Knowledge, Skills & Experience Foundation degree in Biomedical Sciences, or equivalent academic achievement in a scientific field (e.g., NVQ Level 4) Generic scientific skills (e.g., pipetting, reagent preparation, quality assurance) Principles and practical aspects underpinning the microbiology investigations carried out in the department Understanding of the departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Good working knowledge of sample types, sampling conditions, minimum volume requirements, testing requirements, laboratory workflow, turnaround times, location of reference laboratories for specialised testing Ability to use own initiative, but also to recognise limitations of knowledge, training, experience and competence Good communication skills, including good levels of numeracy and literacy Polite and professional telephone manner Ability to understand and convey detailed information in a professional and helpful manner Technical Roles To develop and maintain a good working knowledge and competency in certain designated test procedures in the laboratory. These include, but are not limited to culture, serology and molecular PCR methods. To check that the correct sample type has been received, correct sample labelling and suitability for diagnostic investigations, in accordance with Pathology laboratory policies and standard operating procedures To read culture plates and accurately record initial findings and further work. To be able to accurately assign processing codes to samples and requests, and to enter sample details onto the TCLE system To prepare samples for analysis. This may include barcode labelling, centrifugation and preparation of aliquots, and distribution of samples to the appropriate sections for analysis To recognise, prioritise and fast-track urgent samples to ensure minimal delay to patient treatment and waiting times To prepare samples for dispatch to other laboratories in accordance with postal regulations including samples requiring special transport conditions. To input test requests, including tests, patient demographics, requesting clinician and location for report onto the laboratory computer (TCLE) in a timely fashion in order to maintain efficient workflow and laboratory turnaround times and taking into account the urgency of the request To use complex and expensive analysers, including racking and loading samples, unloading samples, replacing reagents, performing routine maintenance and archiving quality control data To process internal quality control (IQC) material and evaluate results, drawing to the attention of BMS staff, any results that fall outside the IQC pre-set limits To process external quality assurance (EQA) material and to return the results to the scheme organiser, after review by a senior BMS To perform regular maintenance of analysers and other equipment, including instrument set up and shutdown, weekly/monthly maintenance and to keep accurate maintenance records To perform decontamination procedures on centrifuges, water baths, fridges and other equipment as required To carry out initial stages of instrument troubleshooting as agreed with BMS staff To prepare and make up reagents, Quality Control and Quality Assurance material, under the indirect supervision of BMS staff To monitor stock levels of laboratory consumables and reagents, rotating stock, replacing low levels and notifying appropriate staff of items that require re-ordering or are past their expiry dates To perform laboratory tests by manual techniques, under indirect supervision of BMS staff To manually enter test results onto worksheets and the laboratory computer system; to notify BMS staff of significantly abnormal results To deal with diverse and complex telephone enquiries from a variety of sources in a professional and polite manner and act appropriately upon information given To record all telephone messages accurately and ensure their timely communication to the appropriate staff member To retrieve and telephone authorised results including urgent results to the appropriate location and appropriate level of healthcare professional. To record details of all calls in order to maintain an accurate audit trail To maintain a clean, tidy and safe working environment in accordance with departmental Health and Safety Policies and protocols