Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is among the largest and busiest NHS foundation trusts in the UK, with approximately 15,000 staff and an annual budget of £1.6 billion. Renowned for its history of high-quality care, clinical excellence, and groundbreaking medical research, the Trust delivers services locally, nationally, and internationally. As one of the top five providers of specialised health services, we support patients with rare and complex conditions, including cancers, genetic disorders, and neurological challenges. With over 6,500 patient interactions daily, our team is dedicated to maintaining exceptional standards of healthcare. We are committed to inclusivity and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups. Our Trust also leads the NHS in sustainability, being the first healthcare organisation globally to declare a climate emergency. We aim to achieve Net Zero by 2030 for our direct carbon footprint and by 2040 for our extended footprint, with every team member contributing to these ambitious goals. The Microbiology and Virology Services Department seeks enthusiastic individuals to join the team by applying for the open Healthcare Science Assistant jobs.
Job Overview
These roles involve processing clinical samples, data entry into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and other laboratory-related duties such as handling reports, answering calls, and managing laboratory waste.
This is a full-time role of 37.5 hours per week, including late shifts, weekends, and Bank Holidays once training is complete.
Note: Applications must be submitted via Trac (link below). Please read all job details carefully before applying.
Main Responsibilities
- Sample Processing
- Ensure clinical samples are correctly handled per departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Check, log, and process samples in the LIMS to ensure patient safety.
- Administrative and Support Tasks
- Courteously manage phone enquiries from GPs and other service users, providing results or transferring calls as required.
- Maintain stocks of reagents and keep work areas clean and organised.
- Laboratory Operations
- Perform simple diagnostic tests under supervision.
- Assist with quality assurance programmes and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
Additional Responsibilities (Specific to Sections):
- Label and issue blood products.
- Sterilisation and media preparation.
- Assist with embedding, microtomy, and slide labelling.
Requirements
Essential Qualifications
- Minimum of five GCSEs (Grade 4 or above), including English, Maths, and Science, or equivalent qualifications.
Desirable Qualifications
- NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in a Biomedical Science-related field.
- Typing qualifications.
Skills
- Strong communication and self-organisation skills.
- Proficiency in keyboard use.
Desirable Experience
- Experience in Clinical Microbiology, Virology, NHS settings, or molecular diagnostics.
Working Environment
Our staff work across multiple sites, including the Freeman Hospital, Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI), Newcastle Dental Hospital, and the Northern Centre for Cancer Care, among others. Each location offers access to cutting-edge diagnostic services and fosters innovative clinical practices.
Flexible Working
We aim to accommodate flexible working arrangements where feasible to support both staff and patient needs.
Application Notes
- References: Applications must include details for references covering the last three years of employment, including addresses, phone numbers, and work email addresses for each referee.
- DBS Certificate: Successful candidates requiring a DBS certificate will pay via salary deduction from their first month’s pay.
Contact: Candidates will be notified via email. Check spam folders for updates. If not contacted within four weeks of the application closing date, consider the application unsuccessful.
For further information about Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, visit the Careers section on our official website.
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