About the job

Job summary

This is an exciting opportunity to join the largest Virology departments in England. The Virology department forms part of The Manchester Medical Microbiology Partnership (MMMP), which is a collaboration between Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The laboratory therefore provides both a clinical Virology service and a public health Virology service to the North-West of England and beyond.

Virology, delivered from the Manchester Royal Infirmary site employs approximately 100 staff and has a workload exceeding 1,000,000 specimens per year. The department embraces all aspects of a modern clinical virology service combining some traditional methodologies with a wide range of laboratory automation. The department is in a managed service contract with Roche Diagnostics.           

The laboratory has a friendly atmosphere with a good team spirit and offers the opportunity for you to develop personally and professionally. The department is a designated IBMS training laboratory, has an extensive quality system in operation and is fully accredited.

The post holder will undertake specialised clerical duties in the Data-Entry Reporting offices and in a Laboratory environment. Confidentiality, accuracy and attention to detail are essential and performed to a high level.

Location

This is a lab-based role located at the Virology Department, 3rd Floor Clinical Sciences Building, MRI, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL.

*Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.*

Working Pattern – Full Time. The job holder will be expected to participate in the Saturday morning rota and expected to participate in Sunday, Bank Holiday rosters, and “out of hours” service.

Job description

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of 1250 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria: 

• To follow agreed protocols and policies seeking advice where appropriate from more senior staff
• To contribute to the care, maintenance and security of laboratory premises and equipment
• To demonstrate a positive attitude to the work of the laboratory and other members of the laboratory team
• To respond to requests for information in a polite, helpful and concise manner
• To maintain confidentiality in line with the Data Protection Act and following Caldecott guidelines
• Entry of data to agreed protocol in accordance to MMMP, UKHSA and MFT needs and audit of data entered into laboratory database.
• Responsible for accessing and handling patient samples and request forms within the confines of a laboratory environment
• to enable the accurate input and onward transmission of critically accurate data in accordance with laboratory standard operating procedures and consistent with all safety and quality requirements
• Sample receipt and handling of Dried Blood Spot test cards
• Labelling of patient samples with laboratory numbers
• Labelling of additional tubes with laboratory numbers in preparation for sample analysis
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) when undertaking clerical duties within a laboratory environment
• Audit of own work and other by means of a daily checking sheet ensuring all elements of the data is correct.
• Data entry of chain of custody/evidence forms and signing the accompanying paperwork in accordance with legal requirements.
• Filing and retrieval of request forms by manual or electronic method as required to support the laboratory and Medical staff.

The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by the directorate.

The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organization.

Person specification

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of up to 1250 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria: 

Essential 

• Educated to GCSE level (A*-C) including English
• RSA 2 Typing, or equivalent qualification
• Previous data entry experience
• Evidence of ongoing training & development
• Good communication skills
• Excellent telephone manner
• Able to follow written protocols
• Ability to take part in Weekend and Bank Holiday rota

 Desirable

• Basic secretarial training RSA 3 ECDL
• Previous general office experience

Benefits

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

Things you need to know

Selection process details

STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT: 

You will be required to complete an application form and statement of suitability. This will be assessed in line with the advertised essential criteria – please do provide evidence of how you meet this. 

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview.

STAGE 2 – INTERVIEW 

This competition will involve an interview either face to face or via video. 

As part of the process, candidates will be invited to interview which will involve an in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person Specification. 

Your Statement of Suitability should outline your skills, experience, and achievements, providing evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria (outlined in the person specification section).

You will also be asked to provide information within the ‘Employer/ Activity history’ section of the application form. This is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your career history.

Please note that you may be asked to undertake a test or presentation at interview.

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on 21st May 2024 – unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Shortlist: TBC

Interviews: TBC

Please note these dates could be subject to change.  

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.