Job summary
Part Time - 30 hours per week
Fixed Term Contract - Maternity Cover
The Senior Biomedical scientistwill work with other seniors in the team responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Microbiology department. The role involves providing a cost-effective quality service through review if processes and policies' and interpreting technical laboratory tests and diagnostic processes. In addition they must act as a line manager for laboratory staff and provide technical support and advice to the Microbiology consultants.
Main duties of the job
The Advanced Band 7 Biomedical Scientist in Bacteriology plays a vital role in delivering a high-quality, patient-centered diagnostic service by overseeing day-to-day laboratory operations in line with Trust protocols, safety regulations, and quality standards. The post holder ensures effective time management and supervision of staff, maintains competency in bacteriology, provides technical support to consultants, and participates in the weekend and out-of-hours service. Responsibilities include processing and interpreting complex microbiological samples, ensuring timely and accurate reporting, maintaining and troubleshooting advanced laboratory equipment, leading method evaluations, and supporting audits and quality management initiatives. The role also involves regular communication with internal and external stakeholders, training and mentoring junior staff, contributing to business cases, and ensuring compliance with UKAS, COSHH, and ISO 15189 standards. Professional competence is maintained through continuous development, adherence to HCPC requirements, and active participation in training and appraisal processes. The post holder is expected to manage resources responsibly, contribute to service improvement, and operate effectively under conditions that include physical effort, exposure to infectious materials, and occasional distressing scenarios.
About us
Our STAR values - Service, Teamwork, Ambition and Respect - are a golden thread running through everything we do. These values serve as a guiding principle, driving us towards our vision of delivering great joined up services to our local community. Whether at home, in the community, or within the hospital, our goal is to empower individuals to lead independent and healthier lives.
Job description
Job responsibilities
1. At all times to act in accordance with and adhere to laboratory and Trust procedures and protocols.2. To undertake effective time management in the daily planning of the sections work and to direct BMS/AP/BSW staff in the provision of a diagnostic Microbiology service, working within departmentalguidelines and safety policies.3. To be responsible for health and safety issues pertinent to diagnostic laboratory work, adhering to all Trust and laboratory employment Health and Safety policies and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health(COSHH) regulations.4. To be responsible for the maintenance and safe operation of highly complex and expensive laboratory equipment.5. To maintain competency in all areas of bacteriology.
Job description
Job responsibilities
1. At all times to act in accordance with and adhere to laboratory and Trust procedures and protocols.2. To undertake effective time management in the daily planning of the sections work and to direct BMS/AP/BSW staff in the provision of a diagnostic Microbiology service, working within departmentalguidelines and safety policies.3. To be responsible for health and safety issues pertinent to diagnostic laboratory work, adhering to all Trust and laboratory employment Health and Safety policies and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health(COSHH) regulations.4. To be responsible for the maintenance and safe operation of highly complex and expensive laboratory equipment.5. To maintain competency in all areas of bacteriology.
Person Specification
Education, Qualifications and Training
Essential
- oBSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) approved) or equivalent.
- oCurrent registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).
- oIBMS Specialist diploma in Medical Microbiology
- oEvidence of on-going CPD
Desirable
- oMSc Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
- oHigher Specialist Diploma in Medical Microbiology
- oQuality Management training.
- oHealth & Safety training.
- oManagement Qualification
Experience
Essential
- oIn-depth experience of working in all areas of a Medical Microbiology laboratory.
- oIn-depth experience of working at a management level in Microbiology.
- oIn-depth experience of UKAS assessments
- oPrevious experience of lone working and our of hours working
Desirable
- oQuality Management experience.
- oHealth & Safety Management experience.
- oBacteriology Training experience
Knowledge
Essential
- oAdvanced knowledge of Bacteriology and Virology
- oAbility to demonstrate problem solving and trouble-shooting skills
- oKnowledge of LIMS systems, exclusively WinPath Enterprise
Desirable
- oPresentation skills
- oA good knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Other Job-Related Requirements
Essential
- oAble to demonstrate an organised and methodical approach to working.
- oAbility to work successfully in a team.
- oAbility to work effectively under pressure, managing time and prioritize workloads.
- oAbility to motivate/lead a team successfully
Person Specification
Education, Qualifications and Training
Essential
- oBSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) approved) or equivalent.
- oCurrent registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).
- oIBMS Specialist diploma in Medical Microbiology
- oEvidence of on-going CPD
Desirable
- oMSc Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
- oHigher Specialist Diploma in Medical Microbiology
- oQuality Management training.
- oHealth & Safety training.
- oManagement Qualification
Experience
Essential
- oIn-depth experience of working in all areas of a Medical Microbiology laboratory.
- oIn-depth experience of working at a management level in Microbiology.
- oIn-depth experience of UKAS assessments
- oPrevious experience of lone working and our of hours working
Desirable
- oQuality Management experience.
- oHealth & Safety Management experience.
- oBacteriology Training experience
Knowledge
Essential
- oAdvanced knowledge of Bacteriology and Virology
- oAbility to demonstrate problem solving and trouble-shooting skills
- oKnowledge of LIMS systems, exclusively WinPath Enterprise
Desirable
- oPresentation skills
- oA good knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Other Job-Related Requirements
Essential
- oAble to demonstrate an organised and methodical approach to working.
- oAbility to work successfully in a team.
- oAbility to work effectively under pressure, managing time and prioritize workloads.
- oAbility to motivate/lead a team successfully
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.
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).
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.
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).
