Biomedical Scientist – Specialist Practitioner

Job description

Job responsibilities

• To assist in the day-to-day-supervision and organisation of the less qualified staff in the allocated area.
• To process the specimens received and to undertake the related tasks in the various sections of the laboratory, leading to the reporting and interpretation of results in accordance with agreed policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• To be responsible for maintenance of consumables and equipment in immediate area of work. Also, to use and maintain automated equipment following manufacturers guidelines and training.
• Based upon knowledge and experience, to designate, on receipt, the range of tests to be performed on the various samples.
• Utilising microbiological techniques, to work competently in all sections of West Midlands Public Health Laboratory including Bacteriology, National Mycobacteria Reference Service, Molecular Biology, and Viral Serology.
• To participate in the out-of-hours Microbiology service as required.
• To work within the UKHSA and Laboratory policies, codes of practice and professional guidelines.
• To adhere to laboratory SOPs and to organise the work of the allocated area in the laboratory.
• To maintain a high standard of professional competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out in the laboratory.
• To maintain a high standard of technical skills.
• To be able to interpret and report on all routine tests.
• To ensure important or unusual results are drawn to the attention of senior staff and/or Medical staff, and to report complaints and anomalies.
• To ensure a sound knowledge of the laboratory IT system.
• To demonstrate a good understanding of basic microbiology, and to develop scientific knowledge, commensurate with the grade of Biomedical Scientist Practitioner. Also to undergo further training as may be necessary and available, and to work towards the SEO Specialist Job Description and Personal Specification.
• To ensure the agreed quality standards of service are maintained.
• To monitor quality control results and bring any anomalies to the attention of Senior BMS staff.
• To respond accordingly to changes in laboratory protocols.
• To liaise with senior BMS staff, medical and scientific staff in all matters relating to the diagnosis of infection.
• To assist where appropriate with research and audit projects.

Please see the job description for the full list of duties and responsibilities

Essential Critertia

• BSc Biomedical Science degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS.
• Health Professions Council (HCPC) registered.
• Has completed the IBMS Specialist Portfolio in either Bacteriology or Virology.
• Proven experience working in a diagnostic microbiology or virology laboratory.
• Has an understanding of:
  • UKAS standards.
  • supporting R&D activities.
  • Health & Safety.
  • Data Protection and Information Governance legislation.
  • National Standards.
• Experience of using computerised data systems.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

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. You will be assessed on the listed 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)
• 750 word supporting statement

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:

• BSc Biomedical Science degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS.
• Has completed the IBMS Specialist Portfolio in either Bacteriology or Virology.
• Proven experience working in a diagnostic microbiology or virology laboratory.

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.

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.

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 Laboratory, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, B9 5SS. 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-Terrorism 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

Essential Criteria

Essential

• Application form and statement of suitability

Essential Criteria

Essential

• Questions on experience, knowledge and skills

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 Birmingham Laboratory

Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Laboratory and Pathology Building, Bordesley Green East

Birmingham

B9 5SS

Employer's website

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