Job summary
The Microbiology Department is based at the John Radcliffe Hospital and provide services to the Oxford University Hospitals NHSFT, primary care, South 4 Pathology Partnership, other NHS providers, private care, UKHSA and research trials.
The laboratory holds UKAS accreditation and is accredited with Pearson Edexcel (QCF Level 2) and the IBMS for pre and post HCPC registration training.
The department undertakes bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, serology, and molecular microbiology; as well as high-throughput SARS-COV-2 testing and genomic sequencing. The successful candidate will be expected to manager one of the above specialist areas, but also take on additional managerial responsibilities to support the Laboratory Manager and Clinical Lead.
The laboratory is a 24/7 service and successful applicants will participate in working day, evenings, night, weekend & bank holiday sessions. The post is full time, average working hours over the shift pattern 37.5 hours.
The department is well equipped including BD BACTEC FX, BD MGIT, BD MAX, BD Kiestra, BD COR, Bruker MALDI-TOF, SediMAX, Abbott Architect i2000SR, DiaSorin Liaison XL, Abbott Alinity m, Abbott m2000, ELITe InGenius, BioFire TORCH, Cepheid GeneXpert, KingFisher, QuantStudio 5, GridION, Agilent TapeStation, Qubit Fluorometer.
Main duties of the job
We are looking to appoint an extremely experienced specialist Biomedical Scientist with expertise in Microbiology, who in addition has proven managerial experience within diagnostic laboratories. You will be responsible for the operational management of a specialised area of microbiology, which will include molecular diagnostics in addition to specific managerial responsibilities that complement the existing managerial team. You will have a comprehensive knowledge of the departmental IT system, as well as document control, audit, quality management, ISO 15189:2022, H&S and training. You must be able to demonstrate current evidence of CPD and contribution towards service improvement. You must be able to work under pressure, meeting deadlines in addition to your routine laboratory workload and demonstrate an ability to be adaptable and flexible to change and an ability to motivate others. In addition to the role as a Chief Biomedical Scientist, this role comes with additional managerial responsibilities in Quality Management.
For this role you will have a background in Microbiology and significant experience in a senior role. You must be an HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist; have a MSc. in Microbiology or related subject and prior management experience and in-depth experience of working at a senior level within the discipline.
About us
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research. Find out more here www.ouh.nhs.uk
The Trust comprises four hospitals - the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.
Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community. We call thisDelivering Compassionate Excellenceand its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence. These values put patients at the heart of what we do and underpin the quality healthcare we would like for ourselves or a member of our family. Watch how we set out to deliver compassionate excellence via theOUH YouTube channel.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main Purpose of the Post: (refer to job description for full details)
- The post holder will practice as a Registered Chief Biomedical Scientist and as a manager for a comprehensive range of scientific services within their speciality. This uses a postgraduate level of knowledge of Biomedical Science as well as having managerial knowledge and skills.
- The post holder will manage staff and other resources within an area of responsibility of their speciality, participating in and having responsibility for highly specialist, diagnostic technical service delivery. They will be required to liaise with hospital clinicians, general practitioners, other health care professionals, other Trust departments, external agencies, suppliers and their agents and occasionally patients and their representatives.
- The post holder will exercise independence on a day to day basis within professional and managerial boundaries. They will be required to verify and validate completed work as well as advising on the interpretative aspects of highly specialised work and providing scientific support outside of normal working hours.
- In conjunction with the Laboratory Manager and consultant medical staff the post holder will be required to review, initiate and implement strategic development within the speciality, devising policies and procedures and presenting these where appropriate
- The post holder will be required to represent the speciality through verbal and visual presentation at Trust wide and external meetings.
Managerial Responsibilities
- Responsible for compliance to all relevant guidelines and directives in area of responsibility including Policy development and implementation.
- Ensures that accreditation to ISO 15189-2022 and other professional standards within area of responsibility are maintained and includes preparation and revision of Policy documents.
- Manages staff deployment within area of responsibility ensuring that workload is processed in a timely and efficient manner and working in co-operation with Departmental Consultants and clinicians, all grades BMS staff, Nurses, support staff and clerical staff.
- Manages and supervises laboratory staff working in area of responsibility and includes motivational, evaluation and conflict management skills. Staff groups include Trainee Medical staff, Senior, HCPC Registered and Trainee BMSs, laboratory support staff and clerical staff.
- Ensures that staff performance meets those competencies required to meet National Standards and includes formal assessment of competency for Registration and for participation in a full shift service provision, requiring specialised, interpretative and technical tasks.
- Attends and performs staff appraisals in accordance with the Trust Policy ensuring own personal and professional development and the effective management and development of staff.
