Biomedical Scientist

Job description

Job responsibilities

Laboratory Operations and Safety

Undertakes routine diagnostic laboratory procedures, with appropriate supervision, to include specimen processing, including serum separation, labelling, and inoculating of selected clinical samples. (The post holder handles bodily fluids and materials).

To establish the presence of infection through antibody/antigen, molecular detection and culture methods undertaking analysis of data obtained to determine infection status.

To recognise urgent samples, incorrect specimen types, unlabelled high-risk specimens, and process accordingly and to recognise labelling problems with specimens and reject according to specimen acceptance protocol.

Undertake all duties in accordance with agreed guidelines, policies, and procedures, following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) including Quality management and Health and safety and participating in their review and update.

Undertake more complex specimen processing under specialised conditions e.g. processing samples in molecular diagnostics facilities.

Undertake routine molecular and serological investigations, diluting specimens for serology/molecular tests using variable volume pipettes requiring high levels of hand eye coordination and accuracy.

Prepares specimens for diagnostic testing according to available algorithm, advice, and guidance available from senior staff.

Participates in work-based research projects, in support of service development/improvement and clinical trials.

To be conversant with and undertake duties in accordance with the agreed guidelines, policies and procedures of Public Health Wales, Health Protection and the host trust where relevant.

Collect and safely dispose of laboratory waste with strict adherence to the laboratorys safe waste disposal policy.

Perform manual and computerised data entry to ensure data accuracy when entering demographics, specimen related information and results into the laboratory information system.

Communication and Customer Service

Provide helpful, competent, and efficient assistance to staff and visitors to the laboratory.

To actively participate in departmental meetings, communicate and liaise effectively with all members of staff in the laboratory.

Undertakes the transmission of authorised laboratory test results (paper, electronic, verbally), including provision of telephoned urgent and emergency results.

Performs specimen reception tasks including receiving, sorting and distribution of specimens from patients, checking specimens against request forms submitted from own and other laboratories/departments. Checks all details from form according to specimen acceptance policy and rejects unsafe specimens.

Provide telephone reception support, answering queries from staff, external customers/clients, and other contacts, and authorised results and general advice on sample types required referring clinical/specialist requests to Senior Biomedical/Clinical Scientists.

Report equipment failures to senior staff.

Equipment Management and Stock

Operates, monitors, and undertakes routine daily maintenance of laboratory equipment including, computers, automated analysers and microscopes used by all staff.

Use and operate expensive equipment that includes laboratory computer, centrifuge, sample processors, pipettes.

Order, monitor and replenish appropriate consumable stocks for routine activities.

Training and Development

Trains in laboratory working practice in appropriate sections of the laboratory, in accordance with the requirements of the IBMS training portfolio and the laboratory training programme.

Undertakes appropriate academic and professional training to maintain registration as a Biomedical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Seeks and completes further academic/practical training as necessary as a condition of professional registration.

Acquires and retains a working knowledge of laboratory operating procedures, quality assurance systems and health and safety policies.

To develop skills and knowledge required to work within the TRU to include molecular assays and serology.

To recognise relevant clinical details and process specimen accordingly using knowledge and experience.

Contribute to service development through participation in research, development, and evaluation of laboratory methods/equipment and implementation of new techniques and validation of proposed changes to methods.

Assist with the training and supervision of new staff and trainees in accordance with departmental protocols, and day to day supervision of junior staff (Band 3 and 4).

Data Management and Confidentiality

Perform manual and computerised data entry to ensure data integrity when entering demographics, specimen-related information, and results into the laboratory information system.

Ensure compliance with the confidentiality of all information concerning patient diagnosis, treatment, or personal affairs in line with the Data Protection Act.

To be adaptable to change and train/work with a flexible approach in all sections of the department as necessary.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Knowledge

Essential

• Biomedical Sciences Degree
• IBMS Certificate of Competence or other qualification acceptable for HCPC registration OR Registration as a Biomedical Scientist with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Good knowledge of microbiology

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in a UKAS ISO 15189 accredited microbiology laboratory

Skills and Attributes

Essential

• Good manual dexterity and hand/eye coordination for performance of technical tasks i.e., pipetting skills, use of diagnostic equipment.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Public Health Wales

Address

Singleton Hospital

Sketty Lane

Swansea

SA2 8QA

Employer's website

https://phw.nhs.wales/ (Opens in a new tab)