Overview
General duties include supporting all areas of the lab, maintaining data and documentation, handling specimens, performing microscopy and culture reading, setting up specimen, operating maintaining and troubleshooting laboratory analysers, inventory taking and moving & handling of stock items. Applicants with previous laboratory experience will have an advantage; however, individuals with similar transferable skills are encouraged to apply. The selection procedure will be based on application, and if shortlisted, will be followed by an interview. Interview date: 17/10/2025. The post is to be a team member of Biomedical support workers delivering technical, quality, and administrative support for the delivery of a safe, quality lead Microbiology laboratory service.
Responsibilities
* Primarily support workload in all areas of the lab with sample handling, processing, and reporting where necessary. Samples include respiratory sections, blood, sterile fluids, swabs, skin and nail scrapings, urine, and faeces; prepare microscopy slides (staining/wet prep) and reporting; read primary culture plates after suitable training.
* Adhere to lab and Trust values (4 Cs) and Trusts data confidentiality policy.
* Based in Microbiology, with potential to work in Blood Sciences/Cellular Pathology labs as required.
* Support a 24/7 service as part of normal contractual hours on rotation, including late evenings, night shifts (discussion), weekends, and public holidays.
* Perform tests in accordance with laboratory SOPs.
* Operate, maintain and troubleshoot automated analysers per procedures and Health & Safety rules.
* Maintain records (maintenance, quality controls, etc.).
* Prepare daily quality assurance checks and acceptance testing on materials purchased or prepared in the department.
* Identify clerical, technical and systems errors and apply corrective procedures; report events and corrective actions to the operational BMS or the Senior Biomedical Scientist team.
Laboratory Informatics & Administrative
* Comply with local and national policies for safe, secure, and confidential processing and storage of patient and other laboratory information.
* Collect, receive, verify, label, and enter on computer sample requests; identify errors (e.g., mislabeling) and action accordingly; report and record per SOP.
* Transcribe record results obtained by biomedical scientists or from referral centres.
* Input results from patients and staff into the laboratory information management system.
* Maintain clear and accurate quality records using the QPulse system (training provided).
* Assist in implementing and recording corrective and preventive actions (training provided).
* Assist in monitoring lab KPIs, Turnaround Times, and report breaches or improvements to colleagues for action.
* During staff shortage, assist the senior BMS by covering skill gaps including Assistant Technical Officer duties and lab waste management tasks (including autoclaving).
* Prioritise workload sources and allocate support accordingly.
General & Working Environment
* Participate in shift work between 07:00 and 00:00 on rotation.
* Assist in all ATO duties if required.
* Clean and maintain equipment and work areas.
* Work in an environment with potential exposure to unpleasant odours and materials (e.g., products of bacterial growth, patient fluids, pus, faeces, tissues, and occasionally body parts).
About MKUH
Milton Keynes University Hospital, in partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through research and education. The hospital holds a Good rating from the CQC and is undergoing significant investment. The Trust is expanding to meet rising demand and improve access to care, with new facilities including a Radiotherapy Centre, neonatology services, and the Community Diagnostic Centre at Whitehouse Health Centre. Further investments include Oak Wards and a Women and Children’s Centre planned for 2030.
Benefits
* Free on-site parking including EV charging
* Complimentary refreshments
* Flexible working arrangements
* Discounted gym membership
* Salary sacrifice car scheme
* Generous annual leave with bank holiday entitlement
* Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme
* On-site nursery (charges apply)
* Staff health and wellbeing programme including EAP
* VIVUP products to support wellbeing
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