Job Description

We are seeking an enthusiastic Specialist Biomedical Scientist with excellent interpersonal skills and a high degree of self-motivation to join our dynamic team. This role is integral to the laboratory, where you will provide specialist technical expertise in the Bacteriology and Virology sections.



Specialist Biomedical Scientists (BMS) play a crucial role in the laboratory team, responsible for diagnosing infections and disease processes. They leverage the latest scientific knowledge and methods, while also utilizing traditional techniques when necessary. Specialist BMS conduct and interpret laboratory tests providing essential data to clinical staff for accurate diagnoses and evaluating the effectiveness of treatments.



A 5% Recruitment and Retention premium is available for this position up until March 2026.

Technical Duties:

Perform specialized tasks in the Bacteriology and Virology sections.



Authorise specific result types.



Oversee and supervise Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLAs) and Assistant Practitioners (APs).



Manage the use and maintenance of laboratory equipment.

Quality and Project Management:

Participate in validation and verification projects.



Take responsibility for a specific technical function within the laboratory.

Development and Support:

Stay updated with scientific advancements and managerial developments in the field.



Support senior staff and the Laboratory Manager in providing an efficient, expert, and cost-effective laboratory service.



Take on additional laboratory responsibilities with appropriate support and training.

Working Hours:

Routine hours are Monday to Friday, 08:45 to 17:15 (37.5 hours per week).



Participation in a rotational schedule for weekends and Bank Holidays.



Involvement in the on-call (out-of-hours) service provision is required.



Our STAR values - Service, Teamwork, Ambition and Respect - are a golden thread running through everything we do. These values serve as a guiding principle, driving us towards our vision of delivering great joined up services to our local community. Whether at home, in the community, or within the hospital, our goal is to empower individuals to lead independent and healthier lives.



Core Responsibilities



Always to act in accordance with and adhere to laboratory and Trust procedures and protocols. To work under the direction of Senior BMS staff in the provision of a diagnostic Microbiology service, working within departmental guidelines and safety policies. To be responsible for health and safety issues pertinent to diagnostic laboratory work, adhering to all Trust and laboratory employment Health and Safety policies and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations. To rotate (after suitable training and competency verification) through all sections of the Bacteriology and Virology department. To participate in rotas covering Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday mornings as required. To participate in the out-of-hours service in a lone worker situation. To participate in mandatory training requirements of the Trust and attend training sessions, educational meetings, and laboratory meetings as appropriate. To develop a specialist lead role in a technical area or item of equipment, including troubleshooting problems and reviewing protocols. Expertise and specialist knowledge may include one or more of the following functions:

o EUCAST



o NEQAS lead



o Rotas



o Deputy Quality Officer



o ID/AST lead



o Parasitology lead



o Union Representative



o Health & Safety lead



o Deputy Training Officer



o Laboratory instrumentation lead



o Deputy Virology lead



o Technical (Virology)



To participate in annual joint review in accordance with the Trust appraisal policy. To be aware of and support the goal of providing a quality driven patient centred service, participating in the laboratory's quality management procedures. To rectify and or bring to the attention of more senior staff/Laboratory Management any issues compromising this goal. To be courteous and professional when dealing with other health care professionals

Technical (Bacteriology)



To interpret clinical details and patient demographic data for the allocation of tests to samples. To process biomedical samples using various techniques with a high degree of competency in accordance with standard operating procedures, providing accurate and timely appropriate results. To accurately interpret and report timely complex analytical results and authorise Microbiology reports according to laboratory policy. To communicate effectively test results by telephone, printed report or electronic report, deal with telephone enquiries, and provide technical advice to laboratory users. To be able to make decisions regarding the quality of specimens and the validity of test data and ensure any anomalies / errors are reported to Senior BMS staff as soon as possible. To use complex and technical laboratory equipment in the course of their duties including maintenance and troubleshooting of the equipment. To participate in the evaluation of and verification of new methods and equipment. Undertake technical procedures and analysis for basic Virology tests within the section, including ensuring safe working practices for high-risk samples (e.g. HIV and Hepatitis) Undertake assessment of clinical information accompanying samples with respect to assigning tests according to algorithms Refer clinically significant results to the clinicians and Consultant Microbiologists Undertake technical authorisation and validation of assays, producing patients' results. After specific training Interpret results, assigning further tests or comments as appropriate. To liaise with the reference laboratories, ensuring appropriate reporting of referred tests.

