Job summary
The Pathology Departments of both North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust and South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust are working collaboratively to develop a joint service from all hospital sites. Though the department is based at The James Cook University Hospital, this position may require cross site working as appropriate.
An opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic Healthcare Science Support Worker to join Microbiology department. The department is UKAS accredited and has IBMS training approval. CPD is actively encouraged.
The vacancy is 37.5 hours per week, permanent term post working as Healthcare Science Support Worker within Microbiology department. Candidate must have some experience working in a clinical laboratory.
The department operates a 24/7 shift system at A4C rates. It is expected that the post holder will participate in shift working after a suitable period of training.
A high standard of patient confidentiality is required.
Main duties of the job
Receiving and assign samples for relevant tests, under supervision of Biomedical Scientists.
The accurate sorting, labelling, preparation, and storage of specimens both pre and post analysis.
Pre-analytical processing of samples to include the receipt and preparation, including data entry, which includes exposure to category 2 and less frequently category 3 organisms.
To reject specimens which do not conform to established protocols and prioritise specimen types as to their perceived urgency, under supervision of Biomedical Scientists.
In accordance with established SOP's and the direction of the (Senior) Biomedical Scientist team, process clinical specimens received into the laboratory. Specimens can include body fluids (blood, urine CSF, etc.), solid tissue, faeces, sputum, swabs from anybody site, and a variety of artificial devices (heart valves, contact lenses, coils, etc.) within Standards of Proficiency, to ensure accurate and excellent quality.
Prioritise "Urgent Specimens" and process accordingly. To check the specimens are adequately matched i.e. patient data on the forms match the patient data on the sample bottles.
Scan all Request Forms using the Form Scanner, following data entry.
Details
- Date posted: 02 November 2026
- Closing date: 16 November 2026
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: Band 2
- Salary: £25,272 a year per annum
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time
- Reference number: 328-CSU7-8213430
- Job locations: The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW, United Kingdom
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the full job description and person specification document(s) attached for main responsibilities of the role.
Person Specification
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Able to communicate and maintain good relations with all levels of staff
- Able to understand new technological advances
- Self-motivated
- Able to understand new technological advances
- Flexible approach to working hours
- Team worker
Desirable
- Problem solving skills
- Familiar with LEAN principles
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including: oMathematics (or equivalent e.g. Key Skills at level 2 in Numeracy) oEnglish Language (or equivalent e.g. Key Skills at level 2 in Literacy) oA Science subject. OR oMathematics and English plus NVQ Level 2 or above in a relevant subject.
Desirable
- Attendance at Novice and leadership improvement sessions within first year of role
- Experience of computer packages e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of electronic data input
Desirable
- Experience of working in a laboratory, with clinical NHS experience as preferable.
- Experience of shift working or out of hours working
- Experience of Quality Management Systems
- Microsoft Office
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
About us
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust have come together to form University Hospitals Tees. As a result, post holders may be required to work across sites within both organisations.
Across University Hospitals Tees, our ambition is to be the best place to work, ensuring we have the right staff in the right roles at the right time to deliver outstanding patient care and experience.
We are committed to supporting our staff through an inclusive and supportive working environment, offering health and wellbeing initiatives, staff benefits, and opportunities for personal and professional development.
We support the 'Making Every Contact Count' approach to behaviour change in the promotion of health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.
Employer details
- Employer name: South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Address: The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW, United Kingdom
- Employer's website: https://www.southtees.nhs.uk/