Job summary
- Are you an experienced Band 6 BMS with a good quality and training background who is not getting the job satisfaction you derserve?
- Are you a Band 5 BMS who has already started a Specialist Virology Portfolio and wants to progress to a B6 BMS upon portfolio completion?
- Do you want to gain invaluable experience working in a busy hospital laboratory working on both diagnostic provision and service development, with an emphasis on continued quality improvement, training and health and safety?
- Do you want to be recognised and valued for the work that you do?
The Virology Laboratory is seeking a proactive, motivated, enthusiastic and experienced Band 6 Biomedical Scientist (BMS) to work in the Virology section of the Infection Sciences Department at St Thomas' Hospital. The successful candidate would be expected to hold HCPC State Registration as a BMS, as well as have completed the specialist Virology portfolio or equivalent, however we would consider candidates who have already started their specialist Virology portfolio and are committed to staying within the Virology specialism.
The post holder would be expected to join a team that works an average 37.5 hours/week and be prepared to work as part of an extended working day (EWD) rota that includes weekday shifts (09:00am to 17:30pm), Early (08:00am to 16:30pm), and Late (11:30am to 20:00pm) shifts and Weekend/Bank Holiday (09:00am to 17:00pm).
Full training and support will be provided to assist you achieve your goal.
Main duties of the job
Virology is UKAS ISO15189 accredited and consists of two sections; serology and molecular with 6 Senior BMS, 10 BMS, and 15 MLAs. The serology section is highly automated with Abbott Architect, Diasorin Liaison/XL and the Biomerieux Vidas 3 as well as a selection of manual assays. The molecular section uses the QiaSymphony extraction platform, Qiagility handler, ABI 7500 and the Aus Diagnostics for respiratory and SARS-CoV-2. Molecular BBV are performed on the Abbott Alinity instrument and GUM targets and SARS-CoV-2 molecular assays are performed on the Hologic Panther platforms. The lab also supports the Trust as a High Consequence Infectious Diseases (HCID) Respiratory unit via Microbiology CL3 suites, a service for ECMO patients and has been performing COVID-19 testing since the start of the pandemic, with two enhanced CL2 suites.
The post holder will be expected to work autonomously or as part of a team on a rotational basis, taking responsibility to perform the work to the required standards, trouble shoot, train and supervise other staff as required.
The diagnostic areas in each section are managed by a Senior BMS. Staff rotate through sections at regular intervals in order to maintain up to date knowledge of current working practices within the diagnostic laboratory.
The post holder will be expected to take on other departmental duties ranging from Health & Safety, Quality, EQA processes, Equipment monitoring and staffing duties with Rota and staff leave management.
About us
Synnovis is a scientific organisation with a clinical purpose. Working in partnership with Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospitals, King's College Hospital and Princess Royal University Hospital. We aim to set the standard for the future of pathology.
Infection Sciences provides a range of out of hours; 24/7 Microbiology and extended working day virology services and is sited at St Thomas' hospital. A team of medics provide clinical liaison cover. The laboratory is well equipped, fully computerised and has obtained UKAS ISO15189 accreditation.
The department currently uses Pathnet computer LIMS system, with a new integrated LIMS being built for 2023 and Q-Pulse as the QMS software. The Department also has a range of automation including Qiagen Qiasymphony, Ausdiagnostis, Hologic Panthers and ABI and Rotorgenes for Molecular testing. Abbott Architects and Diasorin Liaisons make up the serology laboratory with an extensive portfolio of manual tests
You will have a suite of learning opportunities through The Synnovis Way Development programme, the Scientific Learning and Development Fund and the Synnovis Academy where you can receive funding / support for advanced qualifications.
The department has an established rotational plan for both viral serology and molecular where you will gain experience with an array of viral analysers and complete training manuals and competencies. Staff members also have opportunities to attend internal and external talks and seminars.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will be expected to work autonomously or as part of a team on a rotational basis in the diagnostic area of virology, taking responsibility to perform the work to the required standards, trouble shoot, train and supervise other BMS and MLA staff as required.
