Job Description

The department of Microbiology is looking for motivated individuals to join us as a level 2 Healthcare Science assistant Apprentice. This is a fantastic opportunity for enthusiastic people to kick start their career within healthcare, for you to explore the NHS and to begin a journey which will provide an exciting and fulfilling career pathway.
The healthcare science assistant apprenticeship will be working in the Microbiology department; you will undertake a level 2 healthcare science assistant apprenticeship with an external provider whilst working alongside a range of different people, providing vital support services to our clinical teams. You might want to work in healthcare but unsure about providing direct patient care this could be the ideal job for you.
We have a dedicated team based in the Trust who will support you in your apprenticeship programme. You will be employed on an 18 month fixed term contract on 37.5 hours per week; with time for personal study towards the apprenticeship framework.
You will need to have 4 GCSE's grade A*-D and if you are shortlisted you will be required to undertake an initial assessment as part of an interview. You will be expected to complete the formal training elements of the programme The Department has 50 staff and handles around 480,000 sample requests per year. It is well equipped, has UKAS accreditation and is a recognised training laboratory
Main duties of the job
This post will be a 18 month training post for Level two NVQ apprenticeship in healthcare sciences, one day per week will be allocated to NVQ studies and 4 days per week will be based in the Microbiology department where the main duties will be: * To support the specific technical and clerical duties in a section of the Department, working with the Admin Team, other ATOs and Biomedical Scientists as part of a team, to facilitate the smooth running of the service

• To receive and/or prepare biological material collected from patients, including blood samples, for analysis whilst following a Standard Operating Procedure.
• To follow protocols for swift and accurate data entry, resulting and communication of results and to perform general office duties.

About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Details
Date posted
05 September 2025
Pay scheme
Other
Salary
14,722 to 17,125 an hour Final 6 months will be at minimum wage for candidates age
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
18 months
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
216-PL-C7413728
Job locations
Microbiology Department (Level 5)
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Plymouth
PL6 8DH
Job description
Job responsibilities
PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY * To follow laboratory Standard Operating Procedure for the sorting of specimens when assisting in the laboratorys specimen reception area.

• To deal in a pleasant and helpful manner, with personal callers to the laboratorys reception area. To include porters, nursing staff, medical staff and members of the public.
• When trained to do so, to enter swiftly and accurately confidential patient and specimen details into computer system(s).
• When trained to do so, to check patient details are correct using Trusts PIMS system, correlating the requesting department from here as necessary.
• Scanning of forms to computer system. Clearing errors and re-scanning as required.
• Scanning of Reference Laboratory results.
• To report all complaints/anomalies to a senior member of staff.
• To pass all returned reports to a senior member of staff for logging.
• Photocopying, faxing, filing and any other general office duties.
• To cover the duties of other clerical staff in their absence where possible.
• To prepare samples and complete the necessary documentation for special tests dispatched to other reference laboratories, complying with all the relevant postal and packaging regulations. To log these requests on an Access Database, monitoring receipt of the report and scanning this to iLab. To review long outstanding reports with the Serology Senior BMS, chasing up if deemed appropriate.
• To receive specimens/request forms in reception following the Specimen Reception SOP and checking the data on the sample matches that on the request form/electronic request.
• To bring to the attention of senior BMS all rejected samples due to inadequate patient ID/requester information or incorrect sample type for the test requested.
• Ensure that samples received match work lists, the patient ID is correct before testing and there is sufficient sample to perform the assay.
• To plan and prioritise own work under supervision and be fully aware of service requirements
• Participate in the rotas for ATO and support staff
• To ensure that your own work is carried out efficiently, accurately and in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Assist in the general running of specific analysers, equipment or tests.
• Perform basic maintenance checks as directed.
• Ensure senior staff, are made aware when stock levels are low.
• To attend meetings and training courses as necessary.
• To complete Statutory and Essential Update Training annually.
• To observe the immunisation policy of the laboratory.
• To attend departmental briefings and/or acquaint yourself with the team brief posted on the departmental notice boards.
• To carry out other duties commensurate with the post.
• To be aware of and support the goal of providing a quality driven patient centred service, participating in the laboratorys quality management procedures.
• To rectify and or bring to the attention of more senior staff/Laboratory Management any issues compromising this goal.

Job description
Job responsibilities
PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY * To follow laboratory Standard Operating Procedure for the sorting of specimens when assisting in the laboratorys specimen reception area.

• To deal in a pleasant and helpful manner, with personal callers to the laboratorys reception area. To include porters, nursing staff, medical staff and members of the public.
• When trained to do so, to enter swiftly and accurately confidential patient and specimen details into computer system(s).
• When trained to do so, to check patient details are correct using Trusts PIMS system, correlating the requesting department from here as necessary.
• Scanning of forms to computer system. Clearing errors and re-scanning as required.
• Scanning of Reference Laboratory results.
• To report all complaints/anomalies to a senior member of staff.
• To pass all returned reports to a senior member of staff for logging.
• Photocopying, faxing, filing and any other general office duties.
• To cover the duties of other clerical staff in their absence where possible.
• To prepare samples and complete the necessary documentation for special tests dispatched to other reference laboratories, complying with all the relevant postal and packaging regulations. To log these requests on an Access Database, monitoring receipt of the report and scanning this to iLab. To review long outstanding reports with the Serology Senior BMS, chasing up if deemed appropriate.
• To receive specimens/request forms in reception following the Specimen Reception SOP and checking the data on the sample matches that on the request form/electronic request.
• To bring to the attention of senior BMS all rejected samples due to inadequate patient ID/requester information or incorrect sample type for the test requested.
• Ensure that samples received match work lists, the patient ID is correct before testing and there is sufficient sample to perform the assay.
• To plan and prioritise own work under supervision and be fully aware of service requirements
• Participate in the rotas for ATO and support staff
• To ensure that your own work is carried out efficiently, accurately and in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Assist in the general running of specific analysers, equipment or tests.
• Perform basic maintenance checks as directed.
• Ensure senior staff, are made aware when stock levels are low.
• To attend meetings and training courses as necessary.
• To complete Statutory and Essential Update Training annually.
• To observe the immunisation policy of the laboratory.
• To attend departmental briefings and/or acquaint yourself with the team brief posted on the departmental notice boards.
• To carry out other duties commensurate with the post.
• To be aware of and support the goal of providing a quality driven patient centred service, participating in the laboratorys quality management procedures.
• To rectify and or bring to the attention of more senior staff/Laboratory Management any issues compromising this goal.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Good all round education including GCSE (or equivalent) in English, Maths and 2 other subjects.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Essential

• Demonstrable previous Scientific experience
• Proven knowledge of the role of Pathology labs
• Willingness to learn and complete the NVQ Level 2 Apprenticeship in Helathcare science

Desirable

• Proven ability to work with biological samples from patients.

Aptitude and Ability
Essential

• Understanding of patient confidentiality within an NHS setting

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Good all round education including GCSE (or equivalent) in English, Maths and 2 other subjects.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Essential

• Demonstrable previous Scientific experience
• Proven knowledge of the role of Pathology labs
• Willingness to learn and complete the NVQ Level 2 Apprenticeship in Helathcare science

Desirable

• Proven ability to work with biological samples from patients.

Aptitude and Ability
Essential

• Understanding of patient confidentiality within an NHS setting

Skills Required