Assistant Technical Officer

We are seeking an enthusiastic individual with good attention to detail and team working ability to join the friendly Microbiology team, to support the technical and clinical staff in processing samples from both hospital and GP patients to aid in the detection and treatment of infectious diseases. This is a busy role, rotating through seven laboratory areas, and includes booking in and initial processing of wound swabs, MRSA screens, urine samples, faecal samples and other specimen types.

As part of the team, you will receive full health and safety training, be introduced to good laboratory practice, quality control, service improvement, clerical processes, and have the opportunity to work with automated laboratory analysers and equipment. Once the post holder is established, there is often the opportunity for advancement to more senior grades and the laboratory actively supports the development of its staff.

*** Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

The post holder will work together with senior staff, Biomedical Scientists (BMS) and other support staff in all sections of the Microbiology Laboratory.

For the Assistant Technical Officer (ATO) role, this includes booking in samples onto the laboratory computer, checking patient details are matched correctly, then processing the sample, either by loading onto an analyser ( we do this for urine samples), or plating samples onto various agar plates to allow micro-organisms to grow, which are later identified by the BMS staff. The role needs an individual who is flexible, has good hand-eye coordination, works well in a busy team, is able to communicate clearly to other staff, and understands the need for high levels of attention to detail to ensure correct processes are followed.

Note that the role involves processing a wide range of patient samples, including urine, faeces, swabs and blood samples, but that full health and safety training, PPE and a framework of laboratory safety and equipment is provided.

The post holder may be called upon to work a duty shift up to 8pm on weekdays, this post also includes the requirement to work weekends on rotation and If required to do so, to work a contracted week that may include working a full day on Saturdays and/or Sundays and/or Bank Holidays. The post holder may also be called upon, if required to do so, to participate in 24/7 working.

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment.

We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on  We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles.

Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Book test requests swiftly and accurately into the computer system (iLAB). Scanning request forms and clearing errors as they occur.

Respond to telephone enquiries within the area of work from staff in both primary and secondary care, giving test results (subject to departmental telephone SOPs), advice on sample types required for a large range of tests, requests for add-on-tests and those for emergency requests. Clear and concise messages to be taken in the event of unavailability of staff.

To enter a range of test results into the Pathology computer system for authorisation by BMSs.

To collate the printing of results daily, sorting, enveloping and arranging issue in accordance with local SOP.

To report all complaints/anomalies/data entry errors to a senior member of staff for attention and logging.

To receive specimens/request forms in reception following the Specimen Reception SOP and checking the data on the sample matches that on the request…