The diagnostic areas in each section are organised and managed by a Senior BMS. Staff rotate through the various sections of the discipline they are employed in at regular intervals with rotation through the main sections at more extended intervals in order to maintain up to date knowledge of current working practices within the diagnostic laboratory.
Key Relationships
As a member of Infection Sciences, Biomedical Scientists work as a team in Microbiology and Virology, the post holder will support the Senior Biomedical Scientists and Microbiology and Virology Operations Manager in providing comprehensive, high quality and responsive laboratory services.
Duties and Responsibilities
Technical
- To undertake manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations.
- To follow the standard operating procedures and to participate in their regular review and update.
- To undertake routine operative maintenance on laboratory instruments.
- To plan and organise their work within the demands of the team.
- To undertake technical validation of the complex results from laboratory investigations ensuring accuracy and precision as specified by laboratory protocols.
- To communicate patient results by telephone.
- To measure and monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality control procedures.
- To carry out corrective action when the quality control procedures indicate loss of performance.
- To prepare reagents required for laboratory investigations
- To report any instance or event which may cause a service delivery failure.
Scientific
- To undertake method and laboratory instrument evaluation as required
- To participate in research and development as required.
Diagnostic
- To use interpretive skills to determine the pathogenic and clinical significance of results of laboratory tests, concentration and attention to detail are essential to these processes and form the greater part of the working day.
- To interpret diagnostic laboratory results and take appropriate actions. i.e.
- authorisation of results
- ordering relevant follow-up laboratory procedures
- adding technical and clinical relevant comments
- referring results for a second opinion
- informing the requestor/medical staff of clinically significant results
- operation of automated equipment
- To communicate patient results by telephone.
- Be aware of and process Chain of evidence request. This is complex, sensitive information that must be accurate and may have medico legal implications.
- To participate in day to day supervision and training of Medical Laboratory Assistants, Medical staff, locum staff and Trainee Biomedical Scientists preparing for HCPC Registration and other biomedical scientists working towards their IBMS specialist portfolio.
- To participate in clinical audits, trials and research projects as required and ensure any audit non-conformances are resolved in a timely manner.
- Laboratory Informatics
- To comply with local and national policies for the safe, secure and confidential processing, and storage of patient and other laboratory information.
- To use the Laboratory Information System (LIMS) according to the authorised protocols.
- To enter their own results and those obtained by others into the LIMS.
- To maintain the integrity and accuracy of laboratory databases
Administrative
- To ensure that records are kept up to date and stored safely to ensure compliance with the standards of ISO15189.
- To comply with good work practices required for the standards of ISO15189.
- To undertake work file management to ensure that all results are reported within the agreed turnaround time.
- To deputise for a Senior Biomedical Scientist in their absence
- To assist the Senior Biomedical Scientists with training, development and competence assessment of BMS and MLA staff.
- To assist the Senior Biomedical Scientists with the supervision of Medical Laboratory Assistants and Trainee Biomedical Scientists.
- To advise the Senior Biomedical Scientist when stocks of reagents and consumables are approaching minimum stock levels.
- To act as mentors for trainee Biomedical Scientists.
- To write, prepare, review and comply with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
General
- To participate in Continual Professional Development meeting professional requirements.
- To maintain HCPC Registration
- To demonstrate competency in order to meet the necessary criteria for performing appropriate tasks.
- To maintain an awareness of developments in microbiology/virology and provide suggestions for implementation as appropriate.
- To observe and adhere to local and national health and safety policies.
- To keep the workplace and work benches clean and tidy.
- To maintain good work relations with all members of staff, and to promote effective teamwork.
- To treat everyone associated with Synnovis and Guys & St Thomas Hospital NHS Trust with courtesy and respect.
- To ensure compliance with all local and national standards of work practice e.g.
- To maintain and promote the professional image of Synnovis Infection Sciences and Guys & St Thomas Hospital NHS Trust.
- This job description is intended as an outline of the general areas of activity and will be amended in the light of changing needs of the organisation and/or developmental needs of the post holder. The post holder is required to participate in an annual joint review/appraisal where this job description will be reviewed.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
- To be aware of and understand the application of relevant health & safety regulations and guidelines.