- Participates in the recruitment and selection of staff up to and including Senior BMS grades.
- Resolves personnel issues within area of responsibility and with support from the Laboratory Manager. May be required to participate in disciplinary procedures where appropriate.
- Actively promotes diversity, both in the delivery of the service and in the recruitment, management and development of staff.
- Proactive in the evaluation of new methodologies, automation and working practices, managing procurement and implementation in conjunction with the Laboratory Manager and Clinical staff.
- Ensures efficient use of resources. Liaises with manufacturers in the setting up of service and reagent contracts and monitors delivery against contract in conjunction with the Laboratory Manager of financial resources and is proactive in the investigation of areas saving procedures, requiring use of negotiating and in conjunction with the Laboratory Manager.
- Supports the Laboratory Manager, Deputy Laboratory Manager, Quality Manager, I.T. Lead, Health and Safety Officer, Training Manager and Equipment Manager in the development and delivery of the service.
Scientific and Clinical Responsibilities
- Frequently analyse infectious samples including body fluids and parts using highly specialised laboratory procedures, both manual or automated, to produce results of a quality consistent with excellent patient care.
- Performs highly complex or esoteric investigations requiring the use of specialised knowledge and extensive experience.
- Ensures the validity of results by the use of appropriate calibrants and control methods and materials, applicable to both manual and automated systems. Is responsible for the monitoring of these on a daily basis.
- Is responsible for the performance of Internal and External Quality Assurance schemes within area of responsibility reporting to the Quality Manager
- Carries out problem solving and repairs on complex, expensive (>£35,000), automated systems, liaising with the Trust and external service engineers.
- Accepts clinical samples into the department from patients, nurses and staff from transport and portering services and. Assesses such samples for suitability and decides upon appropriate action in cases of non-compliance
Analytical and Interpretative Responsibilities
- Frequently exercises individual skills through the examination and interpretation of clinical material using highly developed manual techniques, requiring extensive, specialised technical and clinical knowledge and a high degree of concentration for long periods of time. Includes a high degree of hand eye co-ordination, the support of less experienced staff in these activities and coping with urgent problems and clinical enquiries.
- Frequently exercises individual skills through the observation and interpretation of clinical data. This requires extensive, specialised and interpretative knowledge and a high degree of concentration and includes cases referred from other less experienced staff.
- Assesses the validity of results generated by automated and manual systems. Is aware of the limitations of these techniques and is able to identify and correct anomalous results.
- Completes the work process by the validation of results and the writing of reports. This involves updating patient laboratory records and the interpretation of clinical data and requires an in-depth theoretical knowledge of the relevant discipline in its clinical context. In some instances this may dictate the final course of clinical action.
- Provides clinically relevant scientific advice through the development and application of interpretative comments.
- Recommends additional tests and provides scientific or clinical advice, in accordance with agreed protocols, to assist the requesting clinician in the diagnostic and treatment process.
Role Responsibilities
- Practices in accordance with the Professional, ethical and legal codes of the Health Care Professions Council, Trust and NHS protocols and guidelines. Is accountable for own practice and maintenance of State Registration status.
- Develops own skills and knowledge, taking responsibility for Continuing Professional Development and performance to maintain a national standard of competence.
- Maintains and develops competencies across the repertoire of the area of responsibility. This includes updating knowledge to maintain the most effective use of resources for the tasks performed in that area.
- Applies sound analytical knowledge and critical thinking to manage complex situations in a dynamic environment.
- Communicates effectively with other staff groups, both internal and external to department and organisation. This will include healthcare professionals, senior Trust management, other Trust departments like estates, external agencies, commercial suppliers, service engineers and visitors and occasionally patients and their representatives.
- Provides and receives complex scientific information to and from clinical and technical colleagues where empathic and reassurance skills are required. Is aware of barriers to understanding and is able to present information accordingly
- Displays and maintains an advanced level of IT skills. Involves knowledge and understanding of a variety of computer programmes such as word processing, PowerPoint, spreadsheets and statistical packages
- Manages laboratory information systems in area of responsibility, developing and adapting as necessary for changing service developments.
- Responsible and accountable for the day to day operational management of service provision within area of responsibility.
Teaching, Training and Research Responsibilities
- Is responsible for the delivery of training to clinical, Biomedical Scientist and support staff in area of responsibility. Ensures training is in accordance with local and national professional standards and policies.
- Assesses staff training to ensure deficiencies are addressed reporting to the Training Manager.
- Participates in scientific training of staff both internal and external to the department and the Trust.
- Participates and supports Research and Development initiatives, including clinical research in conjunction with clinical staff.
- Works with manufacturers and equipment suppliers, contributing to product development and enhancement.
