About the job

Job summary

Please note that we are currently recruiting for both a permanent and a fixed term opportunity (until 31.03.2025)

Applications are invited for the above post, which is based in the UKHSA Microbiology, Public Health Laboratory in Birmingham. The microbiology laboratory is in partnership with University Hospitals Birmingham Trust (UHB). The microbiology partnership provides comprehensive microbiology services and specialist services to Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield, Solihull Hospital, and general practitioners throughout the area.

We are looking for enthusiastic, self-motivated individuals to play a vital role in the laboratory by supporting the Biomedical Scientists in a wide range of laboratory duties including the preparation of clinical samples, registration of patient information onto the pathology computer system and involvement in the centralised telephone enquiry service.

The department undertakes a wide range of routine and specialist microbiological and molecular investigations. The Laboratory operates a 7-day working week and the applicant will be required to work 37.5 hours per week based on a shift system including a requirement to work at weekends and bank holidays.

Location

This is a lab-based role located at Birmingham Heartlands, B9 5SS.

*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

Job description

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

• Sample receipt and handing.
• Sample preparation and reagent preparation following protocols.
• Clerical duties, including use of computers, and data entry, telephone enquiries.
• Provide results service to wards, GP’s and other hospitals
• Monitor and maintain appropriate stock levels, receipt of deliveries and preparation of orders.
• Perform basic manual and automated tests according to protocols.
• Work in a safe manner in accordance with Laboratory Health and Safety policies and procedures.
• Processing specimens, sub culturing of specimens, cleaning and maintenance of equipment, assisting BMS staff in analytical techniques, and use of automated equipment within Containment Level 3 laboratory.
• Preparation of samples prior to sending away to reference laboratories.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.

For the full list of responsibilities and duties, please see the full job description. 

Person specification

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of up to 500 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria:

Essential criteria

• GCSE Maths and English

Desirable criteria

• GCSE Sciences or equivalent
• NVQ2 or equivalent qualification or equivalent 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 a 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 by video or face to face.

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

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. 

The Success Profiles framework will be used to assess and recruit the most suitable candidate. The following behaviours will be used at the interview:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on 27th June 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.

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.