas; routine maintenance of equipment.

Skills

Computerised data systems experience

Communication with patients/visitors

Manual handling tasks

Education

GCSE Maths

GCSE English

Tools

Basic laboratory equipment handling

Job description

As a Healthcare Scientist Support Worker, you will:

• Provide technical and administrative support to scientific staff, assisting with the processing, preparation and handling of clinical specimens.


• Work as part of a skilled multidisciplinary team and rotate through a variety of microbiology laboratory sections, gaining broad experience across different service areas., Under the local supervision of a Registered Biomedical Scientist:


• Sample receipt and handing.


• Sample preparation and reagent preparation following protocols.


• Clerical duties, including use of computers, and data entry, telephone enquiries.


• Provide results service to wards, GPs and other hospitals


• Dealing with patients, visitors and deliveries.


• Monitor and maintain appropriate stock levels, receipt of deliveries and preparation of orders.


• Cleaning and disinfection of equipment and laboratory areas.


• Monitoring and routine maintenance of equipment.


• Perform basic manual and automated tests according to protocols.


• Disposal of tissue and patient samples in accordance with relevant guidelines


• Autoclaving of waste material and patient samples (involves moderate lifting).


• Work in a safe manner in accordance with Laboratory Health and Safety policies and procedures.


• Processing specimens, sub culturing of specimens, cleaning and maintenance of equipment, assisting BMS staff in analytical techniques, and use of automated equipment within Containment Level 3 laboratory.


• To participate in Quality Assurance and Quality Control activities and assist the department in maintaining UKAS Accreditation.


• To participate in audit processes, drug trials, research projects as required.


• Job Holder is expected to occasionally work under remote supervision of a Registered Biomedical Scientist following defined SOP/protocols and would be expected to refer non routine issues to their supervisor.


• Assistance with training of junior HSSW staff and trainee BMS staff.


• Preparation of samples prior to sending away to reference laboratories.

Requirements

• GCSE grade C or above in Maths and English or equivalent experience working in a laboratory


• Experience of using computerised data systems


• Basic knowledge of Health & Safety


• Previous experience working in an administrative environment


• Previous experience of using computerised data systems


• Experience of manual handling task

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience of working in a microbiology laboratory


• Previous experience of working in a health care environment


• Knowledge of laboratory consumables, Seeing the big picture


• Communicating and influencing


• Working together (Lead behaviour)


• Delivering at pace


• Seeing the big picture


• Communication and influencing


• Working together - Lead


• Delivering at pace

you will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as aminimum. 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. In exceptional circumstances 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.

Please note, there is no hybrid working available for this role. Security Clearance Level Requirement Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorist Check.

Are you looking to start or develop your career in laboratory science within a nationally recognised healthcare organisation? The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Public Health Laboratory in Birmingham is seeking a Healthcare Scientist Support Worker (HSSW) to join our friendly and dedicated team. Working in partnership with University Hospitals Birmingham, our laboratory provides a comprehensive microbiology service to Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital, Solihull Hospital and GP practices across the region. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a busy, modern microbiology laboratory, supporting vital diagnostic services that directly contribute to patient care and public health.

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.

If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another governmentdepartment, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.