Thank you for your interest in this vacancy!
We highly recommend reading our Tips on how to apply page to give you an insight on how applications are scored & shortlisted by our Recruiting Managers. These tips have been provided to give you a better chance of being shortlisted for our vacancies.
Please note that if you apply for a position with North Bristol NHS Trust, you may be contacted via TRAC or via email. This includes invites for job interviews. We therefore recommend that you regularly check your TRAC Account and email accounts including junk and spam folders.
Our job adverts may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Considering this, if you are interested in this role, please do apply as soon as you can.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) describes algorithms that can be used to produce new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. It is developing all the time and is now being used as a support mechanism for all kinds of content-based creations. Please note the use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this.
Job Overview
Associate Practitioner - Microbiology – AfC Band 4
Are you ready for a new challenge in your career? As an Associate Practitioner, you will be trained in all areas of Bacteriology.
The post holder will undertake a wide range of routine laboratory tasks including specimen processing, removal and safe disposal of waste and laboratory clerical duties, in support of the diagnostic services of the department.
The post holder will operate under the supervision of Biomedical Scientists.
The post holder will work as part of the laboratory team providing a 24/7 service as required (including covering unsocial hours e.g., evenings, weekends and bank holidays).
When appropriate the post holder will liaise with laboratory staff, medical staff and other hospital staff, customers, members of the public and other external contacts.
The post holder will have previous practical experience in a biomedical laboratory or equivalent and will possess excellent manual dexterity and technical skills and the ability to work on their own or as part of a team.
The Infection Sciences service is a collaboration between North Bristol NHS Trust and UKHSA and as such the post holder will be required, possibly at short notice, to respond to public health emergencies, including outbreaks and other emergency situations
To understand more about Pathology at NBT, click here to watch our video.
Main duties of the job
Under The Supervision Of a State Registered Biomedical Scientist
- Contribute to providing a professional clinical laboratory service, working effectively as a team member as part of the overall department.
- Perform a number of technical activities under supervision, including testing patient samples/audit samples and research work, as appropriate to the training and qualifications of an Associate Practitioner.
- Maintain records in relation to laboratory activities.
- Supervise, organise and allocate work and/or train less experienced staff in own area.
- Develop and improve professional expertise.
- The post holder would be expected to assist in any UKHSA co-ordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, e.g. a major disease outbreak.
- Replace stocks of consumables and reagents when required and inform the section leader if back-up stocks are low.
- To assist in the use and maintenance of automated equipment. Also to assist in troubleshooting when equipment problems occur.
- Supervise MLA / HSSW and other support staff.
- To communicate effectively with all members of the Microbiology team at all times.
- To attend training meetings and updates with senior staff on an ad hoc basis
- To liaise with users of the laboratory and to handle general telephone enquiries.
- To undertake any reasonable task delegated by a senior member of staff.
- To use equipment in a safe and responsible manner.
Working for our organisation
North Bristol NHS Trust employs over 12,000 staff providing healthcare to the residents of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset from our award-winning hospital building at Southmead. We are the regional Major Trauma Centre, and an internationally recognised centre of excellence in a range of services and major specialities.
We commit to treating each patient as an individual with respect and dignity, aiming to deliver excellent clinical outcomes and a first-class experience for everyone who uses our services.
North Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti-discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all underrepresented groups.
The Bacteriology Laboratory in Bristol forms part of Infection Sciences and is situated within the purpose-built Pathology Sciences Building at
Southmead Hospital, North Bristol Trust. A second small laboratory is situated within the Royal United Hospital in Bath. In total, the Laboratory
undertakes approximately 1.4 million tests per annum and overall employs 200 highly motivated and dedicated staff.
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
For a full overview of the Job Description, please refer to the PDF Job Description attached as an additional document to this advert.
Please note the above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out other duties as may
reasonably be required by the organisation.
The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.
Person specification
Education/Training/Qualifications
Essential criteria
- NVQ level 3 clinical support work or A levels in Science or related subjects, or relevant experience.
Desirable criteria
- Degree in relevant science subject
Work Experience
Essential criteria
- Experience of working as a support grade worker in a pathology laboratory
- Experience of the use of pathology laboratory computer systems
- Experience of the application of Health & Safety practice to pathology laboratories
- Experience of the preparation of samples for analysis, including pre- and post-analytical checking
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Essential criteria
- Good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
- Knowledge of sample requirements and ability to recognize inappropriate samples
- IT and keyboard skills
- Ability to work accurately with minimum supervision
- Ability to work with complex analytical equipment
- Ability to plan, prioritise and re-schedule workloads
Desirable criteria
- Ability to participate in the delivery of staff training
Personal Qualities/Special Circumstances
Essential criteria
- Be an effective team worker
- Demonstrate a commitment to personal development
- Able to exercise initiative
If you apply for this vacancy and have not received a communication from North Bristol NHS Trust within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful.
Please note that North Bristol NHS Trust does not reimburse travel expenses relating to interview attendance.
If you feel you meet the requirements of the Disability Act / Two Ticks scheme and require further support/advice, please contact us on tel 0117 414 1151.
North Bristol NHS Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
The successful applicant(s) will normally commence at the minimum of the scale unless they have previous NHS service at the same band. Progression through the scale is by annual increments.
At North Bristol Trust (NBT), we know diverse and inclusive environments lead to happier and healthier teams and improved patient care and outcomes. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are currently underrepresented in NBT’s workforce at Band 8a and above. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people and LGBTQIA+ people.
Please note that stringent pre-employment checks are undertaken on all successful applicants prior to commencement in post.
