Job Description

The Microbiology Department is based at the John Radcliffe Hospital and provide services to the Oxford University Hospitals NHSFT, primary care, South 4 Pathology Partnership, other NHS providers, private care, UKHSA and research trials.



The department undertakes bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, serology, and molecular microbiology; as well as high-throughput SARS-COV-2 testing. The successful candidate will be expected to rotate in all required sections of the department.



The laboratory is a 24/7 service and successful applicants will participate in working day, evenings, night, weekend & bank holiday sessions. The post is full time, average working hours over the shift pattern 37.5 hours.



The post holder will act as a Band 3 Advanced Laboratory Support Worker working within a busy Microbiology department. You will be enthusiastic and well-motivated, with good communication and attention to detail. You will undertake required duties to support the microbiology team in the service delivery and the pre-analytical processing of samples received. The post holder will be required to enter patient and specimen data accurately on the Laboratory IT system, receive and process samples, both manual and automated processes. You will deal with sample reception queries, stock control, waste management and other housekeeping duties related to the department.



Applicants should ideally have 12 months experience working in an NHS diagnostic laboratory as a Band 2, or experience of practical work in a laboratory environment. The post holder should hold a Level 2 BTEC Apprenticeship in Healthcare Science, or QCF Level 3 in Pathology Support or equivalent science qualification at QCF Level 2 / 3.



Successful candidates must be conscientious, enthusiastic, and able to work well as a team, as well as individually. You will be required to demonstrate competence and able to work as an autonomous practitioner to participation in all shift patterns required for the service delivery.



Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research.



The Trust comprises four hospitals - the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.



Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community. We call this Delivering Compassionate Excellence and its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence. These values put patients at the heart of what we do and underpin the quality healthcare we would like for ourselves or a member of our family. Watch how we set out to deliver compassionate excellence via the OUH YouTube channel .

Main Purpose of the Post:

The post-holder will assist in the provision of an efficient and smooth running service within the Department by following the departmental SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) and protocols throughout all sections of the department.

The post-holder will be mainly involved in the reception and sorting of specimens, routine processing of specimens and associated tasks, input of patient information onto the laboratory computer, disposal of infected material and preparation of reagents.

The work will include weekend and evening or night duties, which requires a flexible approach to the hours of employment, according to individual contract.



Principle Responsibilities



Scientific and Clinical Responsibilities



Accepts a full range of clinical samples into the department, working with staff within the hospital and operating the air tube system and specimen hoist. Occasional use of stairs may be required for this purpose. Assesses samples for urgency and sorts by laboratory section. Matches samples and request forms and assigns unique laboratory numbers, requiring complete accuracy and attention to detail. Ensures that samples meet acceptance criteria for testing and dealing with any non-compliance in accordance with departmental protocols. Is aware of appropriate sample type for all tests. Is responsible for data entry into the laboratory computer system, requiring complete accuracy and attention to detail. Is fully conversant with relevant departmental policies and Standard Operating Procedures, ensuring that personal performance complies with ISO 15189-2022 standards. Under the supervision of Biomedical Scientists (BMS) staff ensures the validity of results by the use of appropriate control materials and takes the appropriate action with regard to anomalous results. Carries out simple maintenance and fault-finding procedures on automated, expensive (in the region of 50,000-100,000) equipment. Works in cooperation with BMS staff to ensure workload is processed in a timely and efficient manner. Performs telephone duties that include making and receiving calls from and to the laboratory, verbally transmitting confidential results and conveying sensitive information to healthcare professionals, patients and their representatives. Participates in the preparation of disinfectants and reagents in accordance with SOPs and Health and Safety requirements. To be capable of occasional heavy lifting (up to 20 kg) e.g. disposable waste or boxes of new supplies.

Analytical and Interpretation Responsibilities



Performs a variety of manual laboratory procedures under the direct supervision of qualified BMS staff. Procedures include the setting up of tests and pre-analytical sample preparation, including centrifugation, aliquoting and plating out. * Under the supervision of qualified BMS staff conducts analysis of specimens, assessing the process and outcomes of investigations in line with quality control criteria and SOPs and reports any findings in the appropriate format to those who need them as laid out in departmental SOPs