Senior Assistant Healthcare Scientist in Microbiology

East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust; Ashford; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare institution in Ashford is seeking a Senior Assistant Healthcare Scientist to support Biomedical Scientists in the Microbiology discipline. This permanent full-time role requires supervising Assistant Healthcare Scientists and ensuring quality management in a laboratory environment. Candidates should possess a level 3 qualification and demonstrate attention to detail, accurate work skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team. Flexibility in working hours is required, covering weekends and bank holidays.

Qualifications

• Educated to at least level 3 qualification or above.
• Highly motivated and enthusiastic.
• Flexible and able to manage time effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support Biomedical Scientists in diagnosis.
• Supervise and train Assistant Healthcare Scientists.
• Ensure accurate patient information entry.

Skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work accurately and efficiently

Good keyboard skills

Team player

Education

Level 3 qualification or above (A-levels or equivalent)

Tools

Pathology Laboratory Information Management System

Job description

Overview

A Vacancy at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust. We are looking for a Senior Assistant Healthcare Scientist within the Microbiology discipline (Virology and Serology) at William Harvey Hospital. This Band 3 role is permanent, substantive and full-time 37.5 hours per week. Prospective candidates will be highly motivated, enthusiastic and educated to at least level 3 qualification or above (A-levels or equivalent). You will also have a keen eye for detail along with the ability to work accurately and efficiently.

Role and Responsibilities

The post-holder will work in all sections of Microbiology and undertake duties to support Biomedical Scientists in the diagnosis of infectious disease. One of your most important responsibilities will be the supervision and training of Assistant Healthcare Scientists. The role is based within Microbiology to support Biomedical Scientists in the specimen reception, and preparation and examination of biological samples. The post-holder will use a wide range of analysers and manual laboratory techniques. You will contribute to quality management and improvement, through production of high-quality results and maintaining ISO 15189 accreditation. You are flexible, able to prioritise and manage your time effectively, and able to remain calm under pressure. You possess good keyboard skills, a high level of accuracy, and are a good team player with a flexible approach to working.

• Induction and training of new staff in serology reception, data entry duties and telephone enquiries.
• Raise orders on Business World and NHS Supply Chain.
• Liaise with Suppliers to deal with queries regarding goods (e.g. damage, shortage, non-delivery).
• Enter patient information onto the Pathology Laboratory Information Management System to ensure patient information is accurate and available in a timely manner.

Working Environment and Skills

The laboratory is open 7 days per week, with core hours covering 8.30am to 5pm. We are looking for applicants to cover a range of shifts including 1:4 weekends, bank holidays, and late shifts working until 7pm, but are open to flexible working options within the core hours (no night working).

Quality and Compliance

You will contribute to quality management and improvement and maintain ISO 15189 accreditation. The Trust currently holds UKAS Accreditation and is an IBMS training laboratory.

About the Trust

Please review the Trust’s vision, mission and values. The Supporting Information Section in your application should reflect your understanding of the Trust’s Values and associated Behaviours. You will be expected to provide examples from work experience and/or personal life which demonstrate these values and behaviours. We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 800,000 people. Our vision is "great healthcare from great people" and our values include care, safety, respect and making a difference. We have a new way of working called "We care" to empower frontline staff to lead improvements day-to-day.

Additional Information

Please note that if you require a Certificate of Sponsorship to work in the UK you must declare this on your application form. We are able to sponsor candidates on a Skilled Worker Visa for roles Band 5 and above. Scroll down to access the full Job Description and Person Specification located in ‘Documents to download’. If you have further queries please contact the line manager using the contact details below. This advert closes on Wednesday 1 Oct 2025.