Biomedical Support Worker – Microbiology

Job overview

The Eastern Pathology Alliance (EPA) Microbiology Department is based at the Norfolk at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital.  Providing the sole Microbiology service for Norfolk, we provide diagnostic and clinical services across three hospital sites at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and James Paget Hospital, along with the Clinical Commissioning Group.  We deliver high-performing, ISO15189 accredited pathology services across Bacteriology, Mycology, Virology, Serology and molecular diagnostics.

Working for EPA provides exciting opportunities for development, research, education, and training, helping staff to experience a wide and varied career within our organization.  We are committed to attracting and retaining pathology staff, valuing both skills and ideas, whilst supporting you in developing you full potential. Along with being IBMS accredited training laboratory, we also offer a variety of training opportunities for all staff.

Biomedical Support Workers specialising in Microbiology are required to perform a range of tests in Bacteriology, Virology and Serology. Good communication and interpersonal skills are required, as well as the ability to produce accurate and precise work.

Main duties of the job

Clinical Scientific and Management Responsibilities:

• To prepare and process all types of clinical material for diagnosis (except those processed at Containment Level 3).
• Daily maintenance of very complex specialist analytical equipment (including automated EIA and molecular analysers), including initiation of calibration and quality assurance programs referring to senior staff as appropriate.
• To perform Enzyme ImmunoAssays (EIA), Immunofluorescence (IF) and other serological assays according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) under supervision by BMS.
• To perform antibody/antigen investigations using advanced and complex molecular techniques with emphasis on accuracy, timing and contamination avoidance.

Responsibilities for Laboratory Information Systems:

• Amending and updating patient data and results which includes other colleague’s work.
• Input test information into databases which includes own generated data and other healthcare staff generated data.

Training:

• Complete mandatory and ‘in-service’ training in IT use and laboratory information services, Health & Safety, Sample Handling and labelling procedures.
• Undertake ongoing service training and continue their own competence to practice to NVQ level 3 or equivalent.
• Provide training and instruction for other staff grades in own area.

Preference will be given to candidates with an extensive Virology/Serology or Molecular background.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Labelling and preparing patient’s blood, urine and other fluids for analysis utilising aseptic techniques.
• To prepare samples for Mycology microscopy and culture.
• To prepare samples for testing and to assist the Biomedical Scientists.
• To work in the blood culture laboratory:- Prepare blood cultures and place on analyser- Sub culture positive bottles and prepare samples for microscopy- Set up biochemical identifications from pure cultures
• To process urine samples to include setting up bacterial cultures and sensitivities, data entry.
• To process genital swabs, including the preparation of samples for microscopy.
• To assist in the setting up of microbial sensitivities.
• Load samples onto very complex analysers in accordance with SOPs.
• To perform molecular assays.
• To perform Complement Fixation Tests according to SOP with Healthcare Scientist validation.

The Trust is committed to providing the delivery of a high quality, safe and compassionate healthcare service by following our PRIDE values.  All staff are expected to act as a role model to others in all aspects of their work and consistently demonstrate NNUH’s ‘PRIDE’ values of:

• People focused (welcoming, kind, supportive)
• Respect (listening, appreciative)
• Integrity (communicate, professional)
• Dedication (helpful, teamwork)
• Excellence (safe, effective)

Please refer to the Job Description for the full specification of responsibilities and requirements for this post.