- To take appropriate action if there is a spillage of body fluids or hazardous chemicals in order to minimise the risk to staff and the public.
Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites, Guys & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust and Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.
The partnership provides services to 1.7 million people living in South East London, as well as to hundreds of thousands of patients from outside the region who use local healthcare services.
The partnership provides diagnostics, testing and digital pathology for hospital trusts, GP services and other healthcare providers.
Guys and St Thomas Hospital Foundation Trust is a major emergency and specialist teaching Trust which has all the specialties associated with a fascinating and career defining case load including: Womens Services, Fetal Medicine, Haematology, Oncology, Transplantation, and is also home to the Evelina Childrens Hospital and the Cancer Centre on the Guys site.
You will be close to the vibrant Borough Market and the South Bank, which are exceptional London locations; perfect places to work and relax next to such iconic venues as Big Ben, The London Eye and The Shard!
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will be expected to work autonomously or as part of a team on a rotational basis in the diagnostic area of virology, taking responsibility to perform the work to the required standards, trouble shoot, train and supervise other BMS and MLA staff as required.
The diagnostic areas in each section are organised and managed by a Senior BMS. Staff rotate through the various sections of the discipline they are employed in at regular intervals with rotation through the main sections at more extended intervals in order to maintain up to date knowledge of current working practices within the diagnostic laboratory.
Key Relationships
As a member of Infection Sciences, Biomedical Scientists work as a team in Microbiology and Virology, the post holder will support the Senior Biomedical Scientists and Microbiology and Virology Operations Manager in providing comprehensive, high quality and responsive laboratory services.
Duties and Responsibilities
Technical
- To undertake manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations.
- To follow the standard operating procedures and to participate in their regular review and update.
- To undertake routine operative maintenance on laboratory instruments.
- To plan and organise their work within the demands of the team.
- To undertake technical validation of the complex results from laboratory investigations ensuring accuracy and precision as specified by laboratory protocols.
- To communicate patient results by telephone.
- To measure and monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality control procedures.
- To carry out corrective action when the quality control procedures indicate loss of performance.
- To prepare reagents required for laboratory investigations
- To report any instance or event which may cause a service delivery failure.
Scientific
- To undertake method and laboratory instrument evaluation as required
- To participate in research and development as required.
Diagnostic
- To use interpretive skills to determine the pathogenic and clinical significance of results of laboratory tests, concentration and attention to detail are essential to these processes and form the greater part of the working day.
- To interpret diagnostic laboratory results and take appropriate actions. i.e.
- authorisation of results
- ordering relevant follow-up laboratory procedures
- adding technical and clinical relevant comments
- referring results for a second opinion
- informing the requestor/medical staff of clinically significant results
- operation of automated equipment
- To communicate patient results by telephone.
- Be aware of and process Chain of evidence request. This is complex, sensitive information that must be accurate and may have medico legal implications.
- To participate in day to day supervision and training of Medical Laboratory Assistants, Medical staff, locum staff and Trainee Biomedical Scientists preparing for HCPC Registration and other biomedical scientists working towards their IBMS specialist portfolio.
- To participate in clinical audits, trials and research projects as required and ensure any audit non-conformances are resolved in a timely manner.
- Laboratory Informatics
- To comply with local and national policies for the safe, secure and confidential processing, and storage of patient and other laboratory information.
- To use the Laboratory Information System (LIMS) according to the authorised protocols.
- To enter their own results and those obtained by others into the LIMS.
- To maintain the integrity and accuracy of laboratory databases
Administrative
- To ensure that records are kept up to date and stored safely to ensure compliance with the standards of ISO15189.
- To comply with good work practices required for the standards of ISO15189.
- To undertake work file management to ensure that all results are reported within the agreed turnaround time.
- To deputise for a Senior Biomedical Scientist in their absence
- To assist the Senior Biomedical Scientists with training, development and competence assessment of BMS and MLA staff.
- To assist the Senior Biomedical Scientists with the supervision of Medical Laboratory Assistants and Trainee Biomedical Scientists.
- To advise the Senior Biomedical Scientist when stocks of reagents and consumables are approaching minimum stock levels.
- To act as mentors for trainee Biomedical Scientists.