Scientific and Professional



To maintain knowledge and experience equivalent to Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) approved BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science. To maintain current registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). To maintain a high standard of professional competence and up-to-date knowledge of new developments in both the laboratory and clinical microbiology and maintain documented evidence of continuous professional development. To undertake effective time management and prioritisation in the daily planning of own work, considering workload and urgency of analyses. To be familiar with various software packages used within the department including the laboratory information system (WinPath), Q-Pulse quality management system software, Microsoft Office, and individual analyser systems. To ensure departmental quality standards are maintained through adherence to standard operating procedures (SOP), reviewing SOP's, participation in internal audit, participation in quality control programmes and assessment of quality control data. Undertake method and laboratory instrument evaluation as directed by the Laboratory Manager. To communicate effectively with colleagues in the Department of Microbiology, other disciplines of Pathology, and medical staff within the hospital and General Practice.

Information Technology Role



Be conversant with aspects of the laboratory information system relating to report entry and authorisation to ensure correct reports are issued and any errors rectified.

Financial Management



All staff will support their managers to make efficient and effective use of resources. All staff are responsible for identifying any actual or potential deviation from budgets and are to work with the budget holder or manager to find effective ways of handling it. All staff must ensure they use resources in a manner consistent with organisational objectives and policies, ensuring that resources are realistic, justified and of clear benefit to the organisation.

Other Responsibilities



Participate in continuing Professional Development, which is a requirement for maintaining HPC registration, and maintaining a record of evidence of professional development in a Personal Professional Portfolio. If not already achieved, work towards completion of the IBMS specialist portfolio and attain band 6 level working. The individual will be expected to provide advice or demonstrate own activities of workplace routine to new or less experienced staff, including APs and MLAs. Demonstrating specialist skill and professional knowledge acquired through post graduate academic, scientific and managerial development.

Patient Client Care



To treat all patients with understanding and care, respecting their privacy and dignity to provide a caring and confidential service.

Financial Responsibilities



All staff will support their managers to make efficient and effective use of resources. All staff are responsible for identifying any actual or potential deviation from budgets and are to work with the budget holder or manager to find effective ways of handling it. All staff must ensure they use resources in a manner consistent with organisational objectives and policies, ensuring that resources are realistic, justified and of clear benefit to the organisation.

Budget Responsibilities



The Management of Financial Resources is relevant to all areas of work in the NHS as financial management takes place throughout the service. Financial Resources includes money and finance as well as the financial value of other resources such as people, equipment, material etc.

Responsibilities for People or Training



As part of the role the post holder may be required to provide training to new members of staff.

Other Factors



The post-holder will require the ability to think clearly under stress, prioritize effectively, and to work effectively with both clinical and non-clinical colleagues. There is also a requirement to deal effectively and politely with patients and/or their careers, demonstrating by personal example the Trust's STAR qualities, and dealing with complaints in a fair, timely and sympathetic way. A proportion of the job requires VDU usage and competency with Microsoft Office applications including PowerPoint, Word, and Excel is essential. In addition to the duties and responsibilities listed above, the post-holder may be required to perform other duties assigned by the supervisor/manager from time to time.

Flexibility



This job description is not intended to be exhaustive, and it is likely that duties may be altered from time to time in the light of changing circumstances, in discussion with the post holder. This role profile is intended to provide a broad outline of the main responsibilities only. The post holder will need to be flexible in developing the role with initial and on-going discussions with the designated manager.



Supplementary Information



This job description should be read alongside the Supplementary Information provided on NHS Jobs for applicants and alongside the Employee Handbook for current staff members.