Job Description

The department of Microbiology and Virology is looking for motivated and enthusiastic individuals to join our department.
The successful applicants will work as part of a team carrying out a range of analytical procedures using both automated and manual techniques.
Comprehensive training will be provided and future personal development is actively encouraged.

• Interview Date Thursday 16 October 2025
• 37 Hours 30 Minutes/Week
• You will be redirected to Trac to apply for the vacancy. Please expand the job details section and read all of the information before applying for the vacancy.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE
Main duties of the job
The post holders will support Registered Biomedical Scientists in performing microbiological analysis on a range of patient samples including urine, faeces, MRSA and gynaecological swabs. They will be given the opportunity to rotate through all sections of the department including TB and Virology. Successful applicants will be trained to read basic culture plates and operate laboratory analysers under the direct supervision of the scientific team. They will also be required to assist in departmental quality assurance programmes.
Applicants must have experience working in microbiology and/or virology. They must have effective communication skills and demonstrable leadership qualities. They must align to Trust Values and be flexible and reactive to service needs.
The post holders will be required to work rotational late shifts and weekends following competency assessment. From an academic perspective the post holder must have attained a foundation degree or equivalent in a health care sciences subject. It is important that applicants have the ability to effectively use common IT packages such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.
About us
As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us and for our patients, and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.
Our staff oversee over 6,500 patient contacts every day, delivering high standards of healthcare from the following sites:

• Freeman Hospital
• Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI)
• Health Innovation Neighbourhood (on the former Newcastle General Hospital and Centre for Ageing and Vitality site)
• Newcastle Dental Hospital
• Newcastle Fertility Centre
• Northern Centre for Cancer Care, North Cumbria
• Northern Genetics Service
• Cramlington Manor Walks

These include a range of flagship services which deliver cutting-edge care (supported by state-of-the-art diagnostic services in both radiology and pathology) and are a catalyst for innovation to support pioneering clinical practice in the NHS.
We also have offices at Regent Point in Gosforth and community sites.
Please see attached information on what Staff Benefits we have to offer at our Trust under 'Documents to download' or 'Supporting documents'.
For further information on The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust please visit: Careers | Newcastle Hospitals | NHS | Newcastle HospitalsandNewcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Details
Date posted
26 September 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 4
Salary
27,485 to 30,162 a year per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
317-2025-38-22-DR
Job locations
Freeman Hospital
317 01 Freeman Hospital
NE7 7DN
Job description
Job responsibilities

• A Healthcare Science Associate is part of a clinical support team whose purpose is to provide timely and accurate high quality scientific information that will assist service users from the hospital and community, in the establishment of a clinical diagnosis and monitoring of patient treatment.
• The Healthcare Science Associate will use practical skills to carry out tasks associated with the pre-analytical preparation of specimens, analysis of cultures on a limited range of culture plates, performing appropriate antibiotic susceptibility tests, within the Microbiology and Virology Department. The tasks undertaken are more advanced than those of a Healthcare Science Assistant (HSA).

Job description
Job responsibilities

• A Healthcare Science Associate is part of a clinical support team whose purpose is to provide timely and accurate high quality scientific information that will assist service users from the hospital and community, in the establishment of a clinical diagnosis and monitoring of patient treatment.
• The Healthcare Science Associate will use practical skills to carry out tasks associated with the pre-analytical preparation of specimens, analysis of cultures on a limited range of culture plates, performing appropriate antibiotic susceptibility tests, within the Microbiology and Virology Department. The tasks undertaken are more advanced than those of a Healthcare Science Assistant (HSA).

Person Specification
Qualifications & Education
Essential

• Foundation Degree in Health Care Science or equivalent

Knowledge & Experience
Essential

• Experience as an HSA in a Microbiology or Virology Laboratory
• Knowledge and understanding of the role of Microbiology in the diagnosis and treatment of disease
• Understanding a range of routine microbiology and/or Virology laboratory procedures.
• Understand basic scientific techniques

Desirable

• Knowledge / interest in Biomedical Sciences specifically Microbiology or Virology

Skills & Abilities
Essential

• Self-organisation and the ability to prioritise
• Proven communication and leadership skills
• Able to handle Blood and Body samples
• Basic computer and keyboard skills
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise work
• Good communication skills
• Follow protocols and instructions accurately

Person Specification
Qualifications & Education
Essential

• Foundation Degree in Health Care Science or equivalent

Knowledge & Experience
Essential

• Experience as an HSA in a Microbiology or Virology Laboratory
• Knowledge and understanding of the role of Microbiology in the diagnosis and treatment of disease
• Understanding a range of routine microbiology and/or Virology laboratory procedures.
• Understand basic scientific techniques

Desirable

• Knowledge / interest in Biomedical Sciences specifically Microbiology or Virology

Skills & Abilities
Essential

• Self-organisation and the ability to prioritise
• Proven communication and leadership skills
• Able to handle Blood and Body samples
• Basic computer and keyboard skills
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise work
• Good communication skills
• Follow protocols and instructions accurately

Skills Required