We are looking for a Healthcare Scientific Support Worker to support our Microbiology laboratory at Cambridge. 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 department undertakes a wide range of routine and specialist microbiological and molecular investigations. It makes extensive use of automation including Qiagen platforms, Biofire, BacTec, Sedimax, MGIT, Vitek, Centaur XP, Panther, Liaison and Vidas analysers and Kiestra.
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
As a Healthcare Science Support Worker, you will act as a laboratory assistant to support the scientific team providing services to patients and clients as an aid to clinical diagnosis.

Sample receipt and handing
Sample preparation and reagent preparation following protocols.
Clerical duties, including use of computers, and data entry, telephone enquiries
Providing results service to wards, GPs and other hospitals
Dealing with patients, visitors and deliveries
Monitoring and maintaining appropriate stock levels, receipt of deliveries and preparation of orders
Cleaning and disinfection of equipment and laboratory areas
Monitoring and routine maintenance of equipment
Performing 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)
Working 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
Use of automated equipment and its cleaning and maintenance within Containment Level 2 laboratories
Participating in Quality Assurance and Quality Control activities, and assist the department in maintaining UKAS accreditation
Participating in audit processes, drug trials, research projects as required
Assisting in the production of bacteriological culture media
Occasionally working under remote supervision of a Registered Biomedical Scientist following defined SOP/protocols, and referring non-routine issues to their supervisor
Essential Criteria
GCSE’s (grade C or above) in English, maths and science; or educated to NVQ 2 level in a relevant subject, or equivalent level of qualification, or significant equivalent previous proven experience
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.
Flexible approach to work.
Ability to follow written protocols
An understanding of, and commitment to, equality of opportunity and good working relationships.
Selection Process Details
Stage 1 - Application and sift
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed essential criteria and this will be in the form of :
an application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
a 500 word Statement of Suitability. This should outline how you consider your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.
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
Please note only those meeting the minimum criteria will be taken through to shortlist.
Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:
GCSE’s (grade C or above) in English, maths and science; or educated to NVQ 2 level in a relevant subject, or equivalent level of qualification, or significant equivalent previous proven experience
Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered.
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.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview.
Please do not exceed 500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview - Competency
You will be invited to a remote interview.
Technical, experience and abilities will be tested at interview.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Location
This will be a lab-based role located at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge. The Cambridge laboratory operates a 24/7 shift pattern to which you will be expected to contribute. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).
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 and Counter Terrorism Check security vetting.
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