- Participates in departmental and national audit programmes.
- Actively contributes to the devising and development of recruitment, appraisal, training and development strategies of staff and the Department in conjunction with the Laboratory Manager
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main Purpose of the Post: (refer to job description for full details)
- The post holder will practice as a Registered Chief Biomedical Scientist and as a manager for a comprehensive range of scientific services within their speciality. This uses a postgraduate level of knowledge of Biomedical Science as well as having managerial knowledge and skills.
- The post holder will manage staff and other resources within an area of responsibility of their speciality, participating in and having responsibility for highly specialist, diagnostic technical service delivery. They will be required to liaise with hospital clinicians, general practitioners, other health care professionals, other Trust departments, external agencies, suppliers and their agents and occasionally patients and their representatives.
- The post holder will exercise independence on a day to day basis within professional and managerial boundaries. They will be required to verify and validate completed work as well as advising on the interpretative aspects of highly specialised work and providing scientific support outside of normal working hours.
- In conjunction with the Laboratory Manager and consultant medical staff the post holder will be required to review, initiate and implement strategic development within the speciality, devising policies and procedures and presenting these where appropriate
- The post holder will be required to represent the speciality through verbal and visual presentation at Trust wide and external meetings.
Managerial Responsibilities
- Responsible for compliance to all relevant guidelines and directives in area of responsibility including Policy development and implementation.
- Ensures that accreditation to ISO 15189-2022 and other professional standards within area of responsibility are maintained and includes preparation and revision of Policy documents.
- Manages staff deployment within area of responsibility ensuring that workload is processed in a timely and efficient manner and working in co-operation with Departmental Consultants and clinicians, all grades BMS staff, Nurses, support staff and clerical staff.
- Manages and supervises laboratory staff working in area of responsibility and includes motivational, evaluation and conflict management skills. Staff groups include Trainee Medical staff, Senior, HCPC Registered and Trainee BMSs, laboratory support staff and clerical staff.
- Ensures that staff performance meets those competencies required to meet National Standards and includes formal assessment of competency for Registration and for participation in a full shift service provision, requiring specialised, interpretative and technical tasks.
- Attends and performs staff appraisals in accordance with the Trust Policy ensuring own personal and professional development and the effective management and development of staff.
- Participates in the recruitment and selection of staff up to and including Senior BMS grades.
- Resolves personnel issues within area of responsibility and with support from the Laboratory Manager. May be required to participate in disciplinary procedures where appropriate.
- Actively promotes diversity, both in the delivery of the service and in the recruitment, management and development of staff.
- Proactive in the evaluation of new methodologies, automation and working practices, managing procurement and implementation in conjunction with the Laboratory Manager and Clinical staff.
- Ensures efficient use of resources. Liaises with manufacturers in the setting up of service and reagent contracts and monitors delivery against contract in conjunction with the Laboratory Manager of financial resources and is proactive in the investigation of areas saving procedures, requiring use of negotiating and in conjunction with the Laboratory Manager.
- Supports the Laboratory Manager, Deputy Laboratory Manager, Quality Manager, I.T. Lead, Health and Safety Officer, Training Manager and Equipment Manager in the development and delivery of the service.
Scientific and Clinical Responsibilities
- Frequently analyse infectious samples including body fluids and parts using highly specialised laboratory procedures, both manual or automated, to produce results of a quality consistent with excellent patient care.
- Performs highly complex or esoteric investigations requiring the use of specialised knowledge and extensive experience.
- Ensures the validity of results by the use of appropriate calibrants and control methods and materials, applicable to both manual and automated systems. Is responsible for the monitoring of these on a daily basis.
- Is responsible for the performance of Internal and External Quality Assurance schemes within area of responsibility reporting to the Quality Manager
- Carries out problem solving and repairs on complex, expensive (>£35,000), automated systems, liaising with the Trust and external service engineers.
- Accepts clinical samples into the department from patients, nurses and staff from transport and portering services and. Assesses such samples for suitability and decides upon appropriate action in cases of non-compliance
Analytical and Interpretative Responsibilities
- Frequently exercises individual skills through the examination and interpretation of clinical material using highly developed manual techniques, requiring extensive, specialised technical and clinical knowledge and a high degree of concentration for long periods of time. Includes a high degree of hand eye co-ordination, the support of less experienced staff in these activities and coping with urgent problems and clinical enquiries.
- Frequently exercises individual skills through the observation and interpretation of clinical data. This requires extensive, specialised and interpretative knowledge and a high degree of concentration and includes cases referred from other less experienced staff.
- Assesses the validity of results generated by automated and manual systems. Is aware of the limitations of these techniques and is able to identify and correct anomalous results.
