Job overview

Public Heath Wales Microbiology operates as a network of laboratories with Regional Laboratories across Wales.

The Band 4 Associate Practitioner post within our Hot lab team based at  Prince Charles Hospital  in Merthyr Tydfil  is to undertake routine laboratory procedures with supervision. The successful candidates will gain experience in a diagnostic laboratory service using rapid molecular platforms .

This post would suit candidates that have proven Microbiology laboratory experience and associated work based education and competency or a science graduate. The successful candidates will have the opportunity to rotate through a number of sections during their employment, gaining experience in a number of methodologies to include molecular science and microbiological diagnostic testing. We are looking to roll out training beyond covid analysers and this will eventually include areas within Bacteriology and virology. We have well established career pathways and so this could be a brilliant launch pad for a professional career in medical microbiology.

Main duties of the job

Duties will include preparing, checking and processing of samples as well as data entry into the laboratory information system.  The successful candidate will have good communication skills, technical ability, good hand-eye coordination amongst others.

Work undertaken by the COVID team has been paramount to Public Health Wales’ response to COVID-19. The team will also respond to any further outbreaks/winter pressures.

The Microbiology network provides services across the 24/7 period based on agreed shift patterns. This can differ based on need but all post holders will be expected to participate in 24/7 working either at their main base or in support of other sites should the need arise or as part of the agreed local rota. Where excess travel is required, this will be taken into account around start / finish times and travel expenses.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Working for our organisation

We are Public Health Wales – the national public health organisation for Wales. Our purpose is ‘working together for a healthier Wales'. We exist to help all people in Wales live longer, healthier lives. With our partners, we aim to increase healthy life expectancy, improve health and well-being, and reduce inequalities for everyone in Wales, now and for future generations. 

Together, our teams work to prevent disease, protect health, and provide leadership, specialist services and public health expertise. We are the main source of public health information, research and innovation in Wales.  Never more has public health been so important as we come through the Coronavirus pandemic, face the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis and tackle and prevent the harmful effects of climate change. 

Our organisation is guided by our Values, 'Working together, with trust and respect, to make a difference'. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values equality, diversity and inclusion.  We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve and from those wishing to work part time or on a job share basis.

To find out more about working for us and the benefits we offer please visit https://phw.nhs.wales/careers/

For guidance on the application process, please visit https://phw.nhs.wales/working-for-us/applicant-information-and-guidance/