Healthcare Scientific Support Worker Cambridge, East of England, England
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About the job
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Location
About the job
Job summary
The Microbiology laboratory at Cambridge current provides services to Addenbrooke’s, Royal Papworth, and the E&N Herts Hospitals, the surrounding district, and other NHS Laboratories. It has active research and epidemiological interests. The laboratory undergoes assessment against UKAS ISO 15189 standards, and has strong teaching interests. Set on the outskirts of the university city of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital is one of the top hospitals in the UK and a thriving NHS Foundation Trust. Addenbrooke’s is closely associated with leading educational providers including the University of Cambridge and is a major centre for biomedical research and education.
The post holder will act as a laboratory assistant to provide support to the scientific team providing services to patients and clients as an aid to clinical diagnosis.
You will be expected to work 37.5 hours. The Cambridge laboratory operates a 24/7 shift pattern to which you will be expected to contribute.
Under supervision of qualified staff the post holder prepares and processes microbiological specimens in accordance with agreed local polices and standard operating procedures. Assists with laboratory reception and queries from visitors to the department. Record requests for investigations on the laboratory computer system. Monitor and maintain equipment and supplies. Contribute to a safe working environment. Participate in staff training depending on experience. Contribute to improvements in the workplace.
Location
This is a lab-based role located at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ.
*Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.*
Working Pattern – Full Time, Part Time, Job Share, Flexible Working
Job description
The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:
- Sample receipt and handing
- Sample preparation and reagent preparation following protocols
- Clerical duties, including use of computers, and data entry, telephone enquiries
- Provide results service to wards, GPs and other hospitals
- Dealing with patients, visitors and deliveries
- Monitor and maintain appropriate stock levels, receipt of deliveries and preparation of orders
- Cleaning and disinfection of equipment and laboratory areas
- Monitoring and routine maintenance of equipment
- Perform manual, semi-automated and automated tests according to protocols
- Disposal of patient samples in accordance with relevant guidelines
- Autoclaving of waste material and patient samples (involves moderate lifting)
- Portering duties, exchange of gas cylinders (involves moderate lifting)
- Work in a safe manner in accordance with Laboratory Health and Safety policies and procedures
- Processing 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
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.
Person specification
It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of up to 1250 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria:
Essential
- GCSE or equivalent
- 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
- Ability to follow written protocols
Desirable
- Previously worked in Laboratory
- Experience of working in a health care environment.
- Evidence of on-going training and development
Benefits
- 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 average employer contribution of 27%
Things you need to know
Selection process details
STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:
You will be required to complete an application form. This will be assessed in line with the advertised essential criteria – please do provide evidence of how you meet this.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview.
STAGE 2 – INTERVIEW
This competition will involve an interview either by video or face to face.
Please note that as part of the interview process you may be required to undertake a presentation or test.
Your Statement of Suitability should outline your skills, experience, and achievements, providing evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria (outlined in the person specification section).
You will also be asked to provide information within the ‘Employer/ Activity history’ section of the application form. This is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your career history.
For further information on the selection process, please refer to the attached Candidate Pack.
Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs on 2nd June 2023 – unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Shortlist: W/C 3rd June 2023
Interviews: TBC
Please note these dates could be subject to change.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
- relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
- certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals
Working for the Civil Service
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).
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