Microbiology Technical Officer in Stockport inStockport PUBLISHED WED 2 APR 2025 Jump to job information section

We are looking to appoint a highly enthusiastic individual, educated to higher certificate (HNC) or above in a scientific subject. It is essential that a significant part of this incorporates microbiology or biology. It is also essential to have a broad knowledge of microbiological, environmental and analytical techniques, preferably with some experience of cleanroom monitoring and Pharmaceutical analysis. The successful candidate will have excellent problem solving skills and will be able to show initiative.

Quality Control North West is part of Stockport Foundation Trust and is an NHS regional specialty department responsible for providing pharmaceutical quality control services to NHS and non-NHS clients. The laboratories at Stockport arewell equipped and advanced in analytical instrumentation and are accredited to ISO 17025 by UKAS.

A large proportion of this role will involve environmental monitoring of cleanrooms at customer sites. This involves manual handling with bulky equipment such as air samplers and particle counters. It is essential that the successful candidate has a full, clean driving licence and is willing to drive a company van.

The role will also incorporate some laboratory based Environmental and Pharmaceutical Microbiological testing, including TVC determination, Preservative Efficacy testing, LAL testing and enumeration/ identification of plates.

About us

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• To perform a range of technical and support work for in the section including site testing, processing of samples for TVC determination, Preservative Efficacy testing, LAL testing and enumeration/ identification of plates using established procedures.
• To maintain a high quality of work within the Department and perform quality control procedures in accordance with the Quality System.
• To submit test results as required for the purpose of internal and National Quality Control Schemes.
• Disposal of laboratory waste in accordance with protocols.

Communications

• To communicate with QCNW staff, staff from within the Trust and other users of the QCNW service.

Responsibility for Patient Care

• To help ensure safety and efficacy in pharmaceutical products prepared in hospitals throughout the North West of England.

Planning and organising

• To adhere to work scheduling as directed.

Responsibilities for Physical and / or Financial Resources

• To help supervise laboratory assistants to ensure that established laboratory protocols are followed.
• To operate set up and check specialised laboratory equipment for correct performance.
• To maintain stocks of reagents and consumables required for analytical work.
• To work as economically as is practicable at all times.

Responsibility for Policy and Service Development and Implementation

• To contribute to improvements in LEAN work practices.
• To contribute to Health and Safety improvements within the laboratories.

Responsibilities for Human Resources and Leadership

• To assist Laboratory Assistants in the performance of their duties, according to established protocols.

Responsibilities for Teaching and Training

• To assist in the training and development of laboratory assistants within the QCNW laboratory.

Responsibilities for data and information resources

• To assist in data processing as required.

Research, Development and Audit

• To assist in internal audit as required

Physical Skills and Effort

• Some light lifting and moving duties are included.
• VDU work

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and promote safeguarding by implementing the Trusts policies and procedures, acting promptly on concerns, communicating effectively and sharing information appropriately.