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
Biomedical Assistant - Microbiology
NHS AfC: Band 3
AI tools like chatbots and virtual assistants can support you as you complete your application. For example, they can check for spelling or grammar errors, or help you to decide what to include.
But they shouldn’t replace your own responses or be used to write the application for you.
Relying too much on AI can negatively impact your chances of success, because automatically generated answers:
- might not be specific or relevant enough to address the criteria in the recruitment profile
- often seem generic and not personalised enough – an AI response won’t show your unique voice and perspective
- could misrepresent information about you, such as your qualifications, skills and experience
We monitor applications for any behaviour that could create an unfair advantage, and we check all references carefully. You are likely to be tested on your experience at interview, so be honest and make sure all the information in your application is correct.
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
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Hiten Mistry
- Job title
- Scientific Laboratory Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 07977957314
List jobs with University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust in Health Science Services or all sectors




