The laboratory in Bristol is situated within the Severn Pathology suite of laboratories at North Bristol NHS Trust Southmead site. The laboratory receives in excess of 1 million specimens a year from a large number of clinical specialties across the Bristol and Bath hospital trusts which contribute to an interesting and varied workload.
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.
The post holder will report on biomedical investigations and utilise the appropriate testing to assist the Biomedical Scientists. You will rotate through different sections in the laboratory and be expected to supervise and train staff. You should be a good communicator and effective at prioritising competing workloads.
The laboratory is accredited by UKAS and we actively encourage CPD activities.
In return we will provide a comprehensive induction programme and you will be appraised on a yearly basis with a view to developing knowledge and skills where appropriate.
The department requires staff to support a rotational shift pattern, which may include shifts throughout a 24 hours a day/7days per week period, to meet the service needs of the department.
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.
Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers
Under the supervision of a State Registered Biomedical Scientist:
To receive, sort, unpack, label and process specimens in the laboratory.
To understand the use of the laboratory information system (LIMS) and undertake data entry e.g. for samples received and referred.
To electronically request and receive tests and look up results etc.
To solve minor problems with mislabelled or mislaid samples and to generate worksheets.
Collect and transfer laboratory consumables and samples to and from delivery points, storage areas and workstations.
To accurately prepare samples for analysis.
To assist with the setting up of automated and semi-automated tests.
To follow various technical procedures e.g. Preparation of specimens Serological and Molecular techniques
To maintain a high standard of competence in the performance of all tests appropriate to grade and investigations carried out in that area, following appropriate training.
To perform technical work under the supervision of a BMS.
To ensure important or unusual results are drawn to the attention of senior staff and to report complaints or anomalies as soon as possible.
To use equipment in a safe and responsible manner.
To perform general laboratory duties e.g. checking and cleaning instruments/equipment, recording temperatures, preparing reagents and assistance with stock control.
To perform general clerical duties e.g. photocopying, filing, telephone answering, dealing with queries from clients, customers and other NHS staff and to undertake data entry.
Assist in the training of other HSSW staff.
To rotate through all relevant sections of the department as directed.
To respond to changes in laboratory protocols as directed.
To work in a conscientious and responsible manner ensuring care and accuracy.
To cover the duties of other HSSW staff in their absence where possible.
To receive goods and supplies into the laboratory.
To help prepare and dispatch items/samples for referral, transport and posting.
To issue specimen collection kits, containers and reagents to appropriate areas.
To undertake sterilisation and disposal of laboratory waste including collection of discard and waste material, transfer of laboratory waste to designated collection/disposal areas.
To undertake any reasonable task delegated by a senior member of staff.
Please see the job description for the full list of duties and responsibilities.
Essential role criteria
GCSE or O level in Maths, English and Sciences (Grade C or above) or equivalent, or relevant experience within a lab based environment
Basic knowledge of health and safety and safe working practices
Previous experience of using computerised data systems, and working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word and Excel.
Clear communicator with good writing, data entry and telephone skills ensuring accuracy and attention to detail
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 understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems
Selection Process
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.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed essential criteria that have been selected from the job description, and this will be in the form of a:
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, with reference to the essential criteria.
The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.
Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:
Meets all essential criteria
Meets some essential criteria
Meets no essential criteria
Only those meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.
Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:
GCSE or O level in Maths, English and Sciences (Grade C or above) or equivalent, or relevant experience within a lab based environment
Basic knowledge of health and safety and safe working practices
Previous experience of using computerised data systems, and working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word and Excel.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment.
Please do not exceed 500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.
Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview
You will be invited to a face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills and abilities will be tested at interview.
You will be asked to prepare and present a 5–10 minute presentation. The subject of this will be sent to you prior to interview.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Please refer the Job description for details