Job summary
The Department of Microbiology and Virology is looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Advanced Biomedical Scientist to join our dynamic team and co-ordinate the departmental training programme.
The successful applicant will operate within an effective management team to assist with the continuity of the laboratory in order to deliver an efficient and timely Microbiology and Virology Service to the Trust, community and wider region.
The successful applicant will implement a high quality, efficient and effective training programme, monitoring training processes using key performance indicators to ensure a high quality service is maintained that meets UKAS accreditation standards.
- Interview Date Tuesday 18 November 2025
- 37 Hours 30 Minutes/Week
- You will be redirected to Trac to apply for the vacancy. Please expand the job details section and read all of the information before applying for the vacancy
Main duties of the job
The successful applicant will be required to perform appropriate laboratory diagnostic tests using their knowledge, judgement and technical expertise. They will have experience of microbiology and/or virology at both a technical and theoretical level and be able to demonstrate leadership qualities.
The main training officer duties:
- Manage the department training programme for the development of all staff and co-ordinate regular review of progress.
- Organise and implement university placements within the department and lead associated development reviews.
- Review, assess and organise staff completion of the IBMS Competency and Specialist Portfolios.
- Attend training meetings at directorate and regional level.
- Practical and theoretical training and supervision of BMS and HCSP staff, Students, Junior Doctors and other visitors.
The role requires the individual to work closely with departmental colleagues, consultant microbiologists and other service users.
About us
As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us and for our patients, and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.
Our staff oversee over 6,500 patient contacts every day, delivering high standards of healthcare from the following sites:
o Freeman Hospitalo Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI)o Health Innovation Neighbourhood (on the former Newcastle General Hospital and Centre for Ageing and Vitality site)o Newcastle Dental Hospitalo Newcastle Fertility Centreo Northern Centre for Cancer Care, North Cumbriao Northern Genetics Serviceo Cramlington Manor Walks
These include a range of flagship services which deliver cutting-edge care (supported by state-of-the-art diagnostic services in both radiology and pathology) and are a catalyst for innovation to support pioneering clinical practice in the NHS.
We also have offices at Regent Point in Gosforth and community sites.
Please see attached information on what Staff Benefits we have to offer at our Trust under 'Documents to download' or 'Supporting documents'.
For further information on The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust please visit: Careers | Newcastle Hospitals | NHS | Newcastle Hospitals and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Job description
Job responsibilities
- The department of Microbiology and Virology is made up of several specialist. The post holder will contribute to the provision of an effective clinical diagnostic testing and advice service to the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, General Practitioners and other legitimate users of the service.
- This will involve assisting an Operational Site Manager with operational continuity by supervising, organising, and directing Biomedical Scientists and Healthcare Science Practitioners (HCSPs), maintaining work standards and performance levels day to day in assigned sections of the department as part of a team.
- The post holder will be primarily responsible for training and development of the Microbiology and Virology technical team.
- Participating in practical work and imparting specialist knowledge in clinical technical situations is also required.Responsibilities:
- To design, produce and implement a department training programme for Biomedical Scientist, Healthcare Science Associate and Healthcare Science Assistant
- To verify individual IBMS portfolios prior to submission for assessment
- To participate in Trust careers conventions and visit schools to promote Biomedical Science as a STEM ambassador.
- To organise and participate in relevant science events such as Biomedical Science and Healthcare Science Week
- To be a member of local and regional Training and Education Groups
- To organise and participate in interviews for trainee Biomedical Science placement students from local universities,
- To directly supervise the Healthcare Science support team.
- To ensure appropriate diagnostic tests are performed, and results validated using judgement and expertise.
- To interpret laboratory results and apply these to ensure individual patient needs are met.
- To participate in the section Quality Assurance programmes, investigate situations and instigate remedial action and report such events to the Operational Manager.
- There may be a requirement for Advanced BMS grades to rotate through different sections.
- To work in compliance with local health and safety rules to ensure a safe working environment. To adhere to department and Trust Health and Safety policies (including COSHH, Risk Assessments and Standard Operating Procedures) and to report any non-compliances to the Department Health and Safety Officer.
- To ensure adequate supplies of consumables and that equipment is in good working order.
- Supervision of Biomedical Scientists and Healthcare Science practitioners, Students, Junior Doctors and other visitors.
- To ensure effective communication within the department and liaise with external colleagues such as Infectious Diseases, Infection Prevention and Control, Patient Services Coordinators and UK Health Security Agency.
- The Advanced Biomedical Science will participate in out of hours rotas. They will be asked to provide cover for Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday duties in the department as required.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- The department of Microbiology and Virology is made up of several specialist. The post holder will contribute to the provision of an effective clinical diagnostic testing and advice service to the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, General Practitioners and other legitimate users of the service.
