Associate Practitioner

Job summary
We are looking for an enthusiastic, organised individual with a flexible approach to work closely with laboratory staff and medical staff in a busy but friendly work environment. Duties will include preparing, checking and processing of samples and data entry into the laboratory information system, as well as supporting the Biomedical Scientist team. The post holder will also support the day to day supervision of the Biomedical Support Workers and their training.

This will be a full time post based in the Rhyl laboratory, but with an expectation that travel across various North Wales is acceptable to support the service

The successful applicant will be expected to work closely with various members of the laboratory Management team in Microbiology North Wales to ensure the safe processing of samples in the laboratory.

INTERVIEWS WILL TAKE PLACE FACE TO FACE.

Main duties of the job
The post holder will provide supervision and training to all Biomedical Support Workers, working closely with the training leads to ensure all Biomedical Support Workers have up to date competencies recorded.

The post holder will coordinate rotas and the deployment of Biomedical Support Workers in conjunction with relevant staff to ensure that all areas of service delivery are adequately maintained.

The post holder will coordinate and undertake a wide range of routine laboratory tasks including quality control, specimen processing, (maintenance and calibration of equipment, operation of automated equipment, use of commercial kits), waste disposal, and clerical duties, in support of the diagnostic services of the department in conjunction with Biomedical Scientific staff. Work in a safe manner and helps to maintain standards of conduct, safe working practices and technical standards in conjunction with the relevant BMS staff in accordance with the Laboratory Health & Safety Policies.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.

About us
We are Public Health Wales - the national public health agency in Wales. Our purpose is 'Working together for a healthier Wales'. We exist to help everyone in Wales live longer, healthier, happier lives. Together with our partners, we work to increase healthy life expectancy, improve health and well-being, and reduce inequalities for everyone in Wales, now and for future generations.

Our teams work to prevent disease, protect health, and provide leadership, specialist services and public health expertise. We are the leading source of public health information, research and innovation in Wales. In a world facing complex health challenges, our work has never been so important.

We are guided by our Values, 'Working together, with trust and respect, to make a difference'. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace that values equality and diversity. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve and are supportive of flexible working arrangements, including part time roles and job sharing.

To find out more about working for us and the benefits we offer please visit

For guidance on the application process, please visit

Job responsibilities
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.

Qualifications
Essential

• Undertaking or gained an IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part 1 or 2 or equivalent qualifications and/or experience.

Desirable

• Biological Sciences Degree. Recent educational achievements relating to laboratory services.

Experience
Essential

• Experience of working within a clinical microbiology laboratory.
• Good manual dexterity and hand/eye co-ordination.
• Evidence of following verbal and written instructions and complex protocols and procedures.
• Experience of working independently, reliably and efficiently and able to use own initiative and troubleshoot when circumstances dictate.
• Good basic IT skills, document writing skills.

Desirable

• Experience of working with laboratory equipment.
• Experience of stock control
• Experience of quality control procedures
• Previous computerised data entry experience.

Knowledge & Skills
Essential

• Ability to communicate clearly scientific/clinical information orally, written or electronically to work colleagues or external contacts.
• Evidence of ability to use automation.
• Knowledge of health and safety in relation to the laboratory including the disposal of waste.
• Evidence of competence in laboratory techniques. Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of routine procedures in diagnostic microbiology. Understands the principles of good laboratory practice.
• Understands the principles and importance of Quality Assurance systems and accreditation documents (i.e. ISO:15189).

Desirable

• Previous experience of following written protocols/policies.
• Ability to prioritise. Quick learner with well developed learning skills.
• Welsh speaker.
• Good manual dexterity and hand/eye co-ordination.
• Ability to recognise problems, make analytical judgements autonomously to solve procedural and technical problems. Ability to work under pressure with good organisational skills.

Attributes and Attitude
Essential

• Be able to work independently or as part of the laboratory team. Motivated and positive attitude to team working.
• Able to accept instruction and take responsibility for own actions.
• Demonstrate time management skills. Reliable, conscientious and punctual.
• Clear thinking and articulate. Self motivated with a willingness to learn.

Desirable

• Good interpersonal skills.
• Working knowledge of laboratory information management systems. Enthusiastic about work and the profession.
• Keen to demonstrate good personal performance.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).