Advanced Biomedical Scientist - Microbiology

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Swindon; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Swindon is seeking a Senior Biomedical Scientist to oversee the Microbiology department's operations. The role includes managing staff, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and providing technical support. Candidates should hold a BSc in Biomedical Science, be registered with HCPC, and have extensive experience in a Medical Microbiology laboratory. This position requires excellent communication skills and a commitment to quality service delivery.

Qualifications

• Experience in all areas of a Medical Microbiology laboratory.
• Management-level experience in Microbiology.
• Experience of working alone out of hours.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations in accordance with protocols.
• Process and interpret complex microbiological samples.
• Train and mentor junior staff.

Skills

In-depth experience in Medical Microbiology

Advanced knowledge in Clinical Virology

Staff training experience

Education

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science

Current registration with HCPC

IBMS Specialist diploma in Medical Microbiology

Job description

Job summary

The Senior Biomedical Scientist will work with other seniors in the team responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Microbiology department. The role involves providing a cost-effective quality service through review of processes and policies and interpreting technical laboratory tests and diagnostic processes. They must act as a line manager for laboratory staff and provide technical support and advice to the Microbiology consultants.

Main duties

The Advanced Band 7 Biomedical Scientist in Bacteriology plays a vital role in delivering a high-quality, patient-centered diagnostic service by overseeing day-to-day laboratory operations in line with Trust protocols, safety regulations, and quality standards. The post holder ensures effective time management and supervision of staff, maintains competency in bacteriology, provides technical support to consultants, and participates in the weekend and out-of-hours service. Responsibilities include processing and interpreting complex microbiological samples, ensuring timely and accurate reporting, maintaining and troubleshooting advanced laboratory equipment, leading method evaluations, and supporting audits and quality management initiatives. The role also involves regular communication with internal and external stakeholders, training and mentoring junior staff, contributing to business cases, and ensuring compliance with UKAS, COSHH, and ISO 15189 standards. Professional competence is maintained through continuous development, adherence to HCPC requirements, and active participation in training and appraisal processes. The post holder is expected to manage resources responsibly, contribute to service improvement, and operate effectively under conditions that include physical effort, exposure to infectious materials, and occasional distressing scenarios.

About us

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.

Job description

Job responsibilities

1. At all times to act in accordance with and adhere to laboratory and Trust procedures and protocols.
2. To undertake effective time management in the daily planning of the section's work and to direct BMS/AP/BSW staff in the provision of a diagnostic Microbiology service, working within departmental guidelines and safety policies.
3. To undertake quality work including the investigation of non-conformities, audits and document control/creation and verification/reverification.
4. 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.
5. To be responsible for the maintenance and safe operation of laboratory equipment.
6. To maintain competency in all areas of the laboratory.

Further information will be found on the attached Job Description

Job responsibilities

1. At all times to act in accordance with and adhere to laboratory and Trust procedures and protocols.
2. To undertake effective time management in the daily planning of the section's work and to direct BMS/AP/BSW staff in the provision of a diagnostic Microbiology service, working within departmental guidelines and safety policies.
3. To undertake quality work including the investigation of non-conformities, audits and document control/creation and verification/reverification.
4. 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.
5. To be responsible for the maintenance and safe operation of laboratory equipment.
6. To maintain competency in all areas of the laboratory.

Further information will be found on the attached Job Description

Person Specification

Education, Qualifications and Training

• BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (IBMS approved) or equivalent.
• Current registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• IBMS Specialist diploma in Medical Microbiology
• Evidence of ongoing CPD

Desirable

• MSc Biomedical Sciences
• Higher Specialist Diploma in Medical Microbiology
• Quality Management training
• Health & Safety training
• Management Qualification

Experience

Essential

• In-depth experience of working in all areas of a Medical Microbiology laboratory.
• In-depth experience of working at a management level in Microbiology.
• Advanced knowledge in Clinical Virology and Bacteriology.
• Previous experience of working alone out of hours is essential.

Desirable

• Experience in use of automated molecular and serological platforms.
• Experience of training staff
• Quality Management experience.
• Health & Safety Management experience.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer details

Employer name: Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Great Western Hospital, Marlborough Road, Swindon, SN3 6BB