Associate Practitioner

The department employs around 130 staff and has a workload in excess of 1.2 million specimens covering major clinical specialties including respiratory medicine, transplantation, burns, renal medicine, urology & paediatrics. The department embraces all aspects of a modern clinical bacteriology service combining traditional methodologies with laboratory automation.

Location

This is a lab based role located at Manchester University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, M13 9WL.
- Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.*

Working Pattern -Full Time. The department requires staff to support a rotational shift pattern, which may include shifts throughout a 24 hours a day/7days per week period, to meet the service needs of the department.

**Salary & Grade**: AO (National) £20472 - £22377 (plus MPS)

As Associate Practitioner your main responsibilities will include:

- To become competent in receiving samples, performing routine tests to completion and reporting of results according to specified protocols and procedures, under supervision of a qualified Biomedical Scientist
- To be trained in the use of various techniques, analysers, machinery, microscopes and other technological equipment, to achieve an appropriate level of competence and quality.
- To record test results and maintain records according to local procedures and protocols.
- Processing specimens, sub culturing of specimens, cleaning and maintenance of equipment, assisting BMS staff in analytical techniques, and use of automated equipment within Containment Level 3 laboratory.
- To be capable of aiding the medical laboratory assistants in the initial processing of samples, including the interpretation of clinical information and be available to cover in their absence
- To be competent to deal with routine maintenance associated with the daily running of analysers and equipment.
- Under supervision, to plan and prioritise work effectively to meet departmental deadlines.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Please see the job description for the full list of duties and responsibilities.

This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the largest microbiology departments in England as an AO grade Associate Practitioner. The Manchester Medical Microbiology Partnership (MMMP) is a collaboration between UKHSA and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. The microbiology partnership provides comprehensive routine services and specialist services to a wide range of hospitals across the North West and beyond and also assists in any UKHSA co-ordinated responses or activity of a national/international nature, e.g. Bioterrorism incident or major disease e.g enteric outbreaks, COVID19, SARS.

The scope of this role is to learn and maintain good laboratory practice in the interests of the departmental commitment to provide an efficient service and to become a positive member of a team or teams in the function of service provision.

Applicants must have either a Foundation degree in Healthcare Science, a Certificate of Achievement Part 2, an Apprenticeship Level 4 or an equivalent qualification. Previous extensive experience of working in a clinical microbiology laboratory, evidence of using complex laboratory equipment and an understanding of Laboratory Health and Safety procedures and protocols is essential.