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Job summary

Main area
Clinical Microbiology
Grade
Band 3
Contract
Permanent
Hours
  • Full time
  • Part time
37.5 hours per week (Will be required to participate in the 24/7 working pattern within the department. Shifts are 7.5 hrs in the day Mon-Sun or 12.5hrs on a night shift which are worked in blocks of three.)
Job ref
164-7466587
Employer
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
QMC campus
Town
Nottingham
Salary
£24,937 - £26,598 per annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
05/10/2025 23:59

Employer heading

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust logo

Microbiology Higher Medical Laboratory Assistant

Band 3

Job overview

The Microbiology department at the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS trust have some exciting opportunities following a significant investment to allow the service to grow and be able to provide a comprehensive 24/7 Clinical Diagnostic Microbiology Service. We have permanent posts within our Higher Medical Laboratory Assistant team. The role of a Higher Medical Laboratory Assistant is varied and involves supporting the scientific staff (Biomedical Scientists) and as such is a key role in supporting a diagnostic service. The successful applicant will be required to participate in the departments 24/7 working patterns, which will involve working weekends and night shifts as well as early, core and late shifts.

Main duties of the job

In addition to the below summary  you need to familiarize yourself with full Job Description and Person Specification documents attached to this advert.

Work will include:

  • the receipt, sorting, and preparation of patient samples
  • maintaining stocks of consumable items
  • disposal of biological waste
  • operating and maintaining laboratory equipment 
  • performing general housekeeping duties 
  • clerical tasks including data input of patient demographics and test request information
  • answer telephone enquiries and perform visitor reception duties

Previous experience in an NHS clinical laboratory would be an advantage but is not essential as full training will be provided. As important as laboratory experience is a positive attitude, experience of working effectively in a busy team environment doing work which may have been repetitive in nature but requires good concentration and attention to detail is also experience that we are looking for.

A good level of secondary education is required with English, Maths and Science to GCSE (Grade A-C / 4 to 9) in addition an A Level or BTEC / NVQ  equivalent qualifications.

 

 

Working for our organisation

The Clinical Microbiology service is a comprehensive medical microbiology service handling in excess of 900,000 microbiology and virology samples per year. We are a well established Institute of Biomedical Science training centre and provide opportunities across a variety of professional qualifications for individuals that are able to demonstrate the key skills to progress within their microbiology career.

Please note this service is a 24/7 provision and therefore individuals must be flexible and able to work on all shifts including night shift provision.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For full details of the role please see the attached Job description.

IMPORTANT - you must be able to attend an on site interview and practical assessment within a two week notice period. Please do not apply if you cannot comply with this requirement. Please state at the top of your supporting statement that you have read this statement and can comply to the requirements. Interviews are likely to be held within 3-4 weeks of the advert closing date.

Please note that your supporting statement is an important part of the selection process. We recommend that you use the personal spec titles and indicate how you meet the role.

Please also provide an answer to the following question within your supporting statement:

Why is it important for a hospital to have a microbiology laboratory? Answers should only be a maximum of five lines.

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT DUE TO HIGH VOLUME APPLICATIONS THIS POST MAY CLOSE EARLY IF SUFFICIENT APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE.

Person specification

Training & qualifications

Essential criteria
  • Basic Qualifications GCSE Maths and English Science
  • A-Level / BTEC certificate/ diploma Level 3
Desirable criteria
  • • NVQ level 3 in Science subject and/or ECDL or equivalent

Experience

Essential criteria
  • • Working experience with transferable skills
Desirable criteria
  • • Previous laboratory experience (Working environment)

Communication and relationship

Essential criteria
  • • Good communication skills - written and verbal - application standard.

Analytical

Essential criteria
  • Experience ultising skills that are translatable
Desirable criteria
  • • previous experience with analysers in microbiology

Other

Essential criteria
  • • Answered the application question within the supporting statement - evidence of following instructions
  • • Able to show an understanding why they would be good in the role

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Trust IDApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyAge positiveDisability confident leaderArmed Forces Covenant Gold AwardMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.NHS Rainbow badgeadded for NUH

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Sharon-Anne Foster
Job title
Deputy Service Manager
Email address
[email protected]
Additional information

Please note we are unable to offer informal visits. However those that are successful at short-listing will be offered a tour on the interview day.

 

 

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