Healthcare Science Support Worker Higher Level

Applications are invited for this post based in the Microbiology Department at Forth Valley Royal Hospital. The successful applicant will provide a supporting role to the professional clinical laboratory service.

The Appointee Would Be Expected To Carry Out Under The Supervision Of Qualified Laboratory Staff a Wide Range Of Routine Laboratory And Administrative Tasks, Which Do Not Require The Skill And Training Of a State Registered Biomedical Scientist, Including The Following

• Processes a range of laboratory diagnostic specimens on patient samples following departmental Standard Operating procedures.
• Provide technical support to scientific staff in the Microbiology laboratory
• Perform primary testing / investigation of samples on a range of laboratory analysers (including urinalysis on the iQ200 Sprint, Abbott Architect, Virtuo etc). This also includes support for testing of samples for respiratory PCR.
• Highlights critical or urgent specimens to more senior staff/Consultant where required.
• Ensures the continuity of the service is maintained by managing the efficient and effective use of expensive consumable materials.
• Rotates through a number of routine sections of the laboratory.

Liaises with colleagues in other departments and hospitals to arrange specialised tests to be performed.

Performs delegated duties as agreed with the line manager.

You will require good keyboard skills, the ability to work accurately under pressure and a flexible approach to work. Experience of working in an NHS Microbiology laboratory is preferred. Applicants should have a minimum SCQF level 6 (e.g. Higher in Scientific subject, SVQ level 3 in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities or equivalent) and relevant laboratory experience.

Weekend working on a rotational basis or shift system will be required. Working patterns will be the needs of the service and will be between 08.00 and 21:00.

For informal enquiries please contact Linda Mitchell, Healthcare Science Team Manager Tel: 01324 566681

As from 1/4/26, the Agenda for Change full-time working week will be reducing from 37 to 36 hours per week. Part time hours will be reduced pro-rata. However, there will be a corresponding increase in the hourly rate so that pay will not be affected.

The duties of this post require the successful candidate to complete a Level 2 Disclosure Scotland check.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applicants who require sponsorship to work in the UK are advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria for the Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa routes. NHS Forth Valley may be able to offer sponsorship for certain roles, provided the post meets the minimum salary threshold and any other required criteria. If you are currently working in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa, transitional arrangements may apply. Please note that sponsorship is not guaranteed and is assessed on a case-by-case basis following interview and at the commencement of pre-employment checks. For further information on visa requirements and sponsorship eligibility, please refer to the UK Government guidance.

It is also recommend that anyone applying for health and social care jobs in the UK from abroad read the following guidance: Applying for health and social care jobs in the UK from abroad - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Candidates should provide original and authentic responses to all questions within the application form. The use of artificial intelligence (AI), automated tools, or other third-party assistance to generate, draft, or significantly modify responses is strongly discouraged. By submitting your application, you confirm that all answers are your own work, reflect your personal knowledge, skills and experience, and have not been solely produced or altered by AI or similar technologies. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in your application being withdrawn

from the application process.

Please note that the majority of correspondence is sent by e-mail, therefore please check your e-mail regularly (including junk folders) and your Jobtrain account for updates.

NHS Forth Valley is positive about disabled people and is committed to offering an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job. Please contact the Recruitment Office on 0330 041 4694 if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to assist you with your application and/or interview.

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.