Job summary The Microbiology Department is looking for Band 3 Senior Medical laboratory Assistants. The successful candidates will be working alongside other Band 3 Medical laboratory Assistants, as well as Band 4 Associate Practitioners and Band 2 Medical laboratory Assistants based at St Richards Hospital, Chichester, supporting the Band 6 and 7 Specialist Biomedical Scientists and reporting to the Microbiology Head Biomedical Scientist. The successful individuals will ideally have worked in a Diagnostic Microbiology laboratory in a Medical laboratory Assistant, or senior Medical laboratory Assistant role. Main duties of the job To work as part of a team in the Microbiology Department, performing a wide range of routine and non-routine clinical, scientific or technical procedures usually under the direction of an appropriately regulated practitioner. The individual will be expected to support the provision of a specialised, diagnostic Microbiology Laboratory service contributing to the clinical care of the patient, to enable diagnosis and subsequent monitoring of the effectiveness of treatment given. They will be expected to be fully competent to undertake routine processing and testing of specimens in the department, performing routine and advanced procedures and investigations as required. About us At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in ourOutstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do. Date posted 31 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 3 Salary £24,071 to £25,674 a year per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Part-time Reference number 279-6750584-JAN25 Job locations St Richards hospital Spitalfield Lane Chichester PO19 6SE Job description Job responsibilities Role Summary The Band 3 SMLA will need to be able to deal with telephone enquiries (seeking scientific advice where required); to undertake manual & automated laboratory investigations as required; perform routine maintenance on instrumentation and undertake first line troubleshooting of malfunctions; use appropriate EQA & IQC; provide routine & non-routine preparation of specimens; undertake work management to ensure reporting of results is conducted in the timeframes; work to ensure ongoing compliance with UKAS ISO 15189, audits, etc.; ensure compliance with the departmental Quality Policy & Manual; contribute to the preparation of SOPs; under supervision participate in the training of new & less experienced personnel; maintain a portfolio of competencies and CPD; and, help evaluate new equipment & methodologies as directed by the Lead Biomedical Scientist. The Band 3 SMLA will be expected to support with preparation of samples, including associated administrative duties. The Microbiology team is based at St Richard's hospital and provides diagnostic testing for a variety of samples types from patients attending Hospitals, Clinics and GP surgeries across West Sussex. In addition, the post-holder will be expected to participate in the Saturday and Bank Holiday rota. Please see Job description for further details. There is also a possibility that the candidate may be needed to work at the BSUH site or PRH as integration between the sites in UHSussex continues. See attached Job description Job description Job responsibilities Role Summary The Band 3 SMLA will need to be able to deal with telephone enquiries (seeking scientific advice where required); to undertake manual & automated laboratory investigations as required; perform routine maintenance on instrumentation and undertake first line troubleshooting of malfunctions; use appropriate EQA & IQC; provide routine & non-routine preparation of specimens; undertake work management to ensure reporting of results is conducted in the timeframes; work to ensure ongoing compliance with UKAS ISO 15189, audits, etc.; ensure compliance with the departmental Quality Policy & Manual; contribute to the preparation of SOPs; under supervision participate in the training of new & less experienced personnel; maintain a portfolio of competencies and CPD; and, help evaluate new equipment & methodologies as directed by the Lead Biomedical Scientist. The Band 3 SMLA will be expected to support with preparation of samples, including associated administrative duties. The Microbiology team is based at St Richard's hospital and provides diagnostic testing for a variety of samples types from patients attending Hospitals, Clinics and GP surgeries across West Sussex. In addition, the post-holder will be expected to participate in the Saturday and Bank Holiday rota. Please see Job description for further details. There is also a possibility that the candidate may be needed to work at the BSUH site or PRH as integration between the sites in UHSussex continues. See attached Job description Person Specification Experience, Qualifications & skills Essential NVQ3 or equivalent award, including IBMS Certificates, etc. Good level of Numeracy and English, ideally GCSE Grade C or higher or equivalent. Experiencing working in a discipline specific NHS laboratory Proven ability to correctly and appropriately use relevant Laboratory equipment and documentation procedures Demonstrable computer keyboard skills to a high standard. Demonstrable ability to communicate well - both written & oral. Proven ability to work to given schedules and rotas and to prioritise urgent and emergency workloads. Demonstrable abilities to use IT, including Windows-based software - in particular Word and Excel. Proven ability to work as part of a team. Desirable Experience using relevant laboratory instrumentation utilised within the department. Proven ability to lead, supervise and train subordinate staff Experience of participating in the testing of equipment. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Essential Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role). Person Specification Experience, Qualifications & skills Essential NVQ3 or equivalent award, including IBMS Certificates, etc. Good level of Numeracy and English, ideally GCSE Grade C or higher or equivalent. Experiencing working in a discipline specific NHS laboratory Proven ability to correctly and appropriately use relevant Laboratory equipment and documentation procedures Demonstrable computer keyboard skills to a high standard. Demonstrable ability to communicate well - both written & oral. Proven ability to work to given schedules and rotas and to prioritise urgent and emergency workloads. Demonstrable abilities to use IT, including Windows-based software - in particular Word and Excel. Proven ability to work as part of a team. Desirable Experience using relevant laboratory instrumentation utilised within the department. Proven ability to lead, supervise and train subordinate staff Experience of participating in the testing of equipment. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Essential Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role). 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 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279) Address St Richards hospital Spitalfield Lane Chichester PO19 6SE Employer's website https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)