COMPANY OVERVIEW

The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) protects the nation from infectious diseases and external hazards, offering trusted advice to the government and public on outbreak management.

SUMMARY

The Microbiology laboratory at Cambridge currently 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 department undertakes a wide range of routine and specialist microbiological and molecular investigations. It makes extensive use of automation including Qiagen platforms, BactAlert, Sedimax, MGIT, Vitek, Centaur XP, Tigris, Liaison and Vidas analysers and Kiestra.

REQUIREMENTS

• GCSE or equivalent
• Previous experience of working in a laboratory
• Experience of working in a Health Care environment
• Able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own workload to set deadlines
• Clear communicator with good writing, data entry and telephone skills ensuring accuracy

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Sample receipt and handing
• Sample preparation and reagent preparation following protocols
• 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).
• 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.
• Use of automated equipment and its cleaning and maintenance within Containment Level 2 laboratories.
• To participate in Quality Assurance and Quality Control activities, and assist the department in maintaining UKAS accreditation.
• To participate in audit processes, drug trials, research projects as required.
• Assisting in the production of bacteriological culture media

THIS IS A FIXED TERM ROLE ENDING IN SEPTEMBER 2025

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary
Contract length: 4 months
Pay: £13.87 per hour
Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

• Company pension

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Cambridge CB2: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Application question(s):

• Are you able to commute to Cambridge?

Language:

• English (preferred)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Location:

• Cambridge CB2 (preferred)

Work Location: In person
Reference ID: NHSP/UKHSA/F