Overview
Welcome to Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust. The Microbiology Department at Darent Valley Hospital is seeking an energetic, well-motivated, HCPC registered individual with experience of working in an NHS Pathology laboratory.
The laboratory is well developed within bacteriology, serology and molecular techniques, housing a range of microbiology analysers including Vitek 2, Cobas 480, Microscan and Maldi-Tof ID, Genexpert, Virtuo analyser, DS2, Vidas and Liaison XLs.
Successful applicants will be expected to participate in maintaining CPD, complete registration Portfolio and support the laboratory to maintain requirements of United Kingdom Accreditation Standards (UKAS).
If you have a passion for clinical excellence, value patient care and are keen to excel in your development, then Darent Valley Hospital is the place for you. We have an extensive training and development programme with new opportunities for developing our Biomedical Scientists of the future. We encourage you to be part of this journey.
This position will not be supported for visa sponsorship. All applicants are expected to have a valid right to work document to work in the UK when applying for this position.
Please note, this post may close earlier than the given closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
Main duties of the job
All applicants will work in rotation with other staff in all sections within the laboratory. You must be keen to embrace new ways of working and develop your skills and knowledge.
All applicants will be provided with a 16-week roster following successful probation. This will include early and late shifts and allocated rest days for weekends worked. You will be expected to work according to our working time compliant shift system. The successful applicant will be required to participate in out of hours or on-call shifts when fully competent following training. There is a requirement for flexibility of your working pattern and an extended working day shift may be required.
About Us
We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we have achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities.
We are dedicated to using our Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) approach as our shared organisation model of change to enhance our services and ensure excellence in patient care.
If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all our staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 and are vaccinated annually against Flu, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and patients. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.
Details
Date posted: 25 September 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £32,602 to £39,686 a year per annum inclusive of allowances
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 252-7480750
Job locations: Darent Valley Hospital, Darenth Wood Road, Dartford, DA2 8DA
Job Responsibilities
* Performing analytical procedures with training provided in accordance with standard operating procedures
* Completing tasks efficiently to meet turnaround times
* Using and maintaining the Laboratory Information System
* Managing samples and results with appropriate priority
* Delivering accurate and timely results according to priority
* Assisting senior staff and Specialist Biomedical Scientists in supervising routine work
* Analysing and interpreting results from patient specimens and acting accordingly
* Performing complex tests and assays, including microscopic analyses and culture plate interpretation from clinical material; blood sample analysis for indicators of infection (including high-risk samples)
* Identifying pathogenic organisms or markers of infection (serological tests) and carrying out antimicrobial sensitivity tests
* Entering complex test results into the laboratory computer system
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
* BSc Biomedical Science or other IBMS accredited degree
* HCPC registration
Desirable
* Working towards IBMS Specialist Diploma
* Evidence of continuous CPD
Knowledge and Skills
* Knowledge of theory and analytical techniques in microbiology
* Knowledge of current trends in microbiology and UKAS requirements
* Methodical with ability to organise own and others’ workload
* Problem solving and decision-making abilities; good interpersonal and communication skills
* Good supervisory qualities; ability to produce results within set deadlines
* Able to deal with unexpected situations
Experience
* Post-registration experience in multiple sections within an accredited training microbiology laboratory
Other Information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A Disclosure will be sought.
UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
Employer details
Employer: Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust
Address: Darent Valley Hospital, Darenth Wood Road, Dartford, DA2 8DA
#J-18808-Ljbffr