Job responsibilities
- Manage the provision of an efficient and timely Clinical Bacteriology department and monitor the service against the standards agreed with users.
- Lead the introduction, maintenance and improvement of methodologies and innovations within the bacteriology department in cooperation with the Service Development and Clinical Scientists and working with the Consultant Microbiologist and clinical leads to develop the service according to clinical need.
- Review the performance and appropriateness of laboratory methods at regular intervals ensuring technical standards are maintained.
- Take a lead role in advising staff regarding technical difficulties.
- Advise external service users regarding Clinical Bacteriology technical issues.
- Validate and authorise reports as required.
- To be responsible for analysis of biological samples involving complex/specialist investigations.
- Lead in the evaluation and assessment of new equipment and consumable items.
- Actively participate as a member of the Bacteriology Technical committee.
- Lead in the production, review and update of Standard Operating procedures for the Clinical Bacteriology department.
- Participate in and support the R&D activities within the laboratory and UKHSA.
- Manage the surveillance and epidemiological activity within Clinical Bacteriology department.
- Maintain professional competence and be aware of relevant developments in microbiology and other biomedical sciences.
- To maintain the physical skills and knowledge obtained through practice to work to support the working of the laboratory as a whole when required.
- Perform any other duties required by the line manager commensurate with the grade.
Please see the attached job description for the full list of duties and responsibilities.
Essential Criteria
- Biomedical Science (BMS) degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS.
- State registration with Health Professions Council (HPC)
- MSc or equivalent in relevant subject
- FIBMS or equivalent experience
- Health and Safety qualification IOSSH or equivalent
- Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) in accordance with HCPC guidelines.
- Demonstrate extensive post-registration experience in a discipline within Microbiology.
- Understands quality assurance principles and procedures
- Knows and understands laboratory safety requirements and procedures.
- Aptitude for managing people and assessing performance, for motivating others, encouraging teamwork, delegating and get the best out of people. Planning own time and that of others effectively.
- Relevant experience of working in a range of microbiology laboratories.
- Ability to analyse data and present it in a meaningful way.
- Computer literate.
- Evidence of participating in formal training activities.
- Evidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing systems and initiate change in laboratory practice.
- Evidence of in depth technical and theoretical knowledge of molecular techniques.
- Awareness of a range of Health Services provisions and knowledge of NHS issues.
- Clear communicator and effective interpersonal skills. Articulate and clear thinking. Able to convey ideas and opinions clearly, concisely, orally and in writing.
- Able to respond positively to change.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Evidence of negotiating skills.
- Evidence of presenting educational material.
- Able to solve problems in a calm and efficient manner.
- Enthusiastic and self-motivated.
- Able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own workload to set deadlines.
- An ability to maintain confidentiality and trust.
- Good time keeping.
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems.
Selection Process Details
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. You will be assessed on the listed 28 essential criteria that have been selected from the job description, and this will be in the form of a:
- Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
- 1500 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.
The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.
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
Only those meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.
Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:
- Demonstrate extensive post-registration experience in a discipline within Microbiology.
- Knows and understands laboratory safety requirements and procedures.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview &and assessment.
Please do not exceed 1500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.
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.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview
You will be invited to a face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills and abilities will be tested at interview.
There will be a presentation. The details of this will be sent prior to 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 UKHSA Birmingham Public Health Laboratory, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital. Please note that hybrid working is not available for this role.
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).
Security Clearance Level Requirement
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-terrorist Check.
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.
