Job Description

The post-holder will act as a registered Biomedical Scientist Practitioner who provides scientific services to patients and clients as an aid to clinical diagnosis of microbiological disease. Accuracy and attention to detail is essential.



The post holder would be expected to assist in any UKHSA co-ordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, e.g. Bioterrorism incident or a major disease e.g. SARS, H5N1 influenza, Covid19, Enteric outbreak etc.



Utilising the appropriate testing, and in a timely manner, to assist the Consultant Virologist, and thus ensure the correct clinical diagnosis.



To perform a range of bacteriological technical and scientific activities, including testing samples referred from other NHS and UKHSA laboratories.



Works as part of the Laboratory Team - departmental Job holder would be expected to rotate through various managed units within virology

This is an exciting opportunity to join the largest Virology departments in England. The Virology department forms part of The Manchester Medical Microbiology Partnership (MMMP), which is a collaboration between Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The laboratory therefore provides both a clinical Virology service and a public health Virology service to the North-West of England and beyond.



Virology, delivered from the Manchester Royal Infirmary site employs approximately 100 staff and has a workload exceeding 1,000,000 specimens per year. The department embraces all aspects of a modern clinical virology service combining some traditional methodologies with a wide range of laboratory automation. The department is in a managed service contract with Roche Diagnostics



The laboratory has a friendly atmosphere with a good team spirit and offers the opportunity for you to develop personally and professionally. The department is a designated IBMS training laboratory, has an extensive quality system in operation and is fully accredited.



We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated HCPC registered BMS's. All applicants must hold be HCPC registered to apply. The post holder will work as part of the laboratory team, providing a high level of microbiological analysis to provide patients with the highest level of diagnosis and treatment.



We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.



UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.



Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Your key responsibilities will include to:

Clinical Governance



Participate in audit processes, drug trials, research projects, as required.



Participate in and monitor Quality Assurance and Quality Control activities and assist the department in maintaining UKAS accreditation.



To attend regular departmental meetings and contribute to effective communication with the department.



Management



Ensure that personal work activity is managed to make effective use of time and maintain an adequate supply of laboratory consumables.



Education and Development



Undertake on-going training and development and update Professional Development Plan, as required by the Laboratory Manager (or Head/Lead Biomedical Scientist)



Clinical



Assess the suitability and appropriateness of samples received and liaises with senior technical staff for action or advice following departmental sample acceptance policy.



Ensure data integrity when entering demographics and results into the laboratory information system.



Perform sample preparation, processing bodily fluids and materials, including high risk specimens and reagent preparation following protocols.



Analysis of biological samples including more complex/ specialist investigations requiring a high level of skill.



Use and maintenance of manual and sophisticated automated equipment.



Assist with the development of new methods and implementation of new technology.



To work in high-risk Containment Level 3 laboratories following local code of practice within these facilities.



To assist in disposal of tissue and patient samples in accordance with relevant guidelines.



To assist in monitoring and maintain appropriate stock levels and facilitate deliveries.



Exercise judgement and interpretation to validate results and generate laboratory reports in accordance with departmental policies and procedures. The validation process includes analytical and clinical validity.



Extraction of nucleic acid from biological samples to enable amplification and determination of microbial targets.



Analyses of biological samples using sophisticated serological methods and equipment.



Analyses of biological samples using sophisticated molecular biological methods and equipment



Analyses of biological samples by manual methods.



To ensure prompt notification or referral of unusual and urgent results to consultant microbiologist or senior BMS staff or Infection Control team as appropriate.



To refer unusual or unfamiliar events to senior technical staff for action or advice.



To report by telephone urgent results to medical or nursing staff, GP's and other hospitals.



To assist in providing a results service to wards, GP's and other hospitals.



The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.



Selection process details



This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your knowledge and experience, and/or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.



You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the 14 essential criteria listed, and this will be in the form of a :



Application form ( ' Employer/ Activity history' section on the application)



1250-word Statement of Suitability



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.



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



Piles Meets all essential criteria and Meets some essential criteria will be moved through to the shortlisting stage.

Shortlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:



HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist



Please do not exceed 1250 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview. Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered.



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 (competency based)



You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote 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 office/lab based at our site in Manchester.



If based at one of our labs, 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.



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.