- To write, prepare, review and comply with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
General
- To participate in Continual Professional Development meeting professional requirements.
- To maintain HCPC Registration
- To demonstrate competency in order to meet the necessary criteria for performing appropriate tasks.
- To maintain an awareness of developments in microbiology/virology and provide suggestions for implementation as appropriate.
- To observe and adhere to local and national health and safety policies.
- To keep the workplace and work benches clean and tidy.
- To maintain good work relations with all members of staff, and to promote effective teamwork.
- To treat everyone associated with Synnovis and Guys & St Thomas Hospital NHS Trust with courtesy and respect.
- To ensure compliance with all local and national standards of work practice e.g.
- To maintain and promote the professional image of Synnovis Infection Sciences and Guys & St Thomas Hospital NHS Trust.
- This job description is intended as an outline of the general areas of activity and will be amended in the light of changing needs of the organisation and/or developmental needs of the post holder. The post holder is required to participate in an annual joint review/appraisal where this job description will be reviewed.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
- To be aware of and understand the application of relevant health & safety regulations and guidelines.
- To take appropriate action if there is a spillage of body fluids or hazardous chemicals in order to minimise the risk to staff and the public.
Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites, Guys & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust and Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.
The partnership provides services to 1.7 million people living in South East London, as well as to hundreds of thousands of patients from outside the region who use local healthcare services.
The partnership provides diagnostics, testing and digital pathology for hospital trusts, GP services and other healthcare providers.
Guys and St Thomas Hospital Foundation Trust is a major emergency and specialist teaching Trust which has all the specialties associated with a fascinating and career defining case load including: Womens Services, Fetal Medicine, Haematology, Oncology, Transplantation, and is also home to the Evelina Childrens Hospital and the Cancer Centre on the Guys site.
You will be close to the vibrant Borough Market and the South Bank, which are exceptional London locations; perfect places to work and relax next to such iconic venues as Big Ben, The London Eye and The Shard!
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc Honours science degree recognised for IBMS for HCPC registration
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Membership of professional body
Desirable
- IBMS state registration
- Evidence of progress toward the IBMS
Experience
Essential
- Working as a member of a team
- Experience of working in a laboratory or Healthcare environment
- Ability to authorise results for clinical use under supervision
- Interpretation of diagnostic laboratory results
- Good time keeping
Desirable
- Problem solving, good judgement and analytic skills
- Experience of working in a Medical Virology laboratory
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Ability to communicate technical information and results with other health professionals
- A good understanding of the health and social care environment and roles and responsibilities within it including quality, health & Safety and governance
- Ability to communicate within the team to deliver effective service
- Prepared to work across all shifts
- Command of spoken & written English
- Numerate and able to undertake scientific calculations
- Basic Medical or Virology theory
- Basic Molecular Diagnostic Theory
- Basic Quality Control and Assurance
- Basic use of Microsoft Word and Excel
- Understanding of Health & Safety legislation and procedures.
Desirable
- Flexible approach to work and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands in a calm and professional manner
- Able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own workload to set deadlines
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc Honours science degree recognised for IBMS for HCPC registration
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Membership of professional body
Desirable
- IBMS state registration
- Evidence of progress toward the IBMS
Experience
Essential
- Working as a member of a team
- Experience of working in a laboratory or Healthcare environment
- Ability to authorise results for clinical use under supervision
- Interpretation of diagnostic laboratory results
- Good time keeping
Desirable
- Problem solving, good judgement and analytic skills
- Experience of working in a Medical Virology laboratory
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Ability to communicate technical information and results with other health professionals
- A good understanding of the health and social care environment and roles and responsibilities within it including quality, health & Safety and governance
- Ability to communicate within the team to deliver effective service
- Prepared to work across all shifts
- Command of spoken & written English
- Numerate and able to undertake scientific calculations
- Basic Medical or Virology theory
- Basic Molecular Diagnostic Theory
- Basic Quality Control and Assurance
- Basic use of Microsoft Word and Excel
- Understanding of Health & Safety legislation and procedures.
Desirable
- Flexible approach to work and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands in a calm and professional manner
- Able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own workload to set deadlines
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
