About this role
Job summary
Are you looking to start or develop your career in laboratory science within a nationally recognised healthcare organisation? The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Public Health Laboratory in Birmingham is seeking a Healthcare Scientist Support Worker (HSSW) to join our friendly and dedicated team.
Working in partnership with University Hospitals Birmingham, our laboratory provides a comprehensive microbiology service to Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital, Solihull Hospital and GP practices across the region. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a busy, modern microbiology laboratory, supporting vital diagnostic services that directly contribute to patient care and public health.
Main duties of the job
As a Healthcare Scientist Support Worker, you will:
Provide technical and administrative support to scientific staff, assisting with the processing, preparation and handling of clinical specimens. Work as part of a skilled multidisciplinary team and rotate through a variety of microbiology laboratory sections, gaining broad experience across different service areas. This role is ideal for an organised, motivated individual with excellent attention to detail, strong teamwork skills and a commitment to delivering high-quality laboratory services.
Please note, the above is not exhaustive.
About us
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.
Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers
Job description Job responsibilities
Under the local supervision of a Registered Biomedical Scientist:
Sample receipt and handing. Sample preparation and reagent preparation following protocols. Clerical duties, including use of computers, and data entry, telephone enquiries. Provide results service to wards, GPs and other hospitals Dealing with patients, visitors and deliveries. Monitor and maintain appropriate stock levels, receipt of deliveries and preparation of orders. Cleaning and disinfection of equipment and laboratory areas. Monitoring and routine maintenance of equipment. Perform basic manual and automated tests according to protocols. Disposal of tissue and patient samples in accordance with relevant guidelines Autoclaving of waste material and patient samples (involves moderate lifting). Work in a safe manner in accordance with Laboratory Health and Safety policies and procedures. Processing specimens, sub culturing of specimens, cleaning and maintenance of equipment, assisting BMS staff in analytical techniques, and use of automated equipment within Containment Level 3 laboratory. To participate in Quality Assurance and Quality Control activities and assist the department in maintaining UKAS Accreditation. To participate in audit processes, drug trials, research projects as required. Job Holder is expected to occasionally work under remote supervision of a Registered Biomedical Scientist following defined SOP/protocols and would be expected to refer non routine issues to their supervisor. Assistance with training of junior HSSW staff and trainee BMS staff. Preparation of samples prior to sending away to reference laboratories. Essential Criteria
GCSE grade C or above in Maths & English or equivalent experience working in a laboratory Experience of using computerised data systems Basic knowledge of Health & Safety Previous experience working in an administrative environment Previous experience of using computerised data systems Experience of manual handling task Desirable Criteria
Previous experience of working in a microbiology laboratory Previous experience of working in a health care environment Knowledge of laboratory consumables Selection Process Details This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
Success Profiles - GOV.UK
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 7 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:
Application form(Employer/ Activity history section on the application) 750 word supporting statement. This should outline how you consider your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible). Please do not email us your CV.
Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 750 words. We will not consider any words over 750.
Longlisting:
In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:
Meets all essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria If used, the pile(s) Meets all essential criteria will proceed to shortlisting.
Shortlisting:
In the event of a large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of:
GCSE grade C or above in Maths and English or equivalent experience working in a laboratory Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications or large amount of successful candidates.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview
Success Profiles - GOV.UK
You will be invited to a face to face interview at UK Health Security Agency Public Health Laboratory Birmingham, Heartlands Hospital, Bordesley Green East, Birmingham, B9 5ST.
If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
Behaviours and Strengths will be tested at interview.
The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:
Seeing the big picture Communicating and influencing Working together (Lead behaviour) Delivering at pace Strengths will be assessed via strength based questions.
Interviews dates are to be confirmed.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Location
This role is being offered as laboratory based at our site in Birmingham.
You will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as aminimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.
Please note, there is no hybrid working available for this role.
Security Clearance Level Requirement Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorist Check.
Eligibility Criteria
External: Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).
Salary Information
If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another governmentdepartment, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.
Person Specification
Application form and Supporting Statement Essential
Application form and Supporting Statement
Behaviours Essential
Seeing the big picture Communication and influencing Working together - Lead Delivering at pace
Strengths Essential
Strength based questions
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 (Opens in a new tab).
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 (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name UK Health Security Agency
Address Laboratory
Birmingham
B9 5SS
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)