Job Description
The Microbiology laboratory at Cambridge current provides
services to Addenbrooke’s, Royal Papworth, and the E&N
Herts Hospitals, the surrounding district, and other NHS
Laboratories. It has active research and epidemiological
interests. The laboratory undergoes assessment against
UKAS ISO 15189 standards and has strong teaching
interests. Set on the outskirts of the university city of
Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital is one of the top
hospitals in the UK and a thriving NHS Foundation Trust.
Addenbrooke’s is closely associated with leading educational
providers including the University of Cambridge and is a
major centre for biomedical research and education.
To work as part of the laboratory team, providing a high level
of microbiological analysis, in order to provide patients with
the highest level of diagnosis and treatment.
Using the appropriate testing, in a timely manner, to assist
the Consultant Microbiologists, and thus ensure the correct
clinical diagnosis.
Your main duties would be:
- To process the specimens received and to undertake the
related tasks in the various sections of the laboratory,
leading to the reporting and interpretation of results in
accordance with agreed policies and standard operating
procedures (SOPs), including specialist reference tests
as required of PHE Regional Laboratories
- To be responsible for maintenance of consumables and
equipment in immediate area of work. Also, to use and
maintain automated equipment following manufacturer's
guidelines and training.
- Based upon sound knowledge and experience, to
designate, on receipt, the range of tests to be performed
on various samples. This involves making judgments
about which automated platform to use, whether
confirmation is necessary by other methods etc. and
requires an understanding of both disease and the
manner in which the laboratory addresses the diagnostic
process.
- Using microbiological techniques, to work competently in
all sections of the Laboratory, including Bacteriology,
Containment Level 3, Serology, Chlamydia and
Molecular Diagnostics.
- To adhere to Laboratory bench SOPs and the Laboratory
policies and procedures and to work autonomously within
the guidelines provided. Also to assist the Quality
Manager and other Senior Staff in the preparation and
ongoing review of SOPs.
- To maintain a high standard of professional competence
in the performance of all tests and investigations carried
out in the Laboratory.
We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where
Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to
actively encourage applications from everyone, including
groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.
UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our
staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an
inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions
to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities.
We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by
removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of
opportunity for all.
Your main responsibilities would include:
Working as part of the laboratory team, providing a high level
of microbiological analysis.
Using the appropriate testing, in a timely manner, to assist
the Consultant Microbiologists, and thus ensure the correct
clinical diagnosis.
You would need to perform a range of specialist technicaland scientific activities, including testing samples referredfrom other NHS and UKHSA laboratories.
Following appropriate training and orientation, and in rotationwith other BMS staff, to work as the sole BMS in extendedhours and weekends, undertaking urgent or other highpriority work.
To be responsible for the efficient day-to-day running of an
area in a section of the laboratory, to be able to rotate
through all the different sections in the laboratory and to
supervise and train inexperienced BMSs, trainee BMSs or
HCSSWs.
The post holder would be expected to assist in any UKHSA
co-ordinated response or activity of a national/international
nature, eg. a Bioterrorism incident or a major disease
outbreak, eg. SARS., H5N1 influenza etc.
You would need to supervise the HCSSW(s) and less
experienced BMS staff in the area of responsibility and to
assist in the day-to-day supervision of all other HCSSWs,
trainee BMS(s) and inexperienced BMS(s) in the department.
Selection process details
STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:
You will be required to complete an application form. This will be assessed in line with the advertised essential criteria – please do provide evidence of how you meet this.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview.
STAGE 2 – INTERVIEW
This competition will involve an interview either face to face or by video.
As part of the process, candidates will be invited to interview which will involve an in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person Specification.
You will also be asked to provide information within the ‘Employer/ Activity history’ section of the application form. This is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your career history.
For further information on the selection process, please refer to the attached Candidate Pack.
Please note, as part of the interview process, you may be asked to prepare and deliver a presentation or take a test.
Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs on the 14th June 2023 – unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Interviews: TBC
Please note these dates could be subject to change.