Job summary
We are seeking an enthusiastic individual with good attention to detail and team working ability to join the friendly Microbiology team, to support the technical and clinical staff in processing samples from both hospital and GP patients to aid in the detection and treatment of infectious diseases.

This is a busy role, rotating through seven laboratory areas, and includes booking in and initial processing of wound swabs, MRSA screens, urine samples, faecal samples and other specimen types.

As part of the team, you will receive full health and safety training, be introduced to good laboratory practice, quality control, service improvement, clerical processes, and have the opportunity to work with automated laboratory analysers and equipment.

Once the post holder is established, there is often the opportunity for advancement to more senior grades and the laboratory actively supports the development of its staff.

Please note that applications from temporary workers who have been engaged with the Trust for a minimum of 3 months are welcome.

Main duties of the job
The post holder will work together with senior staff, Biomedical Scientists (BMS) and other support staff in all sections of the Microbiology Laboratory.

For the Assistant Technical Officer (ATO) role, this includes booking in samples onto the laboratory computer, checking patient details are matched correctly, then processing the sample, either by loading onto an analyser (we do this for urine samples), or plating samples onto various agar plates to allow micro-organisms to grow, which are later identified by the BMS staff. The role needs an individual who is flexible, has good hand-eye coordination, works well in a busy team, is able to communicate clearly to other staff, and understands the need for high levels of attention to detail to ensure correct processes are followed.

Note that the role involves processing a wide range of patient samples, including urine, faeces, swabs and blood samples, but that full health and safety training, PPE and a framework of laboratory safety and equipment is provided.

The post holder may be called upon to work a duty shift up to 8pm on weekdays, this post also includes the requirement to work weekends on rotation and if required to do so, to work a contracted week that may include working a full day on Saturdays and/or Sundays and/or Bank Holidays. The post holder may also be called upon, if required to do so, to participate in 24/7 working.

About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care.

The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process, please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you into contact with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Details
Date posted: 11 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 2
Salary: £25,272 a year Per Annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 216-LH-DB8393571
Job locations: Derriford, Derriford rd, Plymouth, PL6 8DH, United Kingdom

Job description
Job responsibilities

• Book test requests swiftly and accurately into the computer system (iLAB). Scanning request forms and clearing errors as they occur.
• Respond to telephone enquiries within the area of work from staff in both primary and secondary care, giving test results (subject to departmental telephone SOPs), advice on sample types required for a large range of tests, requests for add-on-tests and those for emergency requests. Clear and concise messages to be taken in the event of unavailability of staff.
• To enter a range of test results into the Pathology computer system for authorisation by BMSs.
• To collate the printing of results daily, sorting, enveloping and arranging issue in accordance with local SOP.
• To report all complaints/anomalies/data entry errors to a senior member of staff for attention and logging.
• To prepare samples and complete the necessary documentation for special tests dispatched to other reference laboratories, complying with all the relevant postal and packaging regulations. To log these requests on an Access Database, monitoring receipt of the report and scanning this to iLab. To review long outstanding reports with the Serology Senior BMS, chasing up if deemed appropriate.
• To receive specimens/request forms in reception following the Specimen Reception SOP and checking the data on the sample matches that on the request form/electronic request.
• To bring to the attention of senior BMS all rejected samples due to inadequate patient ID/requester information or incorrect sample type for the test requested.
• Ensure that samples received match work lists, the patient ID is correct before testing and there is sufficient sample to perform the assay.
• To be familiar with DSE regulations and organise workstation and working to reflect the requirements for breaks, etc.

For further details please see the attached JD & PS

Person Specification
Knowledge & Experience

• Essential: Understanding of need for patient confidentiality; Proven knowledge of Health & Safety issues; Use of IT equipment including a keyboard; Demonstrable experience of high speed and accurate data entry
• Desirable: Proven knowledge of all assays performed and sent away by the department; Proven knowledge of all relevant Health & Safety legislation and its application to the Section; Proven technical skills in a Pathology laboratory

Qualifications

• Essential: Level 2 functional skills Maths and English
• Desirable: RSA 1/11 keyboard skills Appropriate NVQ GCSE Grade 4 and above (C and above) in Maths and English or equivalent qualification or equivalent demonstrable experience.

Aptitude & Abilities

• Essential: Excellent communication skills, being able to deal with staff and patients; Proven ability to prioritise work; Attention to detail
• Desirable: Good interpersonal skills; Proven working knowledge of PIMS; Proven working knowledge of ISOFT iLab & iCM laboratory information management systems

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

Employer details
Employer name: University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Address: Derriford, Derriford rd, Plymouth, PL6 8DH, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Senior Associate Practitioner, Andre Buckeridge, andrebuckeridge@nhs.net, 01752433216

Supporting documents
Privacy notice: University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust's privacy notice