About this role
Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity for Senior Assistant Technical Officer Internal Services (Micro) in North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust to join the Lab department at University Hospital of North Tees. You will be responsible for supervising Assistant Technical Officers within the Microbiology section, supporting the day-to-day operation of the laboratory and ensuring that microbiology samples are processed accurately and in accordance with laboratory procedures. You will be responsible for reading and recording test kit and sterility test results, performing identification tests on microorganisms using both instrumental and classical microbiology techniques, and ensuring all results are documented accurately on relevant IT systems. You will also support the management and monitoring of consumable and equipment stocks, maintain laboratory equipment, and ensure the laboratory environment is clean, safe and well organised. You will provide supervisory cover for the Senior Assistant Technical Officer Internal Services (Chemistry) when required, helping to maintain a high-quality and efficient laboratory service
Main duties of the job
As a Senior Assistant Technical Officer, you will be responsible for validating microbiology kits and sterility test samples in line with established laboratory procedures, monitoring incubation temperatures and storage conditions through the Tutela monitoring system, and ensuring the appropriate disposal of microbiology and laboratory waste in accordance with Trust requirements. You will carry out basic sample examinations and microbiological checks, including accurately reading agar plates, while verifying that submitted samples and supporting documentation are suitable and meet required standards. You will manage the preparation of customer deliveries, ensuring orders are assembled accurately and made available to drivers within required timescales, with urgent requests prioritised according to delivery schedules. You will also be responsible for maintaining complete, accurate and up-to-date paperwork and ensuring records are filed appropriately. You will support the timely identification and reporting of deviations, change controls and out-of-specification results, following local procedures and ensuring that any necessary corrective actions are appropriately progressed.
About us
Here at NHS Professionals, we run England's largest NHS staff bank and are experts at putting people in places to care. Every year we help thousands of dedicated and highly skilled NHS workers enjoy better career opportunities, more flexible shifts, and a healthier work-life balance across our partnered Trusts.
Career Progression access to Learning & Development opportunities, so that you can take on new roles and challenges
Work-life Balance flexible shifts, committed shifts, wellbeing resources and build paid annual leave
Opportunity & Access over 50 partner NHS Trusts to give you the flexibility of choice to work how and where you want
Job description Job responsibilities
TO demonstrate commitment to GMP principles and ensure that day-to-day activities are carried out in accordance with applicable quality, safety and regulatory expectations, maintaining a consistently professional approach to laboratory operations.
TO communicate effectively with Quality Control colleagues, clients and suppliers, responding appropriately to information received verbally or in writing and maintaining clear and professional working relationships.
TO work collaboratively with other laboratory staff to ensure the overall workload is completed within the turnaround times expected by laboratory customers, contributing positively to team objectives during busy periods.
TO comply with Trust infection prevention and control requirements, including appropriate hand hygiene, personal hygiene and environmental hygiene practices, while completing required infection control training and updates.
TO demonstrate flexibility in working patterns in line with service and staff requirements, while promoting equality, diversity and an inclusive workplace and addressing inappropriate behaviour, discrimination or harassment appropriately.
TO take responsibility for maintaining professional development through ongoing education and learning, identifying development needs and actively contributing to the objectives set out within an individual Personal Development Plan.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
GCSE English, Maths and Science. NVQ Level 2 in a laboratory environment desirable. Understanding of microbiology and laboratory procedures. Experience working in a microbiology laboratory, with GMP QC laboratory experience desirable. Computer literate with effective communication, teamwork, supervisory and organisational skills.
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.
Employer details Employer name NHS Professionals Limited
Address University Hospital of North Tees
Hardwick Road
Stockton-on-Tees
Cleveland
TS19 8PE
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.nhsprofessionals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)