Healthcare Science Assistant

Key Public Body has an exciting opportunity for a Healthcare Science Assistant (POCT) to join their Acute Directorate based at Altnagelvin Hospital. This Band 3 role sits within the vital Pathology Department, playing a central part in assisting with the effective performance, maintenance, and quality control of Point of Care Testing (POCT) equipment across the regional health trust.

As a Healthcare Science Assistant, you will work closely with a collaborative team of biomedical specialists and clinical professionals to support equipment performance, staff training, and rigorous quality standard compliance. You will play a vital role in troubleshooting equipment, managing crucial consumables, and ensuring that diagnostics are controlled and ready to deliver rapid turnaround times for critical patient care.

The Role:

• Equipment & Quality Maintenance: Assist in running, calibrating, and processing quality control checks on POCT analysers (including blood gas systems) to ensure compliance with UKAS ISO 15189 and ISO 22870 standards.
• Stock & Consumables Control: Receive, record, and maintain optimal stock levels of POCT consumables across designated areas and fridges, ensuring proper stock rotation to minimise wastage.
• Troubleshooting & Audits: Monitor equipment function, handle baseline troubleshooting, and assist in carrying out departmental and ward quality audits.
• Training Coordination: Support the training of frontline clinical staff by arranging training schedules, booking rooms, and preparing essential training materials.
• Data Management: Input data for External Quality Assurance (EQA) returns, manage data retrieval for audits, and assist in maintaining the comprehensive asset register.
• Service Mobility: Provide multi-site support by regularly visiting alternative sites within the Trust network on a weekly basis, sometimes at short notice.

Essential Criteria:

• Experience: At least one year of laboratory experience OR at least one year of experience working in a clinical setting.
• Qualifications: 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) including English Language and at least one science subject.
• Core Skills: Clear and effective communication skills, strong team-working abilities, a patient-focused attitude, and the ability to work under pressure using your own initiative.
• Technical Knowledge: Competent computer skills combined with a strong baseline awareness of Health & Safety practices.
• Licence & Flexibility: A valid UK driving licence with access to a car upon appointment, alongside a willingness to participate in a weekend and bank holiday rota.

The Package:

• Salary/Grade: Band 3 | £12.75/h
• Location: Altnagelvin Hospital base.
• Professional Development: Structured ongoing learning, training, and development pathways to maximise your career potential.
• Environment: Access to a supportive, fast-paced, and highly collaborative multi-discipline pathology network.

To speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity, please send an up-to-date CV via the link provided or contact Corey Hillis, Specialist Technical Recruitment Consultant at MCS Group, on 02890 490 904.