The UKHSA Mycology Reference Laboratory in Bristol is one of the few reference laboratories situated outside the main reference facility currently housed at Colindale. The laboratory undertakes local diagnostic testing and national reference and referred tests across a varied panel, currently amounting to more than 65,000 tests per year.
The Mycology Reference Laboratory (MRL) provides a comprehensive national diagnostic and reference service to assist with the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and surveillance of fungal infection and antifungal drug resistance. This includes the isolation and identification of fungi from clinical material, serological, phenotypic, proteomic, molecular and biomarker tests, examination of histopathological sections, antifungal drug assays, in collaboration with the North Bristol Trust Antimicrobial Reference Laboratory, and susceptibility tests.
The MRL is also responsible for the provision of expert advice in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of superficial and invasive fungal infection. The MRL is responsible for the UK National Collection of Pathogenic Fungi (NCPF). Together with the Quality Assurance Laboratory, the MRL is responsible for the UK National External Quality Assessment Scheme (NEQAS) for identification and susceptibility testing of fungi.
Reception and Clerical Duties
1. Receive specimens and process requests in a timely manner.
2. Receive deliveries and move them to appropriate locations for storage.
3. Responsible for the housekeeping and stock management of specimen reception.
4. Participate in IQA/EQA schemes, as required.
5. Prepare solutions and reagents for disinfecting the benches.
Specialist Skills
1. Triage referred moulds suspected to be HG3 for processing at CL3.
2. Put up manual antifungal susceptibility tests for moulds and yeasts.
3. Perform checks on safety-critical equipment.
4. Make specialist mycological culture media.
5. Process serum samples for beta glucan testing and other specialist mycological investigations.
6. Perform quality checks and daily maintenance of readers.
7. Sub-culture yeasts and moulds onto a variety of specialist mycological media.
8. Supervise and assist in the training of visitors to the laboratory.
Laboratory Duties
1. Including receipt and booking in of specimens, entry of data onto the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), distribution of specimens to the laboratories, making up the disinfectant solutions, and other media requirements.
2. Deal with queries arising from specimens received and telephoning senders for more information.
3. Keep any databases/spreadsheets/telephone forms/error logs relevant to specimen reception and dispatch up to date and available for management reports and audit.
Professional Development
1. Identify, discuss, and action own professional performance and training/development needs with your line manager through appraisal/individual development plan. Attend internal/external training events.
2. Participate in all mandatory training as required, e.g., fire safety, information governance, and all other mandatory training.
Key Working Relationships
The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA.
This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and/or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.
Minimum Requirements
1. Good standard of general education, including GCSEs or equivalent level of education (may include NVQ Level 2 in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities).
2. Basic knowledge of health and safety and safe working practices.
3. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and experience of using components of the package.
4. Understanding and experience of Data Protection legislation.
5. Excellent attention to detail and ability to work precisely and accurately at all times.
6. Able to work as part of a team and to show willingness to help fellow team members and other staff.
7. Clear and concise communicator with good written and verbal skills.
8. Able to follow instructions written and oral.
9. Able to multi-task and work flexibly, using own initiative to change priorities at short notice and work to deadlines.
10. An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.
Desirable Criteria
1. Previous laboratory experience.
2. Previous experience of using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
3. Well-developed physical skills, especially in the use of laboratory and/or office equipment.
4. Experience of training staff.
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. If based at one of our labs, you will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. 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.
Alongside your salary of £23,489, UK Health Security Agency contributes £6,804 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides:
1. Learning and development tailored to your role.
2. An environment with flexible working options.
3. A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
4. A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
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