Specialist Biomedical Scientist

Job summary

The microbiology department at Maidstone Hospital is looking for a Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join our growing team. This is a part-time opportunity working 22.5 hours per week, to be worked as 7.5 hr shifts across Wednesday to Friday routinely, but as part of a 7-day pattern to include approx 2 weekend shifts per month and 2 bank holidays per year.

We would consider applications from HCPC-registered staff who do not have an IBMS Specialist diploma, looking for a development opportunity to join us on Annexe 21 B6 for 2 years, moving to full B6 on completion of the IBMS Specialist portfolio and relevant competencies.

You will rotate throughout all sections of the department, which include: routine bacteriology, CL3 respiratory including TB culture and PCR, enterics using PCR and manual techniques, faecal parasitology, serology and molecular sections.

Participation in the on-call rota will be expected on completion of relevant competencies.

Main duties of the job

a. To undertake work in Containment Level 2 & 3 laboratory sections handling Hazard Group 2 & 3 pathogens.

b. To undertake manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations.

c. To perform microscopy (including light, inverted and UV microscopy)

d. accurately aliquot samples (small and very small volumes) and reagents using precision equipment.

e. To follow the standard operating procedures and to participate in their regular review and update.

f. To undertake routine operative maintenance on laboratory instruments.

g. To undertake technical validation of the complex results from laboratory investigations, ensuring accuracy and precision as specified by laboratory protocols.

h. To measure and monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality control procedures.

To carry out corrective action when the quality control procedures indicate loss of performance and to communicate this to SBMS.

j. To prepare reagents required for laboratory investigations

k. To report any instance or event which may cause a service delivery failure.

To undertake method and laboratory instrument evaluation as required.

To participate in research and development as directed by departmental management.

To participate in the delivery of training to all microbiology staff, F1 doctors, medical students and work experience students when required.

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 and diverse 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:

At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).

Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits

Blue Light card eligibility

And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below.