Job Description

PURPOSE OF JOB:

To perform the diagnostic microbiology examination and reporting of specimens received in order to aid patient treatment and care. To use interpretive skills on culture plates and complex analysers combined with the Laboratory Information Management Computer System in order to deliver the diagnostic microbiology service to our users.

The diagnostic work of the department includes processing, for example, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, faeces, sputum, tissues and diverse secretions. Processed samples are then interpreted for the presence of pathogens, these could be bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic.

KEY TASKS & Responsibilities:

1. Financial & Management

a) To participate in the analytical work of all aspects of the microbiology department to ensure that the most efficient microbiology service is provided for the users of the department.

b) To work as part of the team, or independently, processing specimens and producing accurate relevant diagnostic results, by the interpretation of clinical information and specimen type against the organisms isolated or detected. To initiate and interpret microscopy examinations, complex biochemical profiles, agglutination patterns and antibiotic sensitivity patterns as necessary. To make judgements and initiate follow up tests as required.

c) To prioritise urgent work and the work of different Consultants.

d) To perform and interpret molecular diagnostic tests.

e) To maintain competency for all work including that which may be required during core and non core hours.

f) To work in an efficient and effective manner within strict time constraints, organising own work when required to do so.

g) To coordinate support staff and liaise with other departments of pathology, users and reference laboratories.

h) To authorise diagnostic results using judgement and departmental guidelines ensuring they are correct, complete and clear and are within the departmental guidelines. To refer to more senior Scientific/ Medical staff as required.

i) To use in depth knowledge and skills to communicate with colleagues regarding investigations to be undertaken and to communicate with clinicians and other users tests to be performed and interpretation of results.

j) To follow laboratory Standard Operating Procedures.

k) To become familiar with the operation of all specialist equipment within the department and learn to be able to maintain and first line repair that equipment.

l) To participate in the development, evaluation and implementation of new technologies and clinical trials and departmental research projects to enable an improved and more efficient service, as directed by the Consultant staff and the Lead BMS.

m) To maintain the high standards of the department by contributing to individual and team objectives.

n) To participate in the maintenance of CPA / UKAS standards.

o) To deputise for the senior BMS in their absence as required.

p) To participate in the development and maintenance of Standard Operational Procedures used within the department and to implement any change of SOP.

q) To support the microbiology service provided outside the laboratory as required.

r) To ensure timely re-ordering of reagents and consumable items in accordance with departmental procedures.

s) To ensure that sufficient working reagents are available for staff in non core hours.

t) To ensure the most economical use of reagents and consumables.

2. Personnel & Training

a) To monitor the performance of other staff to ensure that departmental standards of work are maintained.

b) To be responsible to the Lead BMS for maintaining good standards of discipline, dress, timekeeping and behaviour of subordinate staff.

c) To maintain good working relations with all members of staff to promote effective team work

d) To participate in the department's appraisal scheme as required.

e) To participate in department's training team to encourage others to develop their skills and abilities as appropriate. To help staff meet the competency criteria for working either unsupervised or out of hours.

f) To discuss with staff the expected outcomes of training and development activities prior to training events and afterwards to discuss actual outcomes. To assist staff to transfer, develop and use the new skills acquired.

g) With other senior staff to communicate relevant new scientific developments to all staff of the department.

h) Participate in the formal and informal staff meetings thereby helping to improve communication, information, objective, plans and development transfer throughout the department and Trust.

3. Service Delivery and Quality

a) To ensure the departments quality standards are maintained.

b) To be responsible for maintaining and recording accurate records pertaining to work and quality control including the recording of findings on the Laboratory Information Management System. To act on any results and initiate corrective action as necessary. To inform the section leader of any such occurrences. To complete CDR forms as required

c) To participate in the audit of quality control measures within the department and to present this data to the Lead BMS in a timely fashion.

d) To undertake audits as required and report using spreadsheets and databases

4. Health &Safety and Risk

a) To comply with and implement the Hospital and Pathology Safety policies and to ensure they are followed.

b) To comply with and implement security and confidentiality policies and ensure they are carried out.

c) To ensure incidents are reported in a timely fashion using the Pathology Risk Policy procedures.

5. General

a) To participate in all aspects of the service including both the routine and non core hours and the on-call rota as required.

b) To work across all BSPS sites as required.

c) To perform such other reasonable duties as may be required by senior staff.

d) Continuous exposure to biological hazards (micro-organisms likely to cause disease such as MRSA and TB), unpleasant body fluids including sputum, faeces, blood and urine etc and also Hazardous chemicals including carcinogens.

e) Manipulation of hazardous micro-organisms in high concentration.

f) Freedom to manage own work within occupational and professional guidelines.

g) Frequent requirement for intense concentration for long periods of time at technically demanding procedures. This includes microscopy work, detailed culture manipulation, result checking, entry of results on to the computer, and authorisation of reports.

h) Requires diverse mental effort and ability to work to tight deadlines.

i) Light physical effort for long periods of time, in a restricted position, using highly developed skills are heavily utilised, such as microscopy work. Good hand to eye coordination and accuracy under the stress of time constraints are essential.

j) Requirement to perform precision work in confined spaces, such as safety cabinets.

k) Moderate physical effort required on a regular basis.

This job description is an indication of the type and range of tasks that are expected of the post holder, and other duties may be required, in line with the role and the banding. It will be reviewed and amended from time to time in consultation with the post holder to take account of changing organisational need.

This job description should be read in conjunction with the non-supervisory JD Addendum, available at: https://www.fhft.nhs.uk/media/2754/jd-addendum-non-supervisory.pdf

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: 30,172.04-44,473.60 per year

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: T30004
Expected start date: 10/08/2025