Laboratory Assistant Microbiology

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity for Senior Assistant Technical Officer Internal Services (Micro) in North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust to join the Lab department at University Hospital of North Tees. You will be responsible for supervising Assistant Technical Officers within the Microbiology section, supporting the day-to-day operation of the laboratory and ensuring that microbiology samples are processed accurately and in accordance with laboratory procedures. You will be responsible for reading and recording test kit and sterility test results, performing identification tests on microorganisms using both instrumental and classical microbiology techniques, and ensuring all results are documented accurately on relevant IT systems. You will also support the management and monitoring of consumable and equipment stocks, maintain laboratory equipment, and ensure the laboratory environment is clean, safe and well organised. You will provide supervisory cover for the Senior Assistant Technical Officer Internal Services (Chemistry) when required, helping to maintain a high-quality and efficient laboratory service

Main duties of the job

As a Senior Assistant Technical Officer, you will be responsible for validating microbiology kits and sterility test samples in line with established laboratory procedures, monitoring incubation temperatures and storage conditions through the Tutela monitoring system, and ensuring the appropriate disposal of microbiology and laboratory waste in accordance with Trust requirements. You will carry out basic sample examinations and microbiological checks, including accurately reading agar plates, while verifying that submitted samples and supporting documentation are suitable and meet required standards. You will manage the preparation of customer deliveries, ensuring orders are assembled accurately and made available to drivers within required timescales, with urgent requests prioritised according to delivery schedules. You will also be responsible for maintaining complete, accurate and up-to-date paperwork and ensuring records are filed appropriately. You will support the timely identification and reporting of deviations, change controls and out-of-specification results, following local procedures and ensuring that any necessary corrective actions are appropriately progressed.

About us

Here at NHS Professionals, we run England's largest NHS staff bank and are experts at putting people in places to care. Every year we help thousands of dedicated and highly skilled NHS workers enjoy better career opportunities, more flexible shifts, and a healthier work-life balance across our partnered Trusts.

Career Progression access to Learning & Development opportunities, so that you can take on new roles and challenges

Work-life Balance flexible shifts, committed shifts, wellbeing resources and build paid annual leave

Opportunity & Access over 50 partner NHS Trusts to give you the flexibility of choice to work how and where you want

Details

• Date posted: 04 September 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 3
• Salary: £14.05 an hour
• Contract: Bank
• Duration: 6 months
• Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working
• Reference number: M0042-91007
• Job locations: University Hospital of North Tees, Hardwick Road, Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland, TS19 8PE, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

TO demonstrate commitment to GMP principles and ensure that day-to-day activities are carried out in accordance with applicable quality, safety and regulatory expectations, maintaining a consistently professional approach to laboratory operations.

TO communicate effectively with Quality Control colleagues, clients and suppliers, responding appropriately to information received verbally or in writing and maintaining clear and professional working relationships.

TO work collaboratively with other laboratory staff to ensure the overall workload is completed within the turnaround times expected by laboratory customers, contributing positively to team objectives during busy periods.

TO comply with Trust infection prevention and control requirements, including appropriate hand hygiene, personal hygiene and environmental hygiene practices, while completing required infection control training and updates.

TO demonstrate flexibility in working patterns in line with service and staff requirements, while promoting equality, diversity and an inclusive workplace and addressing inappropriate behaviour, discrimination or harassment appropriately.

TO take responsibility for maintaining professional development through ongoing education and learning, identifying development needs and actively contributing to the objectives set out within an individual Personal Development Plan.