Job summary
The microbiology department at Maidstone Hospital has an exciting opportunity for a Senior BMS with experience or a keen interest in training. and are looking for someone to join our current training officer as we expand our workforce to accommodate 7 day working. The department is accredited by the IBMS for Registration and Specialist diploma and we are working on achieving accreditation for the Clinical Scientist (STP) training programme.
You will join the laboratory senior team which comprises 8 SBMS, Head and deputy HBMS and 4 medical consultants. Your time will be split between training and documentation requirements , maintaining your own laboratory competency by routinely taking responsibility for a section of the laboratory.
We have a purpose built laboratory including 2 CL3 suites . The department currently uses the following main pieces equipment: Biomerieux: Virtuo,vitek, vidas and biofire. Abbott Architect, Brukker: Malid ToF and Flurocycler for TB and respiratory PCR, Bactec Midgit for TB culture, Serosep enteric bio,
LIMS - currently Telepath but moving to Winpath enterprise within 18 months as part of a Kent and Medway project.
Hybrid working may be a possibility to a maximum of one day a week working from home .
The Trust encourages all staff to undertake CPD which will be self directed along with gaining new skills. We are able to offer a variety of leadership training opportunities or other suitable courses
Main duties of the job
1) to efficiently manage the training of Biomedical Scientists, Trainee Biomedical Scientists and support staff in the department
2) to foster a culture of continual learning.
3) To be responsible for the documentation and management of the training records and data bases and the implementation of training programmes and schedules for all grades of staff including external placement and work experience students, in line with regulatory guidelines.
4)to provide the necessary training and supervision of staff within the department and develop and improve professional expertise and specialist skills as required by the changing needs of the service.
5)responsible for implementing and executing a continued professional development programme performing audits as required assessing the compliance of staff in line with regulatory bodies.
6) to be a member of the Kent and Medway Pathology Network Education forum and work with colleagues within microbiology to develop a KMPN microbiology training programme
7) to operate as a Senior Specialist Biomedical Scientist within the microbiology dept covering all areas ( bacteriology, enterics, TB, serology and molecular) on a rotational basis
8) to participate in the single discipline microbiology on call service
9) to act as the lone Senior BMS on weekend shifts
About us
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 NHS Staff Survey.
We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.
Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.
Looking for flexible working?We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it's adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.
Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:o At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).o Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefitso Blue Light card eligibilityo And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below
Job description
Job responsibilities
Weve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure & Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children).
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
Working for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust/NKPS you will be part of the Kent and Medway Pathology Network (South 8 Network - Kent and Medway Pathology Network is made up of seven laboratories across three pathology services in four acute Trusts. For more information on the network please see the attached document.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Weve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure & Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children).
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
Working for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust/NKPS you will be part of the Kent and Medway Pathology Network (South 8 Network - Kent and Medway Pathology Network is made up of seven laboratories across three pathology services in four acute Trusts. For more information on the network please see the attached document.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science or equivalent
- Master of Science degree (MSc) in a relevant subject or IBMS Higher Specialist Diploma
- Current State Registration (Healthcare Professions Council)
- Evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable
- Training qualification/IBMS extended certificate
- Management/ leadership course
Experience
Essential
- Proven experience in organising and prioritising multiple tasks and workloads to meet deadlines
- Knowledge and experience of HCPC registration process and IBMS portfolios.
- Working within a UK Microbiology (bacteriology in particular) laboratory as a Registered Biomedical Scientist
- Training and supervising a team
Desirable
- Experience/ knowledge of UKAS accreditation process against ISO 15189: 2012 standards
- Microbiology lone working on call
Skills
Essential
- Command of written and verbal English
- Report writing skills
- Intermediate to advanced use of Microsoft Word and Excel
- Good presentation skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Ability to interpret diagnostic microbiology laboratory results
Desirable
- Data analysis using specific software, or advanced skills in Excel/ PowerPoint
- Project management skills and experience
- Can organise and chair meetings
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science or equivalent
- Master of Science degree (MSc) in a relevant subject or IBMS Higher Specialist Diploma
- Current State Registration (Healthcare Professions Council)
- Evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable
- Training qualification/IBMS extended certificate
- Management/ leadership course
Experience
Essential
- Proven experience in organising and prioritising multiple tasks and workloads to meet deadlines
- Knowledge and experience of HCPC registration process and IBMS portfolios.
- Working within a UK Microbiology (bacteriology in particular) laboratory as a Registered Biomedical Scientist
- Training and supervising a team
Desirable
- Experience/ knowledge of UKAS accreditation process against ISO 15189: 2012 standards
- Microbiology lone working on call
Skills
Essential
- Command of written and verbal English
- Report writing skills
- Intermediate to advanced use of Microsoft Word and Excel
- Good presentation skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Ability to interpret diagnostic microbiology laboratory results
Desirable
- Data analysis using specific software, or advanced skills in Excel/ PowerPoint
- Project management skills and experience
- Can organise and chair meetings
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).
