At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Hot lab team to perform routine lab procedures and gain hands-on experience.
- Company: Public Health Wales, dedicated to improving health for everyone in Wales.
- Benefits: Inclusive workplace, career growth opportunities, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for part-time roles and job sharing.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital team responding to public health challenges and shaping the future.
- Qualifications: Microbiology lab experience or a science degree; good communication and technical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 26159 - 31972 £ per year.
Public Health Wales Microbiology operates as a network of laboratories with Regional Laboratories across Wales. The Band 4 Associate Practitioner post within our Hot lab team based at The Grange University Hospital is to undertake routine laboratory procedures with supervision. The successful candidates will gain experience in a diagnostic laboratory service using rapid molecular platforms.
This post would suit candidates that have proven Microbiology laboratory experience and associated work-based education and competency or a science graduate. The successful candidates will have the opportunity to rotate through a number of sections during their employment, gaining experience in a number of methodologies to include molecular science and microbiological diagnostic testing. We are looking to roll out training beyond molecular techniques and will eventually include areas within Bacteriology and virology. We have well-established career pathways and so this could be a brilliant launch pad for a professional career in medical microbiology.
Duties will include preparing, checking and processing of samples as well as data entry into the laboratory information system. The successful candidate will have good communication skills, technical ability, good hand-eye coordination amongst others.
Work undertaken by the team has been paramount to Public Health Wales’ response to COVID-19. The team will also respond to any further outbreaks/winter pressures. The Microbiology network provides services across the 24/7 period based on agreed shift patterns. This can differ based on need but all post holders will be expected to participate in 24/7 working either at their main base or in support of other sites should the need arise or as part of the agreed local rota. Where excess travel is required, this will be taken into account around start/finish times and travel expenses.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.
We are Public Health Wales – the national public health organisation for Wales. Our purpose is ‘working together for a healthier Wales'. We exist to help all people in Wales live longer, healthier lives. With our partners, we aim to increase healthy life expectancy, improve health and well-being, and reduce inequalities for everyone in Wales, now and for future generations.
Together, our teams work to prevent disease, protect health, and provide leadership, specialist services and public health expertise. We are the main source of public health information, research and innovation in Wales. Never more has public health been so important as we came through the Coronavirus pandemic, face the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis and tackle and prevent the harmful effects of climate change.
Our organisation is guided by our Values, 'Working together, with trust and respect, to make a difference'. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve and from those wishing to work part-time or on a job share basis.
Associate Practitioner employer: Public Health Wales
Public Health Wales is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead national safeguarding initiatives that directly enhance community health and well-being. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and professional development, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that fosters growth and collaboration across NHS Wales. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying the advantages of working in a vital public health role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Practitioner
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Public Health Wales.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at Public Health Wales.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like Public Health Wales, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Public Health Wales.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Public Health Wales.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Public Health Wales. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Public Health Wales. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Public Health Wales
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Public Health Wales’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
