Job summary THIS POST IS FIXED TERM/SECONDMENT FOR 2 YEARS DUE TO FUNDING. Although this post has been advertised as a fixed term appointment, NHS staff will be offered the appointment as a secondment. If you wish to apply for a secondment, you must have the approval of your line manager. The postholder serves as a biomedical support worker in the national Cryptosporidium Reference Unit (CRU), assisting other CRU staff in lab duties. The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply. Main duties of the job Booking in specimens (these are mainly faeces) Preparation of specimens for testing Processing of specimens Preparation of reagents, monitoring of equipment, maintaining the laboratory work areas Provision of clerical support to the Cryptosporidium Reference Unit. About us Public Health Wales is the National Public Health Institute in Wales. Our vision is 'Working to achieve a healthier future for Wales'. We play a pivotal role in driving improvements in population health and well-being, reducing health inequalities, improving healthcare outcomes, protecting the public and supporting the development of health in all policies across Wales. Never more has public health been so important as we come through the Coronavirus pandemic, face the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis and tackle and prevent the harmful effects of climate change. We are an organisation that places ourselves at the heart of supporting people, communities, partners, and the Welsh Government in addressing these major challenges and providing solutions for action. Our organisation is guided by our Values, 'Working together, with trust and respect, to make a difference'. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve and from those wishing to work part time or on a job share basis. To find out more about working for us and the benefits we offer please visit https://phw.nhs.wales/careers/ For guidance on the application process, please visit https://phw.nhs.wales/working-for-us/applicant-information-and-guidance/ Job description Job responsibilities Engages effectively and respectfully with patients, staff, and visitors; participates in meetings; manages telephone enquiries and shares results clearly Deals helpfully, competently and confidentially with staff and laboratory visitors under the guidance of senior staff as required. Demonstrates a positive attitude to the work of the laboratory and other members of the team. Adheres to guidelines from Public Health Wales; participates in quality audits and internal assurance; monitors equipment and reports incidents promptly. Follows Standard Operating Procedures and participates in their review and update. Undertakes sample reception tasks including checking specimens against request forms, numbering, labelling and booking in of specimens on the laboratory information management system. Contacting sending laboratories by telephone if any anomalies occur. Supports and supervises new colleagues When required receive stock and move stock around the department. Will partake in regular cleaning of the department; ensures laboratory work areas are kept clean and tidy. Contributes to the planning of own day-to-day workload, with Lead BMS / Principal Clinical Scientist. Prepare solutions, reagents, and stains following standard operating procedures using aseptic techniques as required. Routinely processes faeces, tissues and other bodily fluids Undertakes separation of parasite cysts and oocysts from faecal and other samples. Extracts DNA from faeces and (oo)cyst preparations. Prepares and stains faecal smears on microscope slides. Collect and safely dispose of Laboratory waste with strict adherence to the Laboratorys safe waste disposal policy Demonstrates manual dexterity for delicate tasks, ensuring a safe working environment. Reads, interprets and transcribes sometimes distressing clinical details to the laboratory information system. Occasional exposure to potentially confrontational queries from other laboratories involving specimens not received, leaked and not tested. Engages in research and method evaluation to support inclusive service development. Operates and maintains complex laboratory equipment including analysers, participating in testing and ensuring resource accessibility and security. Mentors newly appointed Biomedical Support Workers, fostering an inclusive and collaborative learning environment. Performs manual and computerised data entry; ensures data integrity through careful and respectful entry, safeguarding confidentiality and dignity. Provides clerical assistance to the Unit, including liaising with external contacts, organising meetings and taking notes. Collaborates on projects with project leads, incorporating diverse perspectives in evaluations of new equipment and methods. Follows established procedures under supervision or independently, promoting safety and accountability at all times. Engages in tasks requiring focus and resilience, addressing emotional aspects of sensitive work environments while safeguarding confidentiality. Works with clinical specimens and microorganisms in controlled environments, prioritising health and safety for all team members. Act within your competencies. If in doubt, consult your line manager or supervisor. All staff are expected to manage risks by assessing situations, taking appropriate actions, and reporting incidents and hazards. Legally responsible for managing all records related to your work. Consult your manager with questions. Respect and safeguard confidentiality and sensitive information. Job description Job responsibilities Engages effectively and respectfully