Assistant Technical Officer
Department: Microbiology
Full time,Band 3: £24,071 - £25,674 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
Our Microbiology is a busy but friendly department processing over 220,000 specimens per year.
We are looking for a competent and versatile individual with a "can do" attitude willing to learn new skills to join our team.
The successful candidate will participate in core laboratory duties including receiving and processing patient’s samples, equipment maintenance, answering telephone calls, managing laboratory waste disposal among other tasks.
Ideally,you will have GCSEs in Science, Maths, and English (grades A - C), or an NVQ level 3 in Pathology or equivalent clinical laboratory experience. In addition to this, you must also havegood communication skills, enjoy working individually or in a team and are physically fit and well (the role requires some lifting and handling tasks).
For more information, please contact Kalana Patabendige, Laboratory Manager or Rizalea Echaluse, Chief Biomedical Scientist on 01908 995781.
Please note: this post will not lead to a Trainee BMS post, nor the lab can support candidates wishing to complete their HCPC registration portfolios.
Interview date: 17 March 2025
Please note: we are unable to provide sponsorship for this role
• To be part of a team of Biomedical Support workers delivering technical, administrative, and clerical support services whichensure reliable, efficient, and effective service. Analysing and reporting on, blood, swabs, urines, faeces, and other clinical samples in the preparatory stages of microbiological analyses.
• The postholder will communicate clearly and accurately with laboratory staff, clinicians, and work within any section of the microbiology department. Must carry out all duties in compliance with relevant national standards in line with Trust’s Data Protection Act policy.
• Initialtraining will be provided to cover all sections of the lab including the waste management section, autoclaves, and handling deliveries/supplies.
• In addition to working core hours, the post holder will be required to participate in the evening, weekend, bank holiday & night shifts (proposal under discussion) as part of their contractual hours.
"We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute"
"82% always know their responsibilities and priorities and feel trusted to perform their duties" (NHS Staff Survey 2023)
You can expect a warm welcome at Milton Keynes University Hospital, our staff are friendly and welcoming. We listen to each other and work together to embed our Trusts values and behaviours. At MKUH we appreciate our staff and reward them with an outstanding benefits package including:
• Free on-site parking
• Free tea and coffee
• Great flexible working opportunities
• Discounted gym membership
• Lease car scheme
• Generous annual leave and pension scheme
• On site nursery (chargeable)
• Extensive staff health and well-being programme
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital; we conduct research and teaching on site to improve the care of our patients. The hospital is undergoing significant investment, and we are proud to be rated good by the CQC. Visit our website to catch up on our latest news.
Technical:
• Perform requested tests in accordance with laboratory Standard operational procedures (SOP’s).
• Operate, clean, and maintain all automated analysers, incubators and, safety cabinets (including air-flow checks) in accordance with Health and Safety policy on daily and weekly basis.
Laboratory informatics:
• To comply with local and national policies for the safe, secure, and confidential processing and storage of patient and other laboratory information.
• Collect, receive, match, verify, label, and enter on as computer sample requests. Identify any errors for action e.g., mislabelled other failures of sample matching criteria. Report and record in accordance with standard operating procedure.
Administrative:
• Toparticipate in effective stock control of reagents and consumables, by keeping a check on supplies and informing senior staff when orders must be placed.
• Organise daily duties in the provision of a quality service.
General:
• Collect samples from pathology support area, wards and other departments if required.
• Clean and maintain equipment and work areas.
Please refer to the job description for further details
We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us.
MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices.
We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
MKUH uses identification scanning technology to confirm the authenticity of documents; all prospective employees of MKUH will have their original documents verified using this technology.
By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that information from your application will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system. Your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers.
Upon commencing employment with the Trust, all employees (except Medical & Dental Staff on national terms and conditions) are subject to a probationary period lasting a period of six months with an option to extend for a further six months to a total of 12 months.
This advert closes on Monday 3 Mar 2025