Healthcare Science Associate

About the organisation

Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the busiest and largest NHS hospital trusts in the country, with around 16,000 staff and an annual budget of £1.7 billion. The Trust provides a wide range of hospital and community services, supporting people with rare and complex medical, surgical, neurological conditions, cancers, and genetic disorders. Committed to equality, diversity, and sustainability, the Trust is a leader in clinical excellence, research, and innovation, and aims to be Net Zero by 2030 for its direct carbon footprint and by 2040 for its broader footprint.

About the role

The Microbiology and Virology department is seeking motivated and enthusiastic individuals to join as Healthcare Science Associates. The successful applicants will work as part of a team performing analytical procedures using automated and manual techniques. Comprehensive training will be provided, and future personal development is actively encouraged.

This role involves supporting Registered Biomedical Scientists in performing microbiological analysis on patient samples, including urine, faeces, MRSA, and gynaecological swabs. The post holder will rotate through all sections of the department, including TB and Virology, and will be trained to read basic culture plates and operate laboratory analysers under supervision. They will also assist in departmental quality assurance programmes.

Responsibilities

• Support Registered Biomedical Scientists in performing microbiological analysis on a range of patient samples.
• Rotate through all sections of the department, including TB and Virology.
• Read basic culture plates and operate laboratory analysers under direct supervision.
• Assist in departmental quality assurance programmes.
• Work rotational late shifts and weekends following competency assessment.

Requirements

• Foundation degree or equivalent in a healthcare sciences subject.
• Experience working in microbiology and/or virology.
• Effective communication skills and demonstrable leadership qualities.
• Ability to align with Trust Values and be flexible to service needs.
• Proficiency in common IT packages such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential criteria

• Foundation Degree in Health Care Science or equivalent.
• Experience as a Healthcare Science Assistant (HSA) in a Microbiology or Virology Laboratory.
• Knowledge and understanding of the role of Microbiology in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
• Understanding of routine microbiology and/or virology laboratory procedures.
• Understanding of basic scientific techniques.

Desirable criteria

• Knowledge or interest in Biomedical Sciences, specifically Microbiology or Virology.

Skills & Abilities

• Self-organisation and the ability to prioritise.
• Proven communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to handle blood and body samples.
• Basic computer and keyboard skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise work.
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to follow protocols and instructions accurately.

Benefits

As a flexible working-friendly organisation, the Trust accommodates flexible working arrangements where possible. Additional staff benefits are available; see the attached documents for details.

Further details / informal visits

For further information, contact Angela Geering, Deputy Operational Manager, at Angela.geering@nhs.net or on 0191 244 8200.