with patients, staff, and visitors; participates in meetings; manages telephone enquiries and shares results clearly Deals helpfully, competently and confidentially with staff and laboratory visitors under the guidance of senior staff as required. Demonstrates a positive attitude to the work of the laboratory and other members of the team. Adheres to guidelines from Public Health Wales; participates in quality audits and internal assurance; monitors equipment and reports incidents promptly. Follows Standard Operating Procedures and participates in their review and update. Undertakes sample reception tasks including checking specimens against request forms, numbering, labelling and booking in of specimens on the laboratory information management system. Contacting sending laboratories by telephone if any anomalies occur. Supports and supervises new colleagues When required receive stock and move stock around the department. Will partake in regular cleaning of the department; ensures laboratory work areas are kept clean and tidy. Contributes to the planning of own day-to-day workload, with Lead BMS / Principal Clinical Scientist. Prepare solutions, reagents, and stains following standard operating procedures using aseptic techniques as required. Routinely processes faeces, tissues and other bodily fluids Undertakes separation of parasite cysts and oocysts from faecal and other samples. Extracts DNA from faeces and (oo)cyst preparations. Prepares and stains faecal smears on microscope slides. Collect and safely dispose of Laboratory waste with strict adherence to the Laboratorys safe waste disposal policy Demonstrates manual dexterity for delicate tasks, ensuring a safe working environment. Reads, interprets and transcribes sometimes distressing clinical details to the laboratory information system. Occasional exposure to potentially confrontational queries from other laboratories involving specimens not received, leaked and not tested. Engages in research and method evaluation to support inclusive service development. Operates and maintains complex laboratory equipment including analysers, participating in testing and ensuring resource accessibility and security. Mentors newly appointed Biomedical Support Workers, fostering an inclusive and collaborative learning environment. Performs manual and computerised data entry; ensures data integrity through careful and respectful entry, safeguarding confidentiality and dignity. Provides clerical assistance to the Unit, including liaising with external contacts, organising meetings and taking notes. Collaborates on projects with project leads, incorporating diverse perspectives in evaluations of new equipment and methods. Follows established procedures under supervision or independently, promoting safety and accountability at all times. Engages in tasks requiring focus and resilience, addressing emotional aspects of sensitive work environments while safeguarding confidentiality. Works with clinical specimens and microorganisms in controlled environments, prioritising health and safety for all team members. Act within your competencies. If in doubt, consult your line manager or supervisor. All staff are expected to manage risks by assessing situations, taking appropriate actions, and reporting incidents and hazards. Legally responsible for managing all records related to your work. Consult your manager with questions. Respect and safeguard confidentiality and sensitive information. Person Specification Qualifications and Knowledge Essential Good basic education minimum Maths and English GCSE or equivalent, A Level, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent level 3 qualification in any field, or equivalent level of skills and knowledge Health and Safety awareness. Understanding of patient confidentiality Desirable Science related qualification(s) Previous laboratory experience; work with faecal material Skills and Attributes Essential Proficient in the use of standard Microsoft software, such as Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel Good manual dexterity and hand/eye co-ordination e.g. pipetting samples Evidence of problem-solving skills or the ability to think proactively in challenging situations (e.g., through academic, personal, or voluntary experiences). Ability to accurately follow verbal and written instructions and complex protocols and procedures Desirable Quick learner with well-developed learning skills Person Specification Qualifications and Knowledge Essential Good basic education minimum Maths and English GCSE or equivalent, A Level, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent level 3 qualification in any field, or equivalent level of skills and knowledge Health and Safety awareness. Understanding of patient confidentiality Desirable Science related qualification(s) Previous laboratory experience; work with faecal material Skills and Attributes Essential Proficient in the use of standard Microsoft software, such as Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel Good manual dexterity and hand/eye co-ordination e.g. pipetting samples Evidence of problem-solving skills or the ability to think proactively in challenging situations (e.g., through academic, personal, or voluntary experiences). Ability to accurately follow verbal and written instructions and complex protocols and procedures Desirable Quick learner with well-developed learning skills Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.. Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.. Employer details Employer name Public Health Wales Address Singleton Hospital, Swansea Sketty Lane Swansea SA2 8QA Employer's website