Healthcare Scientific Support Worker/ Medical Laboratory Assistant(Copy)

Job summary

This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the largest microbiology departments in England. The Manchester Medical Microbiology Partnership (MMMP) is a collaboration between UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is the leading Trust for teaching, research and specialist services in the North West of England.

The Microbiology delivered from the Manchester Royal Infirmary site employs around 130 staff and has a workload of approximately 1.2 million specimens. The department embraces all aspects of a modern clinical bacteriology service combining traditional methodologies with laboratory automation.

Job description

The scope of this role is to learn and maintain good laboratory practice in the interests of the departmental commitment to provide an efficient service and to become a positive member of a team or teams in the function of service provision.

No formal qualifications are required although a good standard of education (to GCSE level or equivalent) is necessary and as the department is computerised, keyboard skills would be a great advantage. You should be methodical and organised; with good communication skills and the ability to work effectively. Full training will be provided.

You will be assisting Biomedical Scientists in receiving, preparing and examining clinical specimens and your duties will include the preparation of reagents, stock and record maintenance. Other duties include general clerical tasks, telephone enquiries and post.

The laboratory is accredited by UKAS, and we actively encourage CPD activities.

The department requires staff to support the delivery of a comprehensive Microbiology service within a rotational shift pattern which will include shifts throughout the department 24 hours a day / 7days per week.

Person specification

Responsibilities will include:

The Job Holder is expected to

• work under remote supervision of a Registered Biomedical Scientist following defined Examination Procedure’s (EP’s) and would be expected to refer non routine issues to their supervisor.
• exercise judgement and interpretation to generate laboratory reports in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
• ensure prompt notification or referral of unusual and urgent results to medical staff, BMS and Nursing staff.
• report by telephone urgent results to medical or nursing staff, GP’s and other hospitals according to departmental policies
• be responsible for generating worksheets and checking for outstanding work using the laboratory computer systems.
• perform manual and automated tests according to protocols following EPs, to a high degree of accuracy and precision, under the supervision of a BMS.
• perform initial review of quality control/assay performance data prior to BMS approval.
• assess the suitability and appropriateness of samples received and liaise with scientific and nursing staff for action or advice following departmental sample acceptance policy.
• maintain confidentiality of sensitive patient information gained within the department.
• ensure data integrity when entering demographics and results into the laboratory information system according to local procedures and protocols.
• do sample preparation, processing bodily fluids and materials, including high-risk specimens and reagent preparation following protocols.
• be responsible for selection of appropriate reagents, calibrators for laboratory tests to be performed following departmental EP’s
• process specimens, sub culturing of specimens, cleaning and maintenance of equipment, assisting BMS staff in analytical techniques, and use of automated equipment within Containment Level 3 laboratory.
• be responsible for sending samples to external reference laboratories, selecting tests, appropriate labs and ensuring paperwork is correct and UKAS compliant.
• monitor, routine maintenance, minor trouble shooting and correction of minor faults of automated equipment.
• clean and disinfection of equipment and laboratory areas.
• dispose of tissue and patient samples in accordance with relevant guidelines.
• Monitor and maintain appropriate stock levels, receipt of deliveries and preparation of orders.
• work within a rotational shift pattern, which may include shifts throughout 24 hours a day/7days per week period, to meet the service needs of the department.
• deal with patients, visitors and deliveries as required
• be responsible for the preparation of identification tests and antimicrobial susceptibility tests.
• use microscopes for identification of microorganisms.

Research and development

• To assist in any agreed research projects undertaken by the department, including clinical trials
• To participate in the evaluation of new items of equipment and diagnostic reagents, under supervision

*Please be aware this list is not exhaustive*

Essential criteria

• GCSE grade C or above in Maths and English and Sciences or equivalent, or relevant experience within a lab based environment
• Previously worked in Laboratory
• Previous work experience
• Experience of working in a health care environment
• Clear communicator with good writing, data entry and telephone skills ensuring accuracy
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Problem solving skills
• Able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own workload to set deadlines
• An ability to maintain confidentiality and trust
• Good time keeping
• Flexible approach to work
• Ability to follow written protocols
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £25,651, UK Health Security Agency contributes £7,431 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

Selection process

Stage 1: Application & Sift

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and/or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

At sift stage you will be assessed against all the essential criteria listed in the job advert.

You will be required to complete an:

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• 500-word Statement of Suitability

This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role.

You will receive a score for your application form (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V –please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible) Please do not email us your CV.

Please note feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview stage (competency based):

You will be invited to a face to face interview, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

This vacancy is being assessed using the competency framework. During the interview we will assess against the below:

• Knowledge
• Experience
• Skills and Abilities

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

Please note: If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.

Future location

UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK.

The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.

Reasonable Adjustments

The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone. To help you during the recruitment process, we will consider any reasonable adjustments that could help you. An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work. This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme. If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs.

You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments/

International Police check

If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and it could be time accrued over that period.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Link below:

Artificial intelligence and recruitment , Civil Service Careers

Internal Fraud check

If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant’s personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.

Security Clearance Level Requirement:

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard

This role is being offered as lab/office based at our site in Manchester.

When based at one of our labs, you will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : john.inglis@ukhsa.gov.uk
• Email : john.inglis@ukhsa.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk

Further information

The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: Complaints@ukhsa.gov.uk

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk