Medical Laboratory Assistant - Microbiology

Job description

Our cultural ambition is to have a culture that places people at the heart of all we do, where we all belong, and where learning, improvement and excellence thrive.

Job overview

This role is only open to applicants who are a part of any Hampshire & Isle of Wight NHS Trust.

An opportunity has arisen for a Medical Laboratory Assistant in the Microbiology Department at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Basingstoke site).

The role involves the processing of a range of samples and body fluids to assist in the diagnosis of disease and hence you will be contributing to the positive outcomes for our patients. Tasks include, but are not limited to, running of analysers , sample and reagent preparation, quality control, reporting and verification of results, as well as troubleshooting any issues which may arise.

The successful applicant will be enthusiastic, well-motivated, possess excellent organisational and interpersonal skills and be committed to the provision of a high quality laboratory service. You must also have good typing skills and a background in science subjects to GCSE level and experience in using computers would be an advantage.

Commitment to the provision of a 7 day service is a necessary requirement for this post and the successful applicant will be expected to fully participate in weekend working.

Main duties of the job
• To process and analyse pathology samples using routine and complex diagnostic procedures.
• Undertake laboratory investigations and procedures on a rotational basis as demand dictates.
• Perform routine operative maintenance on laboratory instruments and undertake corrective maintenance and troubleshooting when appropriate.
• Prepare quality control material and collate returned results.
• Check that quality control results on analytical procedures are within the stated ranges, in accordance with laboratory policy.
• To maintain the adequate storage of samples after analysis and their correct disposal at the appropriate time
• To collect, sort and book in samples on the Laboratory Information System (WinPath)
• To process waste in line Health & Safety protocols

Working for our organisation

Our vision is to provide outstanding care for every patient. Patient care is at the heart of what we do at our three sites: Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester and Andover War Memorial Hospital. Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides medical and surgical services to a population of approximately 600,000 people across Hampshire and parts of West Berkshire.

Our cultural ambition is to have a culture that places people at the heart of all we do, where we all belong, and where learning, improvement and excellence thrive.

We provide specialist services to people across the UK and internationally. We are one of only two centres in the UK treating pseudomyxoma peritonei (a rare form of abdominal cancer) and we are leaders in the field of tertiary liver cancer and colorectal cancer.

The trust employs more than 9,000 staff and has a turnover of over £500 million a year. As a Foundation Trust, we are directly accountable to our members through the governors. The Council of Governors represent the interests of their constituencies and influence the future plans of the Foundation Trust.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Happy to Talk Flexible Working - all requests for flexible and part time working will be considered.

Further information about the Trust and this role can be found on the Job Description and Person Specification document attached

Person specification

Training and Qualifications

Essential criteria

• English Language GCSE or equivalent 0-not achieved 1-achieved

Desirable criteria

• Science GCSE or equivalent 0-not achieved 1-achieved

Experience and Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Experience of handling electronic data 0-poor, 1-adequate, 2-excellent
• Effective keyboard skills 0-poor, 1-adequate, 2-excellent

Desirable criteria

• Previous laboratory experience 0-poor, 1-adequate

Skills and Abilities

Essential criteria

• Effective communication skills 0-poor, 1-adequate, 2-excellent
• Effective organisational skills 0-poor, 1-adequate, 2-excellent
• Can deal with unpleasant material 0 -poor, 1 adequate

Desirable criteria

• Experience of training others 0-poor, 1-adequate

Using AI in Your Application

We support the use of technology to help manage time and improve efficiency, but it is your responsibility to ensure your application is personalised and accurately reflects your own skills, experience and values.

AI tools can be useful when drafting an application, but they should only be used to assist you. The content submitted must be your own work and an authentic representation of your knowledge, abilities and experiences.

Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may be rejected. For example, we may receive multiple applications containing identical or generic wording that does not reflect the individual applicant.

The use of AI during assessments, including interviews, is not permitted unless this has been agreed in advance as a reasonable adjustment. For virtual interviews, you may be asked to provide a 360-degree view of the room and confirm that no additional devices are being used. If AI use is suspected during an interview, we may pause the interview, ask questions regarding its use, or adapt our assessment approach.

Working in healthcare requires integrity, honesty and accountability. We expect all applications and assessments to be a genuine reflection of your own experience, knowledge and values.
Our Commitment to Inclusion

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in both the delivery of our services and the recruitment and management of our staff.

We welcome applications from everyone who has the skills, experience and values required for the role, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity.
Happy to Talk Flexible Working

We are committed to supporting flexible ways of working and will consider all requests for flexible and part-time working wherever service needs allow.
Important Information About Your Application
Recruitment Process

Applications are submitted through our recruitment system, Trac. Following submission, all correspondence relating to your application will be sent from apps.trac.jobs. Please regularly check your inbox, including your junk or spam folders.

Shortlisted candidates will normally be contacted at least five working days before their interview date.
Vacancy Closing Dates

This vacancy may close before the advertised closing date if sufficient applications are received. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.
English Language Requirement

In line with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016, all applicants must be able to communicate effectively in spoken and written English. This will be assessed during the recruitment process.
Pre-Employment Checks and Probation
Keeping Patients Safe

At Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, patient safety is our highest priority. We recommend that staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 and understand that we continue to care for patients who are COVID-19 positive within our services.
Probationary Period

All new employees will be required to complete a six-month probationary period as part of their employment with the Trust.

Tackling Climate Change: Hampshire Hospitals aims to embed sustainability and net zero carbon principles into the delivery of care across all its services. To find out more, search