- Completes the work process by the validation of results and the writing of reports. This involves updating patient laboratory records and the interpretation of clinical data and requires an in-depth theoretical knowledge of the relevant discipline in its clinical context. In some instances this may dictate the final course of clinical action.
- Provides clinically relevant scientific advice through the development and application of interpretative comments.
- Recommends additional tests and provides scientific or clinical advice, in accordance with agreed protocols, to assist the requesting clinician in the diagnostic and treatment process.
Role Responsibilities
- Practices in accordance with the Professional, ethical and legal codes of the Health Care Professions Council, Trust and NHS protocols and guidelines. Is accountable for own practice and maintenance of State Registration status.
- Develops own skills and knowledge, taking responsibility for Continuing Professional Development and performance to maintain a national standard of competence.
- Maintains and develops competencies across the repertoire of the area of responsibility. This includes updating knowledge to maintain the most effective use of resources for the tasks performed in that area.
- Applies sound analytical knowledge and critical thinking to manage complex situations in a dynamic environment.
- Communicates effectively with other staff groups, both internal and external to department and organisation. This will include healthcare professionals, senior Trust management, other Trust departments like estates, external agencies, commercial suppliers, service engineers and visitors and occasionally patients and their representatives.
- Provides and receives complex scientific information to and from clinical and technical colleagues where empathic and reassurance skills are required. Is aware of barriers to understanding and is able to present information accordingly
- Displays and maintains an advanced level of IT skills. Involves knowledge and understanding of a variety of computer programmes such as word processing, PowerPoint, spreadsheets and statistical packages
- Manages laboratory information systems in area of responsibility, developing and adapting as necessary for changing service developments.
- Responsible and accountable for the day to day operational management of service provision within area of responsibility.
Teaching, Training and Research Responsibilities
- Is responsible for the delivery of training to clinical, Biomedical Scientist and support staff in area of responsibility. Ensures training is in accordance with local and national professional standards and policies.
- Assesses staff training to ensure deficiencies are addressed reporting to the Training Manager.
- Participates in scientific training of staff both internal and external to the department and the Trust.
- Participates and supports Research and Development initiatives, including clinical research in conjunction with clinical staff.
- Works with manufacturers and equipment suppliers, contributing to product development and enhancement.
- Participates in departmental and national audit programmes.
- Actively contributes to the devising and development of recruitment, appraisal, training and development strategies of staff and the Department in conjunction with the Laboratory Manager
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
Essential
- HCPC Registered as a BMS
- MSc or equivalent in Medical Microbiology
- Evidence of CPD
- Evidence of Management Training / Courses
Desirable
- IBMS Member
- Specialist Qualification in Quality Mangement
- Specialist Qualification in either Training, IT or H&S
Experience & Knowledge
Essential
- Extensive experience in microbiology (bacteriology, virology, parasitology, mycology, molecular microbiology) at Band 7 or above
- Evidence of management experience (Band 7 or above)
- Evidence of change management and implementing projects
- Evidence of staffing management i.e. appraisal, training, leading teams
- Knowledge and understanding of local and national health and safety policies
- Knowledge and understanding of Clinical Governance
- Evidence of knowledge & understanding of UKAS accreditation & ISO 15189.
Desirable
- Experience of working in partnership with others, external to the organisation
Other Requirements
Essential
- Prepared to work with biological materials and a variety of sample types.
- Flexible approach to hours of work, including nights, evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Previous experience in a NHS microbiology diagnostic laboratory
- Previous experience with equipment in use at OUH
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
Essential
- HCPC Registered as a BMS
- MSc or equivalent in Medical Microbiology
- Evidence of CPD
- Evidence of Management Training / Courses
Desirable
- IBMS Member
- Specialist Qualification in Quality Mangement
- Specialist Qualification in either Training, IT or H&S
Experience & Knowledge
Essential
- Extensive experience in microbiology (bacteriology, virology, parasitology, mycology, molecular microbiology) at Band 7 or above
- Evidence of management experience (Band 7 or above)
- Evidence of change management and implementing projects
- Evidence of staffing management i.e. appraisal, training, leading teams
- Knowledge and understanding of local and national health and safety policies
- Knowledge and understanding of Clinical Governance
- Evidence of knowledge & understanding of UKAS accreditation & ISO 15189.
Desirable
- Experience of working in partnership with others, external to the organisation
Other Requirements
Essential
- Prepared to work with biological materials and a variety of sample types.
- Flexible approach to hours of work, including nights, evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Previous experience in a NHS microbiology diagnostic laboratory
- Previous experience with equipment in use at OUH
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).
