Medical Laboratory Assistant - Microbiology

Currently Microbiology consists of 13 Biomedical Scientists, 5 Associate Practitioners and 13 Medical Laboratory Assistants. It is a well-equipped, highly automated laboratory that includes: MALDI-TOF, BACTEC FX, MGiT TB system, PHOENIX identification and susceptibility systems, Hologic Panther, Cepheid (MRSA, TB, GC, CPE), Biofire Filmarray and Sysmex UF-5000 for urinalysis.

Our current work load is over 330,000 requests per year with samples received from both hospital patients and the community via GP surgeries.

The department is keen to develop all staff. Previous experience of working in a Microbiology laboratory would be an advantage, but is not essential as full training will be provided. The post holder will be expected to work as part of a professional and efficient team by assisting in data input and routine analytical tasks and procedures under the supervision of Biomedical Scientists and Associate Practitioners.

The candidate must be enthusiastic, a good communicator and team player, however must be able to work well alone and use their initiative appropriately. Continuing professional development is required and is supported by the Department of Laboratory Medicine.

The aims of this Trust are to improve the health of and provide the best possible care to the population in which we serve and ensure that our staff enjoy and take pride in their work. We are striving to recruit a workforce that reflects the communities in which we serve. We value our staff and can offer excellent opportunities for further training and development. We are keen to reflect our local population and therefore applications from all sectors of the community are welcomed.

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust provide services across the north west side of the Greater Manchester area ranging from hospital services in Bolton to community services across Bolton, Salford, Ashton, Leigh and Wigan. We are a progressive, expanding organisation with great ambition around improving quality, integrating pathways and delivering high levels of productivity. We have a CQC rating as good overall and we have some key areas of outstanding practice with an outstanding rating for being well led at every level.

Over 5,700 people work for the Trust and many of them have been here a long time. People find they don't need to go elsewhere to find a fulfilling career in healthcare. The Trust offer a range of flexible working patterns to enable our staff to balance their work and personal life.

Qualification

Essential: - Good all-round general standard of education. Numerate & literate.

Desirable: - NVQ3; or working towards an appropriate qualification; or equivalent experience.

Experience

Desirable: - Previous laboratory knowledge and experience. Previous experience within the NHS

Skills

Desirable: - Computer literate. ECDL or equivalent. Good interpersonal skills.

Knowledge

Desirable: - Laboratory/science knowledge