Biomedical Support Worker - Microbiology

Job overview

We are excited to invite applications for a Biomedical Support Worker to join the Microbiology department at Bedford Hospital. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a forward‑thinking team working with state‑of‑the‑art technology, including the BioMerieux BacT/Alert Virtuo, BD MGIT, DS2, BioMerieux Vidas and Biofire, Roche Cobas 6800, Cepheid GeneXpert and Bruker Maldi‑TOF. Following a recent merger with the L&D Hospital Microbiology department, our laboratory now delivers a wide range of investigations for Bedford Hospital, Luton and Dunstable Hospital, as well as local GPs. We are proud to be UKAS accredited to ISO 15189:2012 and recognised as an IBMS‑approved training laboratory.

In this role, you will work closely with Biomedical Scientists, supporting them in performing microbiological techniques that are essential to the clinical diagnosis of infectious disease. Your contribution will directly impact patient care, helping to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatment. Previous laboratory or hospital experience is desirable, but not essential, as full training will be provided. What matters most is your enthusiasm, your commitment to learning, and your ability to bring strong numerical, literacy and communication skills to the team. A minimum of GCSEs (or equivalent) in English Language and Science is required.

The core hours of work are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Once fully trained, you will participate in our shift pattern, which runs from 07:00 to 22:00 and includes weekends and bank holidays. This is a role that offers variety, responsibility, and the chance to grow within a supportive environment where training and development are at the heart of what we do.

If you are motivated, curious, and eager to build a career in microbiology, we would love to hear from you. This is your chance to join a team that is shaping the future of diagnostic science and making a real difference to patients every day.

Main duties of the job

Details of specific service/department responsibilities, accountabilities and objectives are listed in the Role Descriptor document incorporated with this generic Biomedical Support Worker job description.

The post holder will contribute to the day to day operations and limited technical aspects of the service.

The post holder will assist Higher Biomedical Support Workers, BMS and senior laboratory BMS in the delivery of a high quality, efficient and effective service, through the Quality Management System [QMS].

The post holder is expected to follow policies and procedures ensuring that the service complies with current UKAS standards, national and European legislation and discipline specific regulatory bodies.

The post holder may be required to assist in the training of other support staff.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this job, please review for the full details and responsibilities.

To assist BMS and laboratory senior BMS in the implementation and delivery of a cohesive service.

To follow the quality policy for the department including the agreed quality objectives.

To follow the UKAS standards for the department using the Pathology Quality Management System as established, to fulfil the quality circles and audit inherent to the ISO 15189 standards of compliance.

To assist in actions required as determined, to resolve nonconformities that are recorded by internal and/or external audits and/or complaints.

To follow the Standard Operating Procedures [SOP] for the department utilising the Document Management Module of the Q-Pulse system.