Job Description

Although this post has been advertised as a fixed term appointment, NHS staff will be offered the appointment as a secondment. If you wish to apply for a secondment, you must have the approval of your line manager.
The postholder serves as a biomedical support worker in the national Cryptosporidium Reference Unit (CRU), assisting other CRU staff in lab duties.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Main duties of the job

• Booking in specimens (these are mainly faeces)
• Preparation of specimens for testing
• Processing of specimens
• Preparation of reagents, monitoring of equipment, maintaining the laboratory work areas
• Provision of clerical support to the Cryptosporidium Reference Unit.

About us
Public Health Wales is the National Public Health Institute in Wales. Our vision is 'Working to achieve a healthier future for Wales'. We play a pivotal role in driving improvements in population health and well-being, reducing health inequalities, improving healthcare outcomes, protecting the public and supporting the development of health in all policies across Wales.
Never more has public health been so important as we come through the Coronavirus pandemic, face the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis and tackle and prevent the harmful effects of climate change. We are an organisation that places ourselves at the heart of supporting people, communities, partners, and the Welsh Government in addressing these major challenges and providing solutions for action.
Our organisation is guided by our Values, 'Working together, with trust and respect, to make a difference'. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve and from those wishing to work part time or on a job share basis.
To find out more about working for us and the benefits we offer please visit https://phw.nhs.wales/careers/
For guidance on the application process, please visit https://phw.nhs.wales/working-for-us/applicant-information-and-guidance/
Details
Date posted
10 June 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 3
Salary
24,433 to 26,060 a year per annum
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
2 years
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
028-ACS024-0625
Job locations
Singleton Hospital, Swansea
Sketty Lane
Swansea
SA2 8QA
Job description
Job responsibilities
Engages effectively and respectfully with patients, staff, and visitors; participates in meetings; manages telephone enquiries and shares results clearly
Deals helpfully, competently and confidentially with staff and laboratory visitors under the guidance of senior staff as required.
Demonstrates a positive attitude to the work of the laboratory and other members of the team. Adheres to guidelines from Public Health Wales; participates in quality audits and internal assurance; monitors equipment and reports incidents promptly.
Follows Standard Operating Procedures and participates in their review and update.
Undertakes sample reception tasks including checking specimens against request forms, numbering, labelling and booking in of specimens on the laboratory information management system. Contacting sending laboratories by telephone if any anomalies occur.
Supports and supervises new colleagues
When required receive stock and move stock around the department.
Will partake in regular cleaning of the department; ensures laboratory work areas are kept clean and tidy.
Contributes to the planning of own day-to-day workload, with Lead BMS / Principal Clinical Scientist.
Prepare solutions, reagents, and stains following standard operating procedures using aseptic techniques as required.
Routinely processes faeces, tissues and other bodily fluids
Undertakes separation of parasite cysts and oocysts from faecal and other samples.
Extracts DNA from faeces and (oo)cyst preparations.
Prepares and stains faecal smears on microscope slides.
Collect and safely dispose of Laboratory waste with strict adherence to the Laboratorys safe waste disposal policy
Demonstrates manual dexterity for delicate tasks, ensuring a safe working environment.
Reads, interprets and transcribes sometimes distressing clinical details to the laboratory information system.
Occasional exposure to potentially confrontational queries from other laboratories involving specimens not received, leaked and not tested.
Engages in research and method evaluation to support inclusive service development.
Operates and maintains complex laboratory equipment including analysers, participating in testing and ensuring resource accessibility and security.
Mentors newly appointed Biomedical Support Workers, fostering an inclusive and collaborative learning environment.
Performs manual and computerised data entry; ensures data integrity through careful and respectful entry, safeguarding confidentiality and dignity.
Provides clerical assistance to the Unit, including liaising with external contacts, organising meetings and taking notes.
Collaborates on projects with project leads, incorporating diverse perspectives in evaluations of new equipment and methods.
Follows established procedures under supervision or independently, promoting safety and accountability at all times.
Engages in tasks requiring focus and resilience, addressing emotional aspects of sensitive work environments while safeguarding confidentiality.
Works with clinical specimens and microorganisms in controlled environments, prioritising health and safety for all team members.
Act within your competencies. If in doubt, consult your line manager or supervisor.
All staff are expected to manage risks by assessing situations, taking appropriate actions, and reporting incidents and hazards.
Legally responsible for managing all records related to your work. Consult your manager with questions. Respect and safeguard confidentiality and sensitive information.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Engages effectively and respectfully with patients, staff, and visitors; participates in meetings; manages telephone enquiries and shares results clearly
Deals helpfully, competently and confidentially with staff and laboratory visitors under the guidance of senior staff as required.
Demonstrates a positive attitude to the work of the laboratory and other members of the team. Adheres to guidelines from Public Health Wales; participates in quality audits and internal assurance; monitors equipment and reports incidents promptly.
Follows Standard Operating Procedures and participates in their review and update.
Undertakes sample reception tasks including checking specimens against request forms, numbering, labelling and booking in of specimens on the laboratory information management system. Contacting sending laboratories by telephone if any anomalies occur.
Supports and supervises new colleagues
When required receive stock and move stock around the department.
Will partake in regular cleaning of the department; ensures laboratory work areas are kept clean and tidy.
Contributes to the planning of own day-to-day workload, with Lead BMS / Principal Clinical Scientist.
Prepare solutions, reagents, and stains following standard operating procedures using aseptic techniques as required.
Routinely processes faeces, tissues and other bodily fluids
Undertakes separation of parasite cysts and oocysts from faecal and other samples.
Extracts DNA from faeces and (oo)cyst preparations.
Prepares and stains faecal smears on microscope slides.
Collect and safely dispose of Laboratory waste with strict adherence to the Laboratorys safe waste disposal policy
Demonstrates manual dexterity for delicate tasks, ensuring a safe working environment.
Reads, interprets and transcribes sometimes distressing clinical details to the laboratory information system.
Occasional exposure to potentially confrontational queries from other laboratories involving specimens not received, leaked and not tested.
Engages in research and method evaluation to support inclusive service development.
Operates and maintains complex laboratory equipment including analysers, participating in testing and ensuring resource accessibility and security.
Mentors newly appointed Biomedical Support Workers, fostering an inclusive and collaborative learning environment.
Performs manual and computerised data entry; ensures data integrity through careful and respectful entry, safeguarding confidentiality and dignity.
Provides clerical assistance to the Unit, including liaising with external contacts, organising meetings and taking notes.
Collaborates on projects with project leads, incorporating diverse perspectives in evaluations of new equipment and methods.
Follows established procedures under supervision or independently, promoting safety and accountability at all times.
Engages in tasks requiring focus and resilience, addressing emotional aspects of sensitive work environments while safeguarding confidentiality.
Works with clinical specimens and microorganisms in controlled environments, prioritising health and safety for all team members.
Act within your competencies. If in doubt, consult your line manager or supervisor.
All staff are expected to manage risks by assessing situations, taking appropriate actions, and reporting incidents and hazards.
Legally responsible for managing all records related to your work. Consult your manager with questions. Respect and safeguard confidentiality and sensitive information.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential

