Biomedical Assistant
Job overview
Job Title: Biomedical Assistant (BMA) – Clinical MicrobiologyBand: 2
Base: Your primary base will be Leicester Royal Infirmary; however you may be required to work in other designated locations of the Trust as well as your primary base. In particular, flexibility is required across the three main hospital sites (Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester General Hospital and Glenfield Hospital).If your initial location is one of these sites excess travel reimbursement would not apply for a permanent or temporary change of base.
Reports to: Line managersAccountable to: Departmental General Manager
The laboratory provides a 24/7 day diagnostic service throughout the year. All staff employed will be working on a 24/7 contract. The hours of working are to be confirmed at interview.
Please note this post does not meet the requirements needed for Sponsorship
Main duties of the job- To carry out, under supervision by qualified staff, routine tasks in the laboratory which do not require the interpretive skills or training to become a Registered Biomedical Scientist.
- To rotate between the sections of the laboratory as required
- To assist in the provision of a microbiological service that is of high quality and cost effective for clinical, environmental, research and training purposes.
- Perform other technical duties as required within post-holder’s training and competence.
- To perform any other duties required by the Operational Head of Department commensurate with grade.
- Training relevant to this post, including safety aspects in the handling of microbiological material, will be given.
Working for our organisation
Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).
We have four primary goals:
- high-quality care for all,
- being a great place to work,
- partnerships for impact, and
- research and education excellence
And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.
Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:
- we are compassionate,
- we are proud,
- we are inclusive, and
- we are one team
This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.
About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:
http://www.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/aboutus/work-for-us/current-vacancies/
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The list of specific duties as described by the Departments General Manager or deputies will include but not limited to:
- Registration of patient / sample data
- Take telephone enquiries and perform other clerical duties
- ‘Making safe’ and disposal of laboratory waste
- Washing up of glassware and other consumables
- Receipt, sorting and numbering of specimens
- Separating serum specimens
- Setting up microbiological cultures
- Packaging specimens for reference laboratories
- Preparation of media / reagents / stains
- Recycling of laboratory consumables and kit preparation
- Ordering, Receipt and distribution of laboratory stock.
- Distribution and collection of specimens, media and equipment
- Sorting, copying and posting reports
- Stock management
- Role involves manual handling
Person specification
Training & Qualifications
Essential criteria- Educated to secondary level including Math’s and English language
- Studied science at secondary level
- IT or keyboard qualification
- RSA1 or equivalent
Analytical and Judgement skills
Essential criteria- Ability to work accurately and methodically following written protocols
- Evidence of previous work involving accuracy and attention to detail
Training & Qualifications
Essential criteria- Educated to secondary level including Math’s and English language
- Studied science at secondary level.
- IT or keyboard qualification.
- RSA1 or equivalent
Experience
Essential criteria- Experience of working in a team.
- IT / Keyboard Skills
- Word processing, spread sheets and laboratory information system
- Laboratory / healthcare experience.
- General house-keeping duties.
- Awareness of H&S issues / advanced techniques.
Communication and relationship skills
Essential criteria- Ability to write legibly and unambiguously
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely by telephone and in person
- Ability to understand and act upon basic instructions.
- Previous telephone experience with confident telephone manner
Skills
Essential criteria- Able to maintain concentration for prolonged periods at various tasks
- Demonstrate manual dexterity e.g. sufficient to handle pipettes and unscrew caps from small tubes.
- Ability to carry out lifting and handling of laboratory items
Planning and organisation skills
Essential criteria- Ability to prioritise own work
- Able to demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs
- All staff are expected to engage in compassionate in the provision of high quality care and interactions with others
Other requirements specific to the role
Essential criteria- Able to work shift to cover 24/7 working patterns
- Desire to work in a laboratory environment.
- Enthusiasm to learn
- Willingness to work flexibly
Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours
Essential criteria- Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust’s Values and Behaviours
Additional Information
Please submit your application form without delay to avoid disappointment; we will close vacancies prior to the publishing closing date if we receive a sufficient number of completed application forms.
Please check the email account (including your junk mail) that you supplied as part of your application on a regular basis following the closing date and throughout the recruitment process, as this is how we will communicate with you.
UHL is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who match our job criteria.
Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be interviewed if you indicate you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please make the recruitment services team aware as soon as possible.
UHL is committed to helping colleagues balance the demands of both their work and personal needs through flexible working arrangements wherever reasonably practicable and subject to service needs.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
Please note if you are successful in obtaining this position and the post involves regulated activity you will be required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service check.
The Trust will pay for the check initially and the money will then be deducted from your salary over a three month period commencing on your first month's payment.
The current price of a check is £38 for an enhanced and £18 for a standard check.
COVID 19 Risk Assessment
Due to the current Covid pandemic we have introduced a staff risk assessment into our pre-employment process. This now forms part of the mandatory pre-employment checks that will be carried out if you receive a conditional offer.
The risk assessment is intended to ensure you are able to safely perform your duties in any of our work areas, and if you have been identified as being particularly vulnerable to coronavirus. Our main aim is to reduce risk and to ensure the safety of all new starters to the Trust as well as current staff, patients and visitors.
If it is identified that you are within a vulnerable category, we will endeavor to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate this through discussions with both Occupational Health and your recruiting manager.
Covid Vaccination Status
Covid-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, family, colleagues and our patients/service users from the Covid-19 virus. We therefore continue to encourage our current and potential colleagues to get vaccinated.
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust holds the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything it does and all that it stands for. We are committed to developing a workforce that is representative of the community we serve.We welcome applications from the diverse community of Leicester, Leicester and Rutland, to help deliver healthcare services that meets the needs of our diverse communities.
At University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust we recognise that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used as a supportive aid during the job application process, for example to generate ideas, improve grammar, or support formatting. . We do however encourage applicants to carefully review any AI‑supported content to ensure their application genuinely and accurately reflects their own skills, experience, and motivation for the role.