Job summary
Lead a team delivering vital bacteriology testing that protects patients and donors across the UK. In this Band 7 role within the Microbiology Services Laboratory, youll run day-to-day operations, make sure results are accurate and reported on time, and help the service improve through training, problem-solving and new ways of working. Youll also contribute to research and development, from planning work to analysing data and writing reports. If youre an HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist with strong bacteriology expertise and the drive to keep quality high under pressure, youll find plenty of scope to contribute, learn and progress.
Main duties of the job
- Lead and coordinate a team delivering routine and complex bacteriological investigations, so safe, timely decisions can be made.
- Analyse, validate and authorise results, and make sure any follow-up actions are identified and completed.
- Solve complex technical issues, using sound judgement and escalating sensitive matters when needed.
- Keep quality at the heart of everything you do by leading internal and external quality assessment activity and responding to incidents.
- Develop, validate and introduce new techniques and improvements, helping the service progress.
- Train, coach and mentor colleagues, supporting a caring, inclusive team culture and strong performance.
- Communicate complex bacteriology information clearly to scientific, technical and clinical colleagues and service users.
- Plan and prioritise work across competing demands, including reporting and rota cover when required.
- Contribute to research and development by designing work, analysing data, and writing reports and publications.
About us
It takes all types of people to deliver the kind of service that saves and improves lives. At NHS Blood and Transplant, youll join a team of more than 6,000 people who are making a genuine difference to communities, families, friends, relatives and more across the UK. We play a unique and special role in the NHS by helping people do something extraordinary- donate blood, blood products, organs, tissues, or stem cells to save someone in need.
Our three core values are what set us apart. They guide and inspire everything we do.
By being caring, expertly meeting the needs of our patients and our people, and accepting nothing less than the best quality, we can do extraordinary work and help our people to do something extraordinary in their career, too. Three small words, one big difference - Caring, Expert and Quality. Together we'll save and improve more lives than ever.
You will join us on our journey to create an inclusive workplace and aim to reflect the diverse communities we work with, and we positively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.
Job description
Job responsibilities
You will join us on our journey to create an inclusive workplace and aim to reflect the diverse communities we work with, and we positively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.
What we offer:
- Flexible working options – we promote flexible working where the role allows. We’re happy to discuss what flexibility might look like for you.
- Generous annual leave - 27 days annual leave (pro rata for part-time) plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 29 days after 5 years’ service and to 33 days after 10 years.
- Inclusive pension scheme - the NHS Pension Scheme is a defined benefit scheme (not dependent on investment returns). Further details and outline of benefits can be found at: http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/information-about-nhs-pensions
- Supportive learning culture - we’ve fostered a culture of continuous learning where colleagues are well-led, engaged, and encouraged to grow. We support you in reaching your full potential, both in your current role and future career. Our Thrive program embodies our commitment to learning and development, offering a wide range of activities to support your personal and professional growth. It’s open to everyone at NHSBT, ensuring you have the resources to succeed and shine in your role.
- Health and wellbeing support – we offer confidential services including occupational health, employee assistance programme, and wellbeing resources. Our support is available to all colleagues and we endevour to provide tailored workplace adjustments where possible.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we welcome applications from disabled candidates. We will talk with you to explore any adjustments that may help you during the recruitment process. You can find more information about accessibility, our culture, and how we support applicants on the NHSBT Careers website.
To learn more, please see the job description and person specification.
Job description
Job responsibilities
You will join us on our journey to create an inclusive workplace and aim to reflect the diverse communities we work with, and we positively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.
What we offer:
- Flexible working options – we promote flexible working where the role allows. We’re happy to discuss what flexibility might look like for you.
- Generous annual leave - 27 days annual leave (pro rata for part-time) plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 29 days after 5 years’ service and to 33 days after 10 years.
- Inclusive pension scheme - the NHS Pension Scheme is a defined benefit scheme (not dependent on investment returns). Further details and outline of benefits can be found at: http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/information-about-nhs-pensions
- Supportive learning culture - we’ve fostered a culture of continuous learning where colleagues are well-led, engaged, and encouraged to grow. We support you in reaching your full potential, both in your current role and future career. Our Thrive program embodies our commitment to learning and development, offering a wide range of activities to support your personal and professional growth. It’s open to everyone at NHSBT, ensuring you have the resources to succeed and shine in your role.
- Health and wellbeing support – we offer confidential services including occupational health, employee assistance programme, and wellbeing resources. Our support is available to all colleagues and we endevour to provide tailored workplace adjustments where possible.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we welcome applications from disabled candidates. We will talk with you to explore any adjustments that may help you during the recruitment process. You can find more information about accessibility, our culture, and how we support applicants on the NHSBT Careers website.
To learn more, please see the job description and person specification.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- MSc (or equivalent) in microbiology, or equivalent higher specialist knowledge evidenced by postgraduate study/qualifications and bacteriology experience.
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered Biomedical Scientist.
- Commitment to continued learning and development, including undertaking additional relevant qualifications.
Experience
Essential
- Extensive experience working in a bacteriology laboratory.
- In-depth knowledge of fungal and bacterial identification.
- Ability to communicate complex bacteriological information to technical, scientific and clinical colleagues.
- Proven ability to manage staff and organise, prioritise and coordinate workload against competing demands.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- MSc (or equivalent) in microbiology, or equivalent higher specialist knowledge evidenced by postgraduate study/qualifications and bacteriology experience.
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered Biomedical Scientist.
- Commitment to continued learning and development, including undertaking additional relevant qualifications.
Experience
Essential
- Extensive experience working in a bacteriology laboratory.
- In-depth knowledge of fungal and bacterial identification.
- Ability to communicate complex bacteriological information to technical, scientific and clinical colleagues.
- Proven ability to manage staff and organise, prioritise and coordinate workload against competing demands.
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.
