Job responsibilities
Main duties continued:
- To ensure a sound knowledge of the laboratory IT system, and to perform data entry, specimen and result enquiry and entry of results.
- To be competent to work, in rotation, in Bacteriology sections and to be flexible in regularly covering vacancies in other sections.
- To demonstrate a good understanding of basic microbiology, and to maintain and develop scientific knowledge. Also to undergo further training as may be necessary and available.
- To take responsibility for equipment and automated processors in the area of work, identifying any problems, troubleshooting and bringing them to the attention of senior staff.
- To communicate effectively with all members of the Infection Sciences team and other health care professionals as appropriate
- To ensure the agreed quality standards of service are maintained.
- To respond accordingly to changes in laboratory protocols.
- To be able to interpret and report on routine and specialist Bacteriology laboratory tests, in accordance with laboratory protocols and commensurate with grade.
- To liaise with medical, scientific and Senior BMS staff in all matters relating to the diagnosis of infection.
- To perform and monitor quality control tests, to record results and bring any anomalies to the attention of Senior BMS staff as soon as is practicable.
- Where appropriate, to assist with research and/or audit projects.
- To assist in the production and dissemination of laboratory reports, data and statistics, including the issuing of preliminary results by phone or computer, and being aware of priorities of reports
- To process, report and interpret NEQAS samples in accordance with SOPs.
Safety
- To attend mandatory fire, manual handling training, etc
- To observe the immunisation policy of the laboratory
- To report any accidents to a senior member of staff.
- To ensure that work on all samples and cultures is performed at the appropriate
- Containment level
- To update knowledge by attending relevant courses and reading current textbooks and journals.
- To use equipment in a safe and responsible manner
Staff
- To assist the senior staff in the monitoring of the performance of less qualified staff.
- To be aware of the wellbeing of less qualified staff in the allocated area.
Other
- The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager.
- To undertake any reasonable task delegated by a senior member of staff, commensurate with the grade
- The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the division and UKHSA.
- It should be noted that the work of the division is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.
- Post holder is required to participate in multi-site working on a rotational basis to cover the Microbiology hot lab based at the Royal United Hospital, Bath.
- Post holder is required to work weekends and bank holidays on a rotational basis and to participate in the late shift rota of the department as specified in the personal contract.
- Post holder is required to participate in multi-site on-call on a rotational basis.
Professional development
- You should pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, whilst maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements.
Essential Criteria:
- Biomedical Science (BMS) degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS
- State registration with HCPC
- Demonstrate extensive post-registration experience in Bacteriology. This experience will not normally be gained until at least two years of working on rotation in the various sections as a BMS Practitioner with the completion of a training portfolio.
- Completion of an IBMS Specialist
- Portfolio or equivalent experience required for employment at Band 6.
- Ability to work unsupervised in all areas of a bacteriology laboratory
- A good understanding of basic theoretical and practical microbiology
- To continue the learning process through academic or practical experience.
- Able to organise and train less qualified/experienced staff
- Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
- Attention to detail and accuracy combined with the ability to extract key messages from complex analysis
- Independent thinker with demonstrated good judgement, problem-solving and analytical skills
- Able to plan day-to-day organisation of area of work
- Good keyboard skills.
- Ability to work on own initiative and organise own workload without supervision working to tight and often changing timescales
- Used to working in a busy environment
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 (16) essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:
- Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
- 1250 word supporting statement.
This should outline how you consider your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria. You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible).
Please do not email us your CV.
Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 1250 words. We will not consider any words over 1250 words.
Longlisting:
In the event of a large number of applications we may longlist into 3 piles of:
- Meets all essential criteria
- Meets some essential criteria
- Meets no essential criteria
If used, the following will proceed to shortlisting:
- Meets all essential criteria
Shortlisting:
In the event of a large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of the following:
State registration with HCPC
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview
You will be invited to a single face to face interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.
Interviews dates are to be confirmed.
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 our Scientific Campus in Bristol.
Please note there is no hybrid working pattern available for this role.
Based at our scientific campus, you will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. 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. In exceptional circumstances 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.
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.
Eligibility Criteria External
Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).
Salary InformationIf you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.
