Healthcare Science Support Worker (Laboratory Assistant)

Job summary

The post holder will act as a laboratory assistant to provide support to the scientific team providing services to patients and clients as an aid to clinical diagnosis. You will be expected to work 37.5 hours. The Cambridge laboratory operates a 24/7 shift pattern to which you will be expected to contribute.

• Works as part of Laboratory Team
• Job holder would be expected to rotate through various managed units within Microbiology

Job Holder may be expected to provide emergency cover between the laboratories in East of England.

Main duties of the job

• Sample receipt and handing.
• Sample preparation and reagent preparation following protocols.
• Clerical duties, including use of computers, and data entry, telephone enquiries.
• Provide results service to wards, GPs and other hospitals
• Dealing with patients, visitors and deliveries.
• Monitor and maintain appropriate stock levels, receipt of deliveries and preparation of orders.
• Cleaning and disinfection of equipment and laboratory areas.
• Monitoring and routine maintenance of equipment.
• Perform manual, semi-automated and automated tests according to protocols.
• Disposal of patient samples in accordance with relevant guidelines
• Autoclaving of waste material and patient samples (involves moderate lifting).
• Portering duties, exchange of gas cylinders (involves moderate lifting).
• Work in a safe manner in accordance with Laboratory Health and Safety policies and procedures.

About us

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Details

• Date posted: 07 July 2026
• Pay scheme: Other
• Salary: £27,335 to £28,442 a year Per annum, Pro rata
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working
• Reference number: 919-NP-309294-EXT
• Job locations: Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

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.

Use of automated equipment and its cleaning and maintenance within Containment Level 2 laboratories.

To participate in Quality Assurance and Quality Control activities, and assist the department in maintaining UKAS accreditation.

To participate in audit processes, drug trials, research projects as required.

Assisting in the production of bacteriological culture media.

Job Holder is expected to occasionally work under remote supervision of a Registered Biomedical Scientist following defined SOP/protocols, and would be expected to refer non routine issues to their supervisor

This list of duties is not exhaustive.

Essential role criteria:

• Clear communicator with good writing, data entry and telephone skills ensuring accuracy
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Problem solving skills
• Able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own workload to set deadlines
• An ability to maintain confidentiality and trust.
• Good time keeping.
• Flexible approach to work.
• Ability to follow written protocols

Desirable role criteria:

• Previously worked in Laboratory
• Previous work experience
• Experience of working in a healthcare environment
• Evidence of on-going training and development

Selection Process Details

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

Competency Based

You willbe requiredto complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed8 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
• 750 word supporting statement

This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role.

You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible). Please do not email your CV.

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 750 words. We will not consider any words over 750 words.

Longlisting:In the event ofa large number ofapplicationswe may longlist into 3 piles of:

• Meets all essential criteria

• Meets some essential criteria

• Meets no essential criteria

If used, the pile Meets all essential criteria willproceed to shortlisting.

Shortlisting:In the event ofa large number ofapplications we may conductan initial sift, on the lead criteria of :

• Clear communicator with good writing, data entry and telephone skills ensuring accuracy

Desirable criteria may be usedin the event ofa large number ofapplications/largeamountof successful candidates.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

Competency Based

You will be invited to a face to face interview. If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview

Interviews dates to be confirmed.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location

This role is based as office/lab-based at our site in Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorist Check. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years to obtain Counter Terrorism Check (CTC). UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting at this higher level and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Eligibility Criteria

External: Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).

Salary Information

If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.

Administrative Officer (AO)

£27,335 -£28,442(Outer London)