Biomedical Scientist

Job description

Job responsibilities

You would undertake on-going training and development and update Professional Development Plan, as required by the Laboratory Manager or Lead Biomedical Scientist.

You would be required to assess the suitability and appropriateness of samples received and liaises with senior technical staff for action or advice following departmental sample acceptance policy.

You would also be responsible for ensuring data integrity when entering demographics and results into the laboratory information system. You will perform sample preparation, processing bodily fluids and materials, including high.You would need to analyse biological samples including more complex/ specialist investigations requiring a high level of skill.

You would be working in high-risk Containment Level 3 laboratories following local code of practice within these facilities.

The panel will assess if candidates meet the requirements of the role first, using a specific benchmark system. If your application falls below the Band 6 threshold, your application may be assessed against a lower grade role.

Selection Process

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form. Please be aware that you will be assessed on the below listed nine essential criteria, rather than the full list on the job description document.

• An application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
• A 750 word Statement of Suitability.

This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria. As part of your statement of suitability, please ensure you clearly indicate as to whether you are applying for the Bacteriology or Virology position.

The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.

Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.

Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

• Meets all essential criteria
• Meets some essential criteria
• Meets no essential criteria

Please note all applications meeting all the essential criteria will proceed through to the shortlisting stage.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:

• Biomedical Science (BMS) degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS

The panel will assess if candidates meet the requirements of the role first, using a specific benchmark system. If your application falls below the Band 6 threshold, your application may be assessed against the lower grade role.

If you are interviewed for the role and you do not meet the required benchmark you may be considered for a Band 5 role. Applications will also be considered from candidates working towards HCPC registration who may be offered an EO Healthcare Scientist position.

All essential and desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications / large amount of successful candidates (see attached job description.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment

Please do not exceed 750 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview (Competency based)

You will be invited to a face to face interview.

Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.

There will be a technical test as part of the interview.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location

This role is being offered as lab based at Severn Pathology, Southmead Hospital, Bristol. Please note that hybrid working is not available for this role. The successful candidate will be required to work on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays on a rotational basis.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates for this role must pass an enhanced disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-terrorist Check clearance.

For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Person Specification

Application form and Statement of Suitability

Essential

• Application form and Statement of Suitability

Qualifications

Essential

• State registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Biomedical Science (BMS) degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS
• Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) in accordance with HCPC guidelines

Desirable

• Undertaking further study - e.g. IBMS Specialist Portfolio, MSc or professional qualification (Completion of an IBMS Specialist Portfolio or equivalent experience is essential for employment at Band 6.)

Knowledge and experience

Essential

• Experience of using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Technically adept at relevant laboratory procedures
• Skills for communication on complex information, requiring developed interpersonal and oral/ written communication skills.
• Able to organise less qualified staff

Desirable

• Demonstrate post-registration experience in Bacteriology or Virology

Analytical Skills

Essential

• Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands

Autonomy/Freedom to Act

Essential

• Ability to work on own initiative and organise own workload with minimal supervision working to tight and often changing timescales

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

UKHSA Bristol, Severn Pathology

Southmead Hospital, Pathology Sciences Building

Bristol

BS10 5NB

Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)