Job summary
To aid clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases by the laboratory analysis of clinical specimens. To be professionally accountable for the technical correctness and accurate reporting of test results. The post holder must be State Registered, must hold an IBMS-approved degree , and will be expected to rotate through all sections of the laboratory.

Receiving and assign samples for relevant tests, highlighting any relevant clinical histories to enable accurate data entry by reception staff.

To reject specimens which do not conform to established protocols and prioritise specimen types as to their perceived urgency.

To process, unsupervised but in accordance with established SOP's, clinical specimens received into the laboratory. Specimens can include body fluids (blood, urine CSF, etc.), solid tissue, faeces, sputum, swabs from anybody site, and a variety of artificial devices (heart valves, contact lenses, coils, etc.).

Main duties of the job
Processing may involve any of the following:

• The initial microscopical examination for the presence of micro-organisms.
• The inoculation of growth media with the specimens and the interpretation of the resulting cultures.
• The identification of potentially pathogenic micro-organisms and the performance of sensitivity tests, via a variety of methods.
• The quantification of red or white cells (usually in CSF or urine), plus the enumeration of certain other cells or structures such as casts.

All work must be performed within the HCPC Standards of Proficiency for Biomedical Scientists.

The work can regularly involve the manipulation of specimens containing hazardous and /or infectious material (including high risk agents such as HIV, CJD and Tuberculosis). It may require extended periods of concentration and physical immobility, and can demand precise hand eye co-ordination. Many of the specimens submitted may be considered unpleasant.

To acquire an understanding on validity of results and need for further/repeat testing.

To enter results accurately into the computer system prior to them being authorised, by consultant staff. Certain results (such as blood culture and CSF microscopies) will be released to service users without being authorised by the department consultants, which entails added responsibility.

About us
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust have come together to form University Hospitals Tees. As a result, post holders may be required to work across sites within both organisations.

Across University Hospitals Tees, our ambition is to be the best place to work, ensuring we have the right staff in the right roles at the right time to deliver outstanding patient care and experience.

We are committed to supporting our staff through an inclusive and supportive working environment, offering health and wellbeing initiatives, staff benefits, and opportunities for personal and professional development.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive recruitment process and welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates, including those who first language is not English.

We support the 'Making Every Contact Count' approach to behaviour change in the promotion of health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.

Job responsibilities
Please see the full job description and person specification document) attached for main responsibilities of the role.

Person Specification
Knowledge
Essential

• Able to communicate and maintain good relations with all levels of staff.
• Basic knowledge of laboratory techniques and Biomedical science.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and safety measures.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to understand new technological advances.
• Basic keyboard skills
• Flexible approach to working hours
• Willing to attend courses and conferences to keep up to date and disseminate knowledge.

Qualifications and Training
Essential

• Must have an IBMS accredited degree (Biomedical Scientist position) or be expected to complete it within 3 months of appointment together with an HCPC registration portfolio (Trainee Biomedical Scientist).
• Consideration will be given to those with an accredited Biomedical Science degree that have not completed the HCPC registration portfolio and if successful at interview will be appointed to the trainee Biomedical Scientist position.
• Must have successfully completed the registration portfolio assessment
• Must be eligible to apply for HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist now and be HCPC registered within 30 days of interview
• Must demonstrate training and competency in microbiology

Experience
Essential

• Experience of working in a clinical laboratory

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.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.