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Job summary

Main area
Microbiology
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 3
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week (24/7 working)
Job ref
358-7980445-CSI
Employer
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Leicester Royal Infirmary
Town
Leicester
Salary
£25,760 - £27,476 per annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
12/07/2026 23:59

Employer heading

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust logo

Biomedical Assistant - Microbiology

NHS AfC: Band 3

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Job overview

An exciting opportunity has come up within the Microbiology department at Leicester Royal Infirmary for a Biomedical Assistant. This is a varied and interesting role with great learning opportunities for someone interested in Microbiology. You must posses excellent communication skills and be able to work accurately and methodically following written protocols. 

Main duties of the job

To demonstrate a basic understanding of what tests are performed and why they are performed

Perform basic laboratory analytical assays or techniques according to the department’s Standard Operating Procedures

Participate in other laboratory based activities including Quality Assurance systems and the maintenance, calibration and use of laboratory instrumentation

Assist in the coordination and training of MLA/BMA staff as appropriate.

Demonstrate laboratory procedures to colleagues as part of the Directorate training programme.

 

Working for our organisation

Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).

We have four primary goals: 

  • high-quality care for all, 
  • being a great place to work, 
  • partnerships for impact, and 
  • research and education excellence

And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.

Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:

  • we are compassionate,
  • we are proud, 
  • we are inclusive, and 
  • we are one team 

This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.

About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:

http://www.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/aboutus/work-for-us/current-vacancies/

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To carry out, under supervision by qualified staff, routine tasks in the laboratory which do not require the interpretive skills or training to become a Registered Biomedical Scientist.

To rotate between the sections of the laboratory as required.

To assist in the provision of a microbiological service that is of high quality and cost effective for clinical, environmental, research and training purposes.

Undertake laboratory-based work including the analysis of samples using various technologies. This may be located in any of the department’s sections.

Perform sample reception duties including the receipt, barcode labelling and preparation of samples for analysis.

Perform clerical tasks including data input of patient demographics and test request information.

Perform general housekeeping duties including maintaining stock levels, general cleaning and waste disposal.

Support the Quality management team, taking a lead in the day to day quality activities with in the laboratory setting.

Person specification

Training & Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • Educated to secondary level including Math’s and English language.
  • Currently working as Band 2 (BMA).
Desirable criteria
  • Studied science at secondary level.
  • IT or keyboard qualification.
  • RSA1 or equivalent

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Experience of working in a team.
  • IT / Keyboard Skills
  • Conscientious, Meticulous.
  • Demonstrates active participation and awareness of, quality management systems and service improvement.
Desirable criteria
  • Able to demonstrate competency in appropriate laboratory techniques.
  • General house-keeping duties
  • Awareness of H&S issues.
  • Training inexperienced staff

Communication and relationship skills

Essential criteria
  • Ability to write legibly and unambiguously
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely by telephone and in person
  • Ability to understand and act upon basic instructions
Desirable criteria
  • Previous telephone experience with confident telephone manner

Analytical and Judgement skills

Essential criteria
  • Ability to work accurately and methodically following written protocols.
Desirable criteria
  • Experience of troubleshooting appropriate laboratory instrumentation
  • Evidence of previous work involving accuracy and attention to detail.

Skills

Essential criteria
  • Evidence of social and team working skills
  • Physical ability to carry out the lifting and handling tasks required by the role
  • Manual Dexterity
Desirable criteria
  • Familiar with healthcare IT systems

Planning and organisation skills

Essential criteria
  • Ability to prioritise own work and others.
Desirable criteria
  • Evidence of ability to work under pressure or to a deadline.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Essential criteria
  • Able to demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs
  • All staff are expected to engage in compassionate and inclusive leadership in the provision of high quality care and interactions with others

Other requirements specific to the role

Essential criteria
  • Desire to work in a laboratory environment.
  • Enthusiasm to learn.
  • Willingness to work flexibly

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

Essential criteria
  • Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust’s Values and Behaviours

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Apprenticeships logoCare quality commission - Goodhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/kickstart-scheme-employer-resources/kickstart-scheme-brand-guidelinesMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident committedHappy to Talk Flexible Working

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Hiten Mistry
Job title
Scientific Laboratory Manager
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
07977957314
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