Job summary
Specialist Biomedical Scientist
Department: Microbiology
Band 6: £37,338 - £44,962 per annum pro rata
Hours: 30 hours per week, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
The Microbiology Department at MKUH is a part of an ever-growing UKAS accredited Pathology Department. An exciting opportunity has arise for a highly motivated and enthusiastic HCPC-registered Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join our dynamic Microbiology laboratory team.
We are looking for a passionate & and driven individual who would enjoy the challenge of working in a busy laboratory. You will need to be a team player with excellent communication & interpersonal skills, familiar with Quality Assurance and Quality Management Systems with a genuine desire to further your learning & provide a safe service at the highest standard.
The laboratory processes over 220,000 sample requests per year, we are accredited for HCPC/IBMS training and is currently working towards acquiring UKAS accreditation status. We haverecently undergone modernization, incorporating advanced technologies such as MALDI-ToF, Biomerieux, Biofire, Vitek, Bactec FX 400, Vidas IQ100 Sprint analysers and Cepheid GeneXpert.
If you think this opportunity is for you, call us for an informal chat. For more information,please contact Rizalea Echaluse, Chief Biomedical Scientist on 01908 995781 or Kalana Patabendige, Laboratory Manager on 01908 995790.
Interview date: 10 March 2025
We are unable to provide sponsorship for this role
Main duties of the job
- You will be part of a team of Specialist Biomedical Scientists delivering a diagnostic Microbiology Service analysing and reporting on blood, urine, faeces and other materials to achieve the objectives of efficient and effective patient care, effective resource management.
- You will prioritise their own workload, communicate with senior laboratory staff, clinicians, and patients.
- Youwill undertake their responsibilities within the Bacteriology, Serology, Molecular, Mycology, Parasitology sections of the laboratory to meet all required national and local standards. These will include analytical, technical, and administrative troubleshooting to ensure reliable service delivery.
- You will work with complete patient confidentiality in line with the departments/ Trusts policy on Data Protection Act 1998.
- You will be expected to work alone or as part of a team providing a 24-hour laboratory cover throughout the year as required, this will include working morning, afternoon, and night shifts or on-call on weekends and public holidays.
About us
"We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute"
"82% always know their responsibilities and priorities and feel trusted to perform their duties" (NHS Staff Survey 2023)
You can expect a warm welcome at Milton Keynes University Hospital, our staff are friendly and welcoming. We listen to each other and work together to embed our Trusts values and behaviours. At MKUH we appreciate our staff and reward them with an outstanding benefits package including:
- Free on-site parking
- Free tea and coffee
- Great flexible workingopportunities
- Discounted gym membership
- Lease car scheme
- Generous annual leave and pension scheme
- On site nursery (chargeable)
- Extensive staff health and well-being programme
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital; we conduct research and teaching on site to improve the care of our patients. The hospital is undergoing significant investment, and we are proud to be rated good by the CQC. Visit our website to catch up on our latest news.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The department provides good opportunities for CPD and ongoing education/training relevant to the job role will be supported. The laboratory is also a part of South 4 Pathology Partnership Network and works very closely with other Network laboratories.
Technical:
- Carry out analytical duties manipulating samples and reagents with accuracy, precision, and speed to ensure a high-quality cost-effective service.
- Prioritisation of section work to take account of workload and urgency of analyses
Scientific:
- To undertake method and laboratory instrument evaluation as directed by the section senior.
- To participate in research and development and clinical trials as directed by the laboratory Chief/Senior BMS.
Clinical:
- To work in any section of the laboratory as required.
- Prioritisation and planning of the daily workload and take part in the daily routine work as required.
Laboratory informatics:
- To comply with local and national policies for the safe, secure, and confidential processing and storage of patient and other laboratory information.
- To usethe Laboratory Information System according to the authorised protocols.
Administrative:
- To deputise for a Senior Biomedical Scientist (Band7) in their absence.
- To ensure that all results are reported within the agreed turnaround time, and to take appropriate action, for example communicating with colleagues and managers, in the event of a situation arising preventing timely reporting of results.
General:
- To comply with the Departments and Trusts policies, requirement, and code of conduct.
- To maintain State Registration.
Please refer to the job description for further details
We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us.
MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices.
We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
MKUH uses identification scanning technology to confirm the authenticity of documents; all prospective employees of MKUH will have their original documents verified using this technology.
By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that information from your application will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system. Your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers.
