Job overview

The department is part of North Kent Pathology Services and consists of a large Microbiology laboratory formed when Darent Valley Hospital and Medway Maritime Hospital Pathology departments integrated. The Microbiology department processes more than 750,000 tests annually, and is approved as a training laboratory by the IBMS and HCPC. 

The Microbiology department comprises bacteriology, serology, molecular, ,mycology, parasitology and  specialist services in Andrology and OSNA (One step nucleic acid amplification for breast tissue/ lymph node analysis). The department uses a wide range of equipment including  Microscan automation,MALDI-TOF, Vitek, Sedimax, Virtuo, BacT/Alert 3D TB, VIDAS, DS2, Cobas 480 and Genexpert for molecular testing, many of these equipments  you will be provided with appropriate training  to enable competent operation.

This position will not be supported for visa sponsorship.  All applicants are expected to have 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

As an Associate Practitioner you will be expected to perform a number of Healthcare scientific activities including undertaking standard biomedical investigations (tests) and data analysis support on routine tests on a range of body fluids, swabs, tissues and blood samples. Your tasks will extend to the operation of the laboratory analysers, trouble -shooting analysers, Quality control management and supporting the Biomedical scientists where appropriate.  There will be an element of Serology and Molecular involvement, all under the supervision of specialist Biomedical scientists. As an Associate Practitioner, you will be expected to support training and supervision of MLA / HSSW staff. You will not authorise results as this is a non-HCPC registered post.

 Working Pattern:

The successful applicant will be employed as a Band 4  Associate Practitioner ,working 37.5 hours per week .

The department works on a 16 week roster encompassing early and late shifts, rest days during the week for weekend shifts worked. Core Hours are 08:00-16:30 and Late shifts are 12:30 – 21:00. Bank holiday working is also expected. There may also be a requirement to work extended working days and night shifts. There may also be an element of cross- site working.

Working for our organisation

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. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you’ll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we’ve 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 have signed the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge and have a commitment to the Armed Forces Community.

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.