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Job summary

Main area
Pathology - Microbiology
Grade
Band 2
Contract
Permanent: Rostered Sat, Sunday and BH working
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Rostered Sat, Sun and bank holidays)
Job ref
438-PB4376
Employer
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals
Town
Blackpool
Salary
£25,272 per annum , pro rata
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
23/06/2026 23:59

Employer heading

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust logo

Medical Laboratory Assistant - Microbiology

Band 2

Job overview

Do bacteria and viruses excite you rather than repulse you? Have you ever wondered what MRSA looks like or what a fungal infection looks like under a microscope? If the answer is yes, then our friendly Microbiology team is the place for you!

In Microbiology we process a variety of patient specimens; growing organisms to diagnose infection and treat our patients quickly and efficiently. The environment is fast paced where no two days are the same. 

We offer an exciting opportunity to join our close-knit Microbiology family. The environment is busy – but you will embrace this and enjoy the challenge of working to tight turnaround times and targets. You will go home after your working day and know you have made a positive difference to patients we deal with.

You will be supported in becoming fully competent in all our testing methods by our dedicated team who are extremely hard working but have fun along the way.

As with the majority of healthcare we run a 24/7 service, and have a shift system to cover out of hours working including nights, weekends and bank holidays

Our team is small, friendly and looking forward to welcoming you!

Main duties of the job

You will be working in a UKAS accredited medical laboratory – working to a high standard which is evident in the quality service we give to our patients,  and ensuring the diagnosis and treatment they require.

Experience is not necessary as training is provided in all areas and your work day will vary, which is an attractive feature of the job role! From receiving specimens, to booking them on via the laboratory computer systems and processing them; this role will keep you interested and stimulated throughout the day.

You play an essential role in excellent patient care, assisting Biomedical Scientists, who identify infectious organisms and determine the best treatment.

Teamwork is important but the ability to work independently and use your initiative is a desirable attribute.

Working for our organisation

We have 10,000 fantastic people working hard to deliver quality services to our patients.  Whatever your role, you help look after 370,000 people in our local area & give specialist care to 1.5 million people across Lancashire & Cumbria.

Working with us gives you the knowledge and sense of pride that every activity you do genuinely does make a difference to support our patients & staff, ensuring we keep thriving & delivering outstanding healthcare right across our local towns.

You’ll have access to varied development opportunities, learn new skills, meet fab people & do things you’d never have done.  You’ll learn about working in a hospital, interacting with people from all different roles to build skills & enhance your career path. 

You’ll make an impact, be challenged to think differently, be bold & help innovate to keep improving things. Everything we do centres around patient care which means your role is pivotal and something really to be proud of.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Duties to include but not be limited to: 

·        To receive, label, book in and prepare clinical samples: Blood Cultures, Urines, Faeces, Wound/Respiratory/Genital/MRSA screen swabs, Sputums, Tissues, Sterile/Non-sterile fluids according to department Standard Operating Procedures.

·        To take part in Internal Quality Control and Internal Quality Assurance procedures related to culture media, laboratory instruments and reagents following Standard Operating Procedures.

·        To ensure the correct disposal of clinical/non-clinical waste and sharps according to defined protocols including autoclaving.

·        Temperature monitoring of fridges/incubators throughout the laboratory autonomously at the beginning of each day.

·        Ensuring that laboratory in use stock is within date and taking part within stock disposal/rotation processes.

·        To provide accurate data entry and text/data processing using the computer/data base systems.

·        Responding to telephone enquires where no interpretation of results is required.

·        Working autonomously and as a team where concentration is required for long periods of time.

·        Effective prioritisation of tasks especially during periods of under-staffing.

·        All staff are encouraged to take part in continual professional development activities. 

·        To undertake routine tasks in the preparation of equipment maintenance and cleaning.

·        To perform duties in accordance with Trust and Directorate Health and Safety at Work Polices.

·        To ensure safe handling of hazardous and infective materials according to defined protocols.

·        To ensure equipment is used safely and according to manufacturer’s guidelines and faults and breakdowns are reported to senior staff.

·        To ensure that a high standard of care and service is maintained to patients, members of staff and the general public in accordance with Directorate Polices.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • Educated to GCSE standard, or equivalent
Desirable criteria
  • RSA II
  • NVQ2 Clinical Support

Knowledge

Essential criteria
  • Experience of working with others
  • Basic IT skills
  • Computer literate
  • General appreciation of the importance of Health & Safety issues
  • Understands the need for confidentiality
Desirable criteria
  • Previous Data Input experience
  • Previous Laboratory Experience

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Veteran AwareApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyWorkplace Wellbeing Charter LogoDisability Employment CharterArmed Forces Covenant Gold AwardDisability confident employerInclusive Top 50 LogoStep into healthHappy to Talk Flexible Working

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Paul Regan
Job title
Senior Biomedical Scientist
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01253 954388
Additional information

An advert can only contain so many words – but we are available to answer any questions you may have regarding the role before you apply. You can contact Paul on 01253954388 or any of the senior team by calling 01253956951

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