• Good basic education minimum Maths and English GCSE or equivalent, A Level, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent level 3 qualification in any field, or equivalent level of skills and knowledge
• Health and Safety awareness.
• Understanding of patient confidentiality

Desirable

• Science related qualification(s)
• Previous laboratory experience; work with faecal material

Skills and Attributes
Essential

• Proficient in the use of standard Microsoft software, such as Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel
• Good manual dexterity and hand/eye co-ordination e.g. pipetting samples
• Evidence of problem-solving skills or the ability to think proactively in challenging situations (e.g., through academic, personal, or voluntary experiences).
• Ability to accurately follow verbal and written instructions and complex protocols and procedures

Desirable

• Quick learner with well-developed learning skills

Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential

• Good basic education minimum Maths and English GCSE or equivalent, A Level, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent level 3 qualification in any field, or equivalent level of skills and knowledge
• Health and Safety awareness.
• Understanding of patient confidentiality

Desirable

• Science related qualification(s)
• Previous laboratory experience; work with faecal material

Skills and Attributes
Essential

• Proficient in the use of standard Microsoft software, such as Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel
• Good manual dexterity and hand/eye co-ordination e.g. pipetting samples
• Evidence of problem-solving skills or the ability to think proactively in challenging situations (e.g., through academic, personal, or voluntary experiences).
• Ability to accurately follow verbal and written instructions and complex protocols and procedures

Desirable

• Quick learner with well-developed learning skills