- This will involve assisting an Operational Site Manager with operational continuity by supervising, organising, and directing Biomedical Scientists and Healthcare Science Practitioners (HCSPs), maintaining work standards and performance levels day to day in assigned sections of the department as part of a team.
- The post holder will be primarily responsible for training and development of the Microbiology and Virology technical team.
- Participating in practical work and imparting specialist knowledge in clinical technical situations is also required.Responsibilities:
- To design, produce and implement a department training programme for Biomedical Scientist, Healthcare Science Associate and Healthcare Science Assistant
- To verify individual IBMS portfolios prior to submission for assessment
- To participate in Trust careers conventions and visit schools to promote Biomedical Science as a STEM ambassador.
- To organise and participate in relevant science events such as Biomedical Science and Healthcare Science Week
- To be a member of local and regional Training and Education Groups
- To organise and participate in interviews for trainee Biomedical Science placement students from local universities,
- To directly supervise the Healthcare Science support team.
- To ensure appropriate diagnostic tests are performed, and results validated using judgement and expertise.
- To interpret laboratory results and apply these to ensure individual patient needs are met.
- To participate in the section Quality Assurance programmes, investigate situations and instigate remedial action and report such events to the Operational Manager.
- There may be a requirement for Advanced BMS grades to rotate through different sections.
- To work in compliance with local health and safety rules to ensure a safe working environment. To adhere to department and Trust Health and Safety policies (including COSHH, Risk Assessments and Standard Operating Procedures) and to report any non-compliances to the Department Health and Safety Officer.
- To ensure adequate supplies of consumables and that equipment is in good working order.
- Supervision of Biomedical Scientists and Healthcare Science practitioners, Students, Junior Doctors and other visitors.
- To ensure effective communication within the department and liaise with external colleagues such as Infectious Diseases, Infection Prevention and Control, Patient Services Coordinators and UK Health Security Agency.
- The Advanced Biomedical Science will participate in out of hours rotas. They will be asked to provide cover for Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday duties in the department as required.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Education
Essential
- BSc in Biomedical Science or equivalent Qualification
- Health & Care Professions Council registration
- MSc, FIBMS or equivalent qualification
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS) Specialist Portfolio, IBMS Diploma of Specialist Practice, Councils for Professions Supplementary to Medicine (CPSM) Logbook or equivalent qualification
Desirable
- Post graduate training and education qualification
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Comprehensive leadership skills
- Able to act independently and use initiative.
- Able to delegate and share knowledge.
- Able to effectively communicate complex issues both verbally and written.
Desirable
- Mentorship and coaching skills
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Previous experience and knowledge in Microbiology or Virology gained as a Biomedical Scientist
- Experience in Microbiology Quality Management (Audit, EQA & IQC)
- Familiar with the requirements of the Data Protection Act.
- Previous practical experience of working in an NHS Clinical Microbiology Laboratory
Desirable
- Experience in undertaking staff appraisals
- Experience of training and competency assessment
- IBMS verifier or examiner
- Working knowledge of the requirements for UKAS accreditation
Core Behaviours
Essential
- Promote and partake in Continuous Professional Development.
- Positive attitude to the implementation of new technology in Microbiology and Virology Services
- Participative approach to change management and problem solving.
- Alignment to Trust Values and Core Behaviours
Desirable
- Supports the management of the department in change initiatives.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Education
Essential
- BSc in Biomedical Science or equivalent Qualification
- Health & Care Professions Council registration
- MSc, FIBMS or equivalent qualification
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS) Specialist Portfolio, IBMS Diploma of Specialist Practice, Councils for Professions Supplementary to Medicine (CPSM) Logbook or equivalent qualification
Desirable
- Post graduate training and education qualification
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Comprehensive leadership skills
- Able to act independently and use initiative.
- Able to delegate and share knowledge.
- Able to effectively communicate complex issues both verbally and written.
Desirable
- Mentorship and coaching skills
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Previous experience and knowledge in Microbiology or Virology gained as a Biomedical Scientist
- Experience in Microbiology Quality Management (Audit, EQA & IQC)
- Familiar with the requirements of the Data Protection Act.
- Previous practical experience of working in an NHS Clinical Microbiology Laboratory
Desirable
- Experience in undertaking staff appraisals
- Experience of training and competency assessment
- IBMS verifier or examiner
- Working knowledge of the requirements for UKAS accreditation
Core Behaviours
Essential
- Promote and partake in Continuous Professional Development.
- Positive attitude to the implementation of new technology in Microbiology and Virology Services
- Participative approach to change management and problem solving.
- Alignment to Trust Values and Core Behaviours
Desirable
- Supports the management of the department in change initiatives.
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).
