Job summary
The Virology Section Lead is an integral part of the senior laboratory team responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Virology section within the Microbiology department. The role involves providing a cost-effective quality service through review of 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 Virology Section Lead play a vital role 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 Virology service, working within departmental guidelines and safety policies. 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 virology 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
We are proud to be part of BSW Hospitals Group - a formal partnership between Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust and Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust. With a combined workforce of over 17, 600 colleagues, and budget of 1.6 billion the Group is united by a common purpose to deliver the best possible care to over 1 million people. We are creating a heath and care system that works with the people we care for, reducing the differences people currently face in access, experience and outcomes, improving the experience of our colleagues and tackling shared challenges like sustainability and finances. Every improvement we make across our Group will be guided by what creates the greatest benefit for our colleagues, our patients, our communities and our partners.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- At all times to act in accordance with and adhere to laboratory and Trust procedures and protocols.
- 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 Virology service, working within departmentalguidelines and safety policies.
- To undertake quality work including the investigation of non-conformities, audits and document control/creation and verification/reverification.
- 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.
- To be responsible for the maintenance and safe operation oflaboratory equipment.
- To maintain competency in all areas of the laboratory.
Further information will be found on the attached Job Description
Job description
Job responsibilities
- At all times to act in accordance with and adhere to laboratory and Trust procedures and protocols.
- 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 Virology service, working within departmentalguidelines and safety policies.
- To undertake quality work including the investigation of non-conformities, audits and document control/creation and verification/reverification.
- 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.
- To be responsible for the maintenance and safe operation oflaboratory equipment.
- To maintain competency in all areas of the laboratory.
Further information will be found on the attached Job Description
Person Specification
Education, Qualifications and Training
Essential
- BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) approved) or equivalent.
- Current registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- IBMS Specialist diploma in Medical Microbiology
- Master's degree in relevant subject
Desirable
- Evidence of on-going CPD
- Quality Management training
- Health & Safety training
- Management Qualification
Experience
Essential
- In-depth experience of working in all areas of a Medical Microbiology & Virology laboratory within the NHS.
- Advanced knowledge in Clinical Virology
- Previous experience of working alone out of hours is essential
Desirable
- Experience of training staff
- Quality Management experience
- Health & Safety Management experience
- Management Experience
Person Specification
Education, Qualifications and Training
Essential
- BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) approved) or equivalent.
- Current registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- IBMS Specialist diploma in Medical Microbiology
- Master's degree in relevant subject
Desirable
- Evidence of on-going CPD
- Quality Management training
- Health & Safety training
- Management Qualification
Experience
Essential
- In-depth experience of working in all areas of a Medical Microbiology & Virology laboratory within the NHS.
- Advanced knowledge in Clinical Virology
- Previous experience of working alone out of hours is essential
Desirable
- Experience of training staff
- Quality Management experience
- Health & Safety Management experience
- Management Experience
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).
