Job Description

Applications are invited for a position as a Healthcare Science Support Worker, Higher Level (Band 3).
We are looking for Healthcare Science Support Workers with experience of working in an NHS pathology laboratory (or equivalent) to join our Haematology Department.
In partnership with Beckman Coulter UK (BCUK) our pathology laboratory houses a range of equipment including: Beckman Coulter DxH Analysers and Slidemaker/Stainer (SMS), IL(Werfen) TOP coagulation analysers,
Successful applicants will be expected to participate in an ongoing quality programme to maintain compliance with the United Kingdom Accreditation Standards (UKAS) and with the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
The Department covers a 24/7 shift system to support future service delivery. The successful applicant will be expected to fully participate in the shift system in accordance with Agenda for Change (AfC) terms and conditions.
Applicants should have NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience of laboratory practices and should be able to communicate well (see person specification for further details).
This post will be at Darent Valley Hospital
Working days and or shift patterns will be agreed by the line manager to meet the needs of the service.
This position will not be supported for visa sponsorship. All applicants are expected to have valid right to work document to work in the UK when applying for this position.
Main duties of the job
Performs a range of routine and non routine tasks within a laboratory in Pathology, for example, performs standard tests on clinical samples in Haematology , entering patient results into the Laboratory system, advising patients and service users on appropriate tests and sample containers and other aspects of the service and supervising and / or training less experienced staff in their own area.
Multi-site working will be expected between Pathology at Darent Valley Hospital with Pathology at Medway Maritime Hospital.
About us
We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you'll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we've achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge and have a commitment to the Armed Forces Community.
We are dedicated to using our Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) approach as our shared organisation model of change to enhance our services and ensure excellence in patient care.
If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all our staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 and are vaccinated annually against Flu, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and patients. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.
Details
Date posted
27 October 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 3
Salary
26,240 to 27,928 a year per annum inclusive of allowances
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
252-7562597
Job locations
Darent Valley Hospital
Darenth Wood Road
Dartford
DA2 8DA
Job description
Job responsibilities
Technical responsibilities:
Adhering to Trust and departmental policies, guidelines and quality standards.
Supporting the work of Biomedical Scientist (BMS) staff working within the laboratory.
Working at all times according to departmental standard operating procedures.
Preparing and processing a range of clinical samples for testing, running automated tests on laboratory analysers as well as processing manual tests.
Entering test results on to the laboratory information system.
Performing daily, weekly and monthly maintenance on all analytical equipment within the laboratory.
Analysing daily and weekly quality control tests and only accepting values within defined criteria.
Informing BMS staff of any issues, inconsistencies or inaccuracies with QC analysed
Preparing and processing External Quality Assessment samples.
Please see attached job description for more information. Job description
Job responsibilities
Technical responsibilities:
Adhering to Trust and departmental policies, guidelines and quality standards.
Supporting the work of Biomedical Scientist (BMS) staff working within the laboratory.
Working at all times according to departmental standard operating procedures.
Preparing and processing a range of clinical samples for testing, running automated tests on laboratory analysers as well as processing manual tests.
Entering test results on to the laboratory information system.
Performing daily, weekly and monthly maintenance on all analytical equipment within the laboratory.
Analysing daily and weekly quality control tests and only accepting values within defined criteria.
Informing BMS staff of any issues, inconsistencies or inaccuracies with QC analysed
Preparing and processing External Quality Assessment samples.
Please see attached job description for more information.
Person Specification
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Essential

• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience of laboratory practices

Desirable

• GCSE Maths and / or Science

KNOWLEDGE
Essential

• Basic knowledge of biomedical procedures
• Computer literate and good keyboard skills
• Operating and maintaining laboratory analysers
• Processing biological specimens

EXPERIENCE
Essential

• Achieving targets within a specified timeframe

Desirable

• Previously worked in a medical laboratory

Person Specification
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Essential

• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience of laboratory practices

Desirable

• GCSE Maths and / or Science

KNOWLEDGE
Essential

• Basic knowledge of biomedical procedures
• Computer literate and good keyboard skills
• Operating and maintaining laboratory analysers
• Processing biological specimens

EXPERIENCE
Essential

• Achieving targets within a specified timeframe

Desirable

• Previously worked in a medical laboratory

Skills Required