Wye Valley NHS Trust

Microbiology Specialist BMS

The closing date is 13 July 2025

Job summary

To post holder will serve as a HCPC registered Specialist Biomedical Scientist within the Microbiology department, performing a wide range of specialist and routine laboratory procedures, according to clearly defined policies and procedures. Responsible for the analysis, technical validation, interpretation, and reporting of samples to ensure effective patient care and resource management.

The role includes rotating through various sections of the laboratory and supervising and training Biomedical Scientists (BMS), Assistant Practitioners (AP) and Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLA) staff in accordance with established protocols. The post holder will work independently, seeking advice as necessary, and may serve as a lead specialist for specific tests or projects. This position is part of a 7 day service, which includes on call responsibilities, requiring flexibility and availability to support urgent laboratory needs. Additionally they will implement quality improvements and maintain adherence to the laboratory quality management system.

Main duties of the job

To perform routine and specialised diagnostic services on patient and environmental samples which may contain potentially infectious material. Interpret and report routine laboratory tests, using judgment, knowledge and experience to determine the significance of specialist tests microbiological cultures from individual patients and develop reports accordingly.

Demonstrate competence in the performance of tests and investigations undertaken, validating and verifying new or existing tests as appropriate in accordance with local agreed policies and procedures.

To maintain the laboratory's quality systems to meet UKAS requirements (ISO 15189 standards)

Engage in external and internal quality assurance schemes

To contribute to the programme of continued quality improvements initiatives to enhance patients and service user's needs.

To adhere to Trust and Laboratory safety policies, using protective equipment and control measures required.

To communicate effectively with all members of the microbiology team, providing and receiving complex or sensitive information regarding investigations and results.

About us

Wye Valley NHS Trust is a member of an NHS Foundation Group with South WarwickshireUniversity NHS FT, George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and Worcestershire Acute NHS Hospitals Trust.

Located on the border with Wales in the shadow of the Black Mountains, we provide acute and community services across Herefordshire and into parts of Powys and run Hereford County Hospital and the community hospitals in Bromyard, Leominster and Ross-on-Wye.

We are a progressive and forward looking trust with ambitious plans to improve quality and integrate patient pathways through close collaborative working with our partners to deliver the quality of care wed want for our family and friends.

More than 3,000 people work for the Trust they tell us its a great place to work, blending the busyness of a DGH with the benefits of working in a beautiful rural and unspoilt county like Herefordshire.

We can offer a great work-life balance and have a fine tradition of working with staff to help them achieve their full potential.

Russell Hardy, Trust Chairman: "The strength of the Trust is its amazing staff; a great place to work, a great place to develop your career and a great place to reach your potential."

Our values -Care, Accountability, Respect and Excellence - are at the heart of all we do. We believe in providing the right care in the right place at the right time.

Details

Date posted

27 June 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£37,338 to £44,962 a year pa pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

229-CS-7282649

Job locations

Microbiology Dept, County Hospital

Hereford

HR1 2ER


Job description

Job responsibilities

For more information about the role and responsibilities please see the attached job description and person specification.

Job description

Job responsibilities

For more information about the role and responsibilities please see the attached job description and person specification.

Person Specification

Education & Qualifications

Essential

  • Current Registration with HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist
  • IBMS Specialist portfolio
  • BMS degree
  • Evidence of further study in Biomedical subjects and continuing professional Development

Desirable

  • IBMS membership

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

Essential

  • Capable of frequent and extended periods of concentration
  • Able to work alone independently and unsupervised
  • Specialist knowledge across a range of work procedures underpinned by theoretical understanding and practical application in Microbiology
  • Knowledge of specialised procedures acquired through degree level education, short courses, ongoing specialist training, and experience equivalent to postgraduate diploma

Experience

Essential

  • Proficient in using IT packages: MS Office etc.
  • Recent post registration experience in microbiology
  • Working knowledge of laboratory bench areas.

Desirable

  • Have experience of Microsoft office
Person Specification

Education & Qualifications

Essential

  • Current Registration with HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist
  • IBMS Specialist portfolio
  • BMS degree
  • Evidence of further study in Biomedical subjects and continuing professional Development

Desirable

  • IBMS membership

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

Essential

  • Capable of frequent and extended periods of concentration
  • Able to work alone independently and unsupervised
  • Specialist knowledge across a range of work procedures underpinned by theoretical understanding and practical application in Microbiology
  • Knowledge of specialised procedures acquired through degree level education, short courses, ongoing specialist training, and experience equivalent to postgraduate diploma

Experience

Essential

  • Proficient in using IT packages: MS Office etc.
  • Recent post registration experience in microbiology
  • Working knowledge of laboratory bench areas.

Desirable

  • Have experience of Microsoft office

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.

UK Registration

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

Additional information

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.

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

Wye Valley NHS Trust

Address

Microbiology Dept, County Hospital

Hereford

HR1 2ER


Employer's website

https://www.wyevalley.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Wye Valley NHS Trust

Address

Microbiology Dept, County Hospital

Hereford

HR1 2ER


Employer's website

https://www.wyevalley.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Microbiology Deputy Laboratory Manager

Jane Thomas

mary.thomas@wvt.nhs.uk

01432277117

Details

Date posted

27 June 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£37,338 to £44,962 a year pa pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

229-CS-7282649

Job locations

Microbiology Dept, County Hospital

Hereford

HR1 2ER


Supporting documents

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