Job Description

The Public Health Laboratory in Birmingham is a UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) microbiology laboratory and is in partnership with University Hospitals Birmingham Trust (UHB). The microbiology partnership provides comprehensive microbiology services and specialist services to Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield, Solihull Hospital and general practitioners throughout the area.



The Public Health Laboratory Birmingham is part of the Directorate of Laboratory Medicine at The Heart of England Foundation Trust. It is one of the largest microbiology laboratories in the West Midlands NHS Region and is the Regional Public Health Laboratory of Public Health England. It is fully accredited with UKAS and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).



The department undertakes a wide range of routine and specialist microbiological and molecular investigations. The post is rotational and will involve working in Bacteriology, Serology and Molecular Virology, Molecular Bacteriology and Mycobacteriology.



To work as part of the laboratory team, providing a high quality microbiology service in order to provide patients with the highest level of diagnosis and treatment.



To assist in the efficient day-to-day running of an area in a section of the laboratory, to be able to rotate through all the different sections in the laboratory and to assist in the supervision and training of trainee BMSs or HSSWs.



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



This is a rotational post through all of the sections of the laboratory including:



General Bacteriology including respiratory and enterics.



Virology including Viral Serology



Molecular diagnostics for Bacteriology and Virology.



Regional Centre for Mycobacteriology.



Antiviral susceptibility services



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



To assist in the day-to-day-supervision and organisation of the less qualified staff in the allocated area.



To process the specimens received and to undertake the related tasks in the various sections of the laboratory, leading to the reporting and interpretation of results in accordance with agreed policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs).



To be responsible for maintenance of consumables and equipment in immediate area of work. Also, to use and maintain automated equipment following manufacturer's guidelines and training.



Based upon knowledge and experience, to designate, on receipt, the range of tests to be performed on the various samples.



Utilising microbiological techniques, to work competently in all sections of West Midlands Public Health Laboratory including Bacteriology, National Mycobacteria Reference Service, Molecular Biology, and Viral Serology.



To participate in the out-of-hours Microbiology service as required.



To work within the UKHSA and Laboratory policies, codes of practice and professional guidelines.



To adhere to laboratory SOPs and to organise the work of the allocated area in the laboratory.



To maintain a high standard of professional competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out in the laboratory.



To maintain a high standard of technical skills.



To be able to interpret and report on all routine tests.



To ensure important or unusual results are drawn to the attention of senior staff and/or Medical staff, and to report complaints and anomalies.



To ensure a sound knowledge of the laboratory IT system.



To demonstrate a good understanding of basic microbiology, and to develop scientific knowledge, commensurate with the grade of Biomedical Scientist Practitioner. Also to undergo further training as may be necessary and available, and to work towards the SEO Specialist and Personal Specification.



To ensure the agreed quality standards of service are maintained.



To monitor quality control results and bring any anomalies to the attention of Senior BMS staff.



To respond accordingly to changes in laboratory protocols.



To liaise with senior BMS staff, medical and scientific staff in all matters relating to the diagnosis of infection.



To assist where appropriate with research and audit projects.



Please see the job description for the full list of duties and responsibilities



Essential Critertia



BSc Biomedical Science degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS.



Health Professions Council (HCPC) registered.



Has completed the IBMS Specialist Portfolio in either Bacteriology or Virology.



Proven experience working in a diagnostic microbiology or virology laboratory.

Has an understanding of:

UKAS standards.



supporting R&D activities.



Health & Safety.



Data Protection and Information Governance legislation.



National Standards.



Experience of using computerised data systems.



Ability to work effectively as part of a team.



Selection Process



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 essential criteria that have been selected from the job description, and this will be in the form of a:



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



750 word supporting statement



This should outline how 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



Only those meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.

Shortlisting:

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



BSc Biomedical Science degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS.



Has completed the IBMS Specialist Portfolio in either Bacteriology or Virology.



Proven experience working in a diagnostic microbiology or virology laboratory.



If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment.



Please do not exceed 750 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.



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



You will be invited to a face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.



Knowledge, experience, skills and abilities will be tested at 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 lab based at UKHSA Birmingham Laboratory, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, B9 5SS. Please note that hybrid working is not available for this role.



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.



Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorism Check clearance.



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.



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.