Upon commencing employment with the Trust, all employees (except Medical & Dental Staff on national terms and conditions) are subject to a probationary period lasting a period of six months with an option to extend for a further six months to a total of 12 months.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The department provides good opportunities for CPD and ongoing education/training relevant to the job role will be supported. The laboratory is also a part of South 4 Pathology Partnership Network and works very closely with other Network laboratories.
Technical:
- Carry out analytical duties manipulating samples and reagents with accuracy, precision, and speed to ensure a high-quality cost-effective service.
- Prioritisation of section work to take account of workload and urgency of analyses
Scientific:
- To undertake method and laboratory instrument evaluation as directed by the section senior.
- To participate in research and development and clinical trials as directed by the laboratory Chief/Senior BMS.
Clinical:
- To work in any section of the laboratory as required.
- Prioritisation and planning of the daily workload and take part in the daily routine work as required.
Laboratory informatics:
- To comply with local and national policies for the safe, secure, and confidential processing and storage of patient and other laboratory information.
- To usethe Laboratory Information System according to the authorised protocols.
Administrative:
- To deputise for a Senior Biomedical Scientist (Band7) in their absence.
- To ensure that all results are reported within the agreed turnaround time, and to take appropriate action, for example communicating with colleagues and managers, in the event of a situation arising preventing timely reporting of results.
General:
- To comply with the Departments and Trusts policies, requirement, and code of conduct.
- To maintain State Registration.
Please refer to the job description for further details
We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us.
MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices.
We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
MKUH uses identification scanning technology to confirm the authenticity of documents; all prospective employees of MKUH will have their original documents verified using this technology.
By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that information from your application will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system. Your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers.
Upon commencing employment with the Trust, all employees (except Medical & Dental Staff on national terms and conditions) are subject to a probationary period lasting a period of six months with an option to extend for a further six months to a total of 12 months.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- HCPC Registration
- In process/completed IBMS Specialist Portfolio
- Relevant experience in a UK clinical microbiology laboratory
- Knowledge of UKAS accreditation process and standards
- Understanding of Health and safety policies, COSHH assessments
- Knowledge of working in CL2 & 3 areas of the lab, QMS, LIMS etc
- Evidence of relevant CPD
Experience
Essential
- Experienced in: - Instrument trouble shooting and maintenance
- Staff training/H&S/QMS
- Out of hours service (lone worker), weekend, public holiday working pattern
Desirable
- Development/change implementation in Microbiology
- Use of CliniSys WinPath
- Use of Q-Pulse
Skills
Essential
- Possess excellent practical skills
- Be able to prioritise work
- Work under pressure
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Be proficient in IT skills
Desirable
- Conflict resolution skills
Personal and people development
Essential
- Demonstrable ability to work individually or as part of a team.
- Be confident, diplomatic and have personal & professional maturity.
- Be enthusiastic
- Organised with good interpersonal skills
Communication
Essential
- To possess clear, and concise in communication
- Good command of English language
- Familiar with multiple modes of communication (email, MS teams)
Specific requirements
Essential
- Demonstrable ability to to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
- Demonstrate reliability and commitment
- To carry out the lifting and handling requirements of the post
- Capable of working independently especially during out of hours service
- Professional maturity
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- HCPC Registration
- In process/completed IBMS Specialist Portfolio
- Relevant experience in a UK clinical microbiology laboratory
- Knowledge of UKAS accreditation process and standards
- Understanding of Health and safety policies, COSHH assessments
- Knowledge of working in CL2 & 3 areas of the lab, QMS, LIMS etc
- Evidence of relevant CPD
Experience
Essential
- Experienced in: - Instrument trouble shooting and maintenance
- Staff training/H&S/QMS
- Out of hours service (lone worker), weekend, public holiday working pattern
Desirable
- Development/change implementation in Microbiology
- Use of CliniSys WinPath
- Use of Q-Pulse
Skills
Essential
- Possess excellent practical skills
- Be able to prioritise work
- Work under pressure
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Be proficient in IT skills
Desirable
- Conflict resolution skills
Personal and people development
Essential
- Demonstrable ability to work individually or as part of a team.
- Be confident, diplomatic and have personal & professional maturity.
- Be enthusiastic
- Organised with good interpersonal skills
Communication
Essential
- To possess clear, and concise in communication
- Good command of English language
- Familiar with multiple modes of communication (email, MS teams)
Specific requirements
Essential
- Demonstrable ability to to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
- Demonstrate reliability and commitment
- To carry out the lifting and handling requirements of the post
- Capable of working independently especially during out of hours service
- Professional maturity
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).
