Job summary
We are looking for enthusiastic, innovative and dynamic Biomedical Scientists in Microbiology and/or Virology to join our team as Senior Biomedical Scientists. These are 2 full-time, substantive vacancies; however, we can also support flexible working, job share or part time hours. The roles require participation in the on call and weekend rotas (7-day working model currently under review).
The Microbiology service, centralised on one site at the William Harvey Hospital, is well equipped with the latest automation and innovation. It provides a wide range of bacteriology, virology, molecular and mycology diagnostic tests for all our acute sites and community services, totalling approximately 600,000+ samples per year.
You will have an opportunity to grow your career in the Kent and Medway Pathology Network (KMPN). We are developing a network academy, a platform for all network education and training from apprenticeships to advanced clinical and scientific qualifications with a single faculty making best use of our talented educators and trainers. You will not be expected to work at sites outside of EKHUFT. However, there will be opportunities for collaborative working within the network.
If you are ambitious, looking for a challenge and want to make one of these roles your own, then we would welcome your application.
Main duties of the job
To be a key member of the team charged with overseeing the throughput of workflow through the laboratory, in order to ensure time and quality effectiveness, and adherence to regulatory and accreditation requirements.
To be a lead specialist, responsible for a team of Biomedical Scientists and Assistant Healthcare Scientists. Providing day to day supervision and organisation of section(s) and resources within the department.
To be responsible for the teaching, training and development of laboratory staff and maintaining an up to date knowledge and competency.
To work independently, use initiative to problem-solve and make recommendations for improvement.
To be responsible for diagnoses, utilising the most current scientific methods
Applicants must be HCPC registered with suitable experience at a Band 6 Specialist Biomedical Scientist level or above. They should ideally hold a Level 7 qualification in a relevant subject or equivalence in experience would also be considered.
About us
We are an ISO 15189:2022 accredited service and recognised by the "IBMS" and the "National School for Healthcare Science" for training. We are a dynamic diverse team currently training Trainee Biomedical Scientists, Trainee Clinical Scientists, Senior and Consultant Clinical Scientists, F2, Senior Clinical Fellows, Specialist doctors, medical students and apprentices at several levels.
We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with fivehospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 800,000 people. Our vision is 'great healthcare from great people'. Everything we do is guided by our values: 'People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference'. We have a new way of working at East Kent Hospitals, called 'We care'. It's about empowering frontline staff to lead improvements day-to-day. We're looking for compassionate people to be part of our improvement journey for the patients, families and carers we care for every day.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please scroll down to access the full Job Description and Person Specification located in Documents to download.
If you would like to discuss any aspects of the job, have further queries or would like an informal chat or visit of the laboratory, please dont hesitate to contact us using the details below.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please scroll down to access the full Job Description and Person Specification located in Documents to download.
If you would like to discuss any aspects of the job, have further queries or would like an informal chat or visit of the laboratory, please dont hesitate to contact us using the details below.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist
- Masters level (Level 7) qualification in a relevant subject, which could be a Master of Science degree (MSc) or IBMS Higher Specialist Diploma or IBMS Fellowship examination or 60 credits in a postgraduate qualification(s) in relevant professional subjects.
Desirable
- Relevant and recognised training in Learning and development/training, Quality management, H&S, leadership and management
Skills and Experience
Essential
- Describe your relevant experience of quality management systems and working in an ISO 15189 accredited laboratory
- Describe using examples, how you have used your leadership and supervisory skills in the workplace
- Has suitable analytical and technical skills required to undertake the work within Microbiology/virology
- Can give examples of recent participation in continuous professional development
- Has demonstrable experience of using molecular techniques and use of microbiology automation
- Has highly developed IT skills and can use Microsoft packages, LIMS, middleware, other software
Desirable
- Can demonstrate the use of teaching and training skills for various grades of staff and differing abilities
Personal & professional attributes
Essential
- Has demonstrable communication and organisational skills with a keen eye for detail, give an example of how you meet this
- Can work as part of a team and develop effective relationships, give an example to support this?
- Give an example of how you have used your initiative to solve a problem in the workplace
Knowledge
Essential
- Describe how you keep up to date knowledge of current practices and advances in Microbiology and Virology
- Has underpinning depth and breadth of specialist clinical and scientific knowledge in Microbiology
- Understanding of general developments in the NHS and how these affect Pathology services generally
Desirable
- Can demonstrate detailed knowledge of quality management systems, H&S, training and management processes and procedures
Other
Essential
- To be aware of and demonstrate the Trust's Vision, Mission, Values and behaviours.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist
- Masters level (Level 7) qualification in a relevant subject, which could be a Master of Science degree (MSc) or IBMS Higher Specialist Diploma or IBMS Fellowship examination or 60 credits in a postgraduate qualification(s) in relevant professional subjects.
Desirable
- Relevant and recognised training in Learning and development/training, Quality management, H&S, leadership and management
Skills and Experience
Essential
- Describe your relevant experience of quality management systems and working in an ISO 15189 accredited laboratory
- Describe using examples, how you have used your leadership and supervisory skills in the workplace
- Has suitable analytical and technical skills required to undertake the work within Microbiology/virology
- Can give examples of recent participation in continuous professional development
- Has demonstrable experience of using molecular techniques and use of microbiology automation
- Has highly developed IT skills and can use Microsoft packages, LIMS, middleware, other software
Desirable
- Can demonstrate the use of teaching and training skills for various grades of staff and differing abilities
Personal & professional attributes
Essential
- Has demonstrable communication and organisational skills with a keen eye for detail, give an example of how you meet this
- Can work as part of a team and develop effective relationships, give an example to support this?
- Give an example of how you have used your initiative to solve a problem in the workplace
Knowledge
Essential
- Describe how you keep up to date knowledge of current practices and advances in Microbiology and Virology
- Has underpinning depth and breadth of specialist clinical and scientific knowledge in Microbiology
- Understanding of general developments in the NHS and how these affect Pathology services generally
Desirable
- Can demonstrate detailed knowledge of quality management systems, H&S, training and management processes and procedures
Other
Essential
- To be aware of and demonstrate the Trust's Vision, Mission, Values and behaviours.
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).
