Job overview
An exciting part time opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, confident, motivated, and hardworking individual to join our Infection Sciences team as a Healthcare Science Associate.
The post holder will work primarily at the North Tyneside General Hospital laboratory but will be required to rotate to the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital laboratory, as part of the departments' shift system.
You will be responsible for performing a range of scientific procedures on biological samples contributing to the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of diseases. This role contributes to the production of accurate and timely results, whilst supporting the ongoing development of pathology services.
Applicants will hold a Foundation Degree, the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Certificate of Achievement Part II or equivalent qualification.
Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the closing date once the required number of suitable applications have been received
Main duties of the job
You will work as a Healthcare Science Associate in the Microbiology department, and rotate through all sections of the laboratory.
You will also have a flexible approach to working, demonstrate good organisational skills and the ability to work under supervision, and alone, as well as mentoring support staff. Previous experience working in a NHS Microbiology laboratory is desirable but not essential as full training will be provided.
The successful candidate will work during their initial period of training Monday to Friday between the hours of 07:30 and 22:00 including weekends and bank holiday shifts depending upon the needs of the service. Once fully trained and competency assessed, you will participate in a shift system, also rotating to our other laboratory at Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
You will:
Work within the Infection Sciences service providing diagnostic support to acute hospitals, community services, and primary care. Prepare and process biological specimens for microbiological testing, under the guidance of a Biomedical Scientist/Team Leader/Manager, adhering to the SOPs, thus contributing to the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of diseases, including bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infection. Ensure urgent samples are prioritised. Undertake a variety of manual, semi-automated and automated procedures requiring skill and manual dexterity. Carry out basic troubleshooting of laboratory equipment. Perform general housekeeping duties including maintaining stock, reagent preparation, cleaning, and waste disposal. Perform a variety of clerical and administrative tasks, for example telephone inquiries from other departments, GPs, and other service users. Provide training, supervision and support to less experienced Healthcare Science Associates and Healthcare Science Assistants.
Pathology services operate across multiple Trust sites and provide a 24/7 service.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential
- 5 GCSE`s level A - C or 9-4 (must include Maths and English)
- IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part II, Foundation Degree Certificate or equivalent qualification e.g. HND/HNC
Desirable
- • Evidence of CPD.
Other requirements
Essential
- • Ability to work flexible hours, including participation in shift systems where required (including nights and weekends)
Desirable
- • Experience of out-of-hours working
Experience and knowledge
Essential
- • Knowledge and understanding of the role of Pathology in the diagnosis and treatment of disease
- • Knowledge of Health & Safety, COSHH, and infection control
- • Understanding of Quality Assurance & Quality Control
Desirable
- • Previous experience of working in a Pathology laboratory
- • Understanding of laboratory techniques
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Healthcare Science Associate with Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in North Shields, North East and Yorkshire, England. It is listed as a Band 4 Healthcare support worker role. The advertised salary is £28,392 - £31,157 pro rata per annum. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 02 Jul 2026.
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