Job summary The Microbiology department at Maidstone Hospital are looking for a confident and friendly person with a keen interest in science and healthcare to join our expanding team or to progress their career. The role involves various duties rotating between the bacteriology, enteric, serology and molecular sections of the laboratory. Processing patient specimens, conducting specimen testing and assisting the Biomedical Scientists to diagnose infectious diseases. Assistance in the pre analytic and waste disposal sections of the department may be required, as well as conducting audits and training new staff. Main duties of the job To participate in the pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical processing of specimens.To perform a range of manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations, in a safe, efficient and timely manner, following standard operating procedures. This may include initial preparation, accurate pipetting of very small volumes ( To undertake general laboratory house-keeping as specified in the SOPs and monitoring of the temperature of refrigerators, freezers and incubators About us Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 NHS Staff Survey. We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre. Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms. Looking for flexible working? We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it's adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs. Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package: o At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff). o Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits o Blue Light card eligibility o And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below Date posted 27 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 4 Salary £26,530 to £29,114 a year per annum pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 359-6927911-T3 Job locations Maidstone Hospital Hermitage Lane Maidstone ME16 9QQ Job description Job responsibilities Weve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission. Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure & Barring Service Check at Standard Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children). All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed. Interview Date: 20th February 2025 Please note that this role may often attract a high level of applications. Please note this role may close earlier than the original closing date so please ensure you submit your application as soon as possible. Job description Job responsibilities Weve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission. Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure & Barring Service Check at Standard Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children). All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed. Interview Date: 20th February 2025 Please note that this role may often attract a high level of applications. Please note this role may close earlier than the original closing date so please ensure you submit your application as soon as possible. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Diploma (NVQ) level 4 in Healthcare Science, OR IBMS Certificate of achievement part 2, OR Foundation degree in Health Sciences Desirable Evidence of continuing professional development Experience Essential Minimum 18 months experience in Pathology (microbiology) IT literate including Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word applications Desirable Experience in using laboratory information management system Experience in use of Qpulse Skills Essential Ability to use laboratory equipment ranging from manual pipettes to complex automated analysers, and associated computer software systems Knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and procedures within a clinical laboratory Effective verbal and written communication skills Command of written and spoken English Desirable Practical knowledge of departmental equipment and methods Person Specification Qualifications Essential Diploma (NVQ) level 4 in Healthcare Science, OR IBMS Certificate of achievement part 2, OR Foundation degree in Health Sciences Desirable Evidence of continuing professional development Experience Essential Minimum 18 months experience in Pathology (microbiology) IT literate including Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word applications Desirable Experience in using laboratory information management system Experience in use of Qpulse Skills Essential Ability to use laboratory equipment ranging from manual pipettes to complex automated analysers, and associated computer software systems Knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and procedures within a clinical laboratory Effective verbal and written communication skills Command of written and spoken English Desirable Practical knowledge of departmental equipment and methods Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Employer details Employer name Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust Address Maidstone Hospital Hermitage Lane Maidstone ME16 9QQ Employer's website https://www.mtw.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)