Biomedical Scientist

NHS; Manchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The NHS is seeking a registered Biomedical Scientist Practitioner to provide scientific services for clinical diagnosis in microbiology. This role involves working in a leading Virology department, contributing to national health responses, and ensuring high-quality microbiological analysis in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist is mandatory.
• Willingness to pursue post-registration qualification is required.
• Ongoing CPD participation is expected.

Responsibilities

• Participate in audits, drug trials, and research.
• Assess sample suitability and perform biological analyses.
• Manage personal work activity and maintain laboratory supplies.

Skills

Manual laboratory skills

Numerical skills

IT and keyboard skills

Problem-solving skills

Strong communication skills

Education

Degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent experience

GCSE in English and Maths at C or above

Job description

The post-holder will act as a registered Biomedical Scientist Practitioner providing scientific services to patients and clients, aiding in the clinical diagnosis of microbiological diseases. Accuracy and attention to detail are essential.

The post-holder is expected to assist in UKHSA-coordinated responses or activities of a national/international nature, such as bioterrorism incidents or major disease outbreaks (e.g., SARS, H5N1, Covid-19, enteric outbreaks).

Utilising appropriate testing methods in a timely manner, to support the Consultant Virologist and ensure accurate clinical diagnosis.

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

Work as part of the Laboratory Team, rotating through various managed units within virology.

Main Duties of the Job

This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the largest Virology departments in England. The department is part of the Manchester Medical Microbiology Partnership (MMMP), a collaboration between Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and UKHSA, providing both clinical and public health virology services to the North-West of England and beyond.

The department employs approximately 100 staff, handling over 1,000,000 specimens per year, utilizing traditional methodologies and laboratory automation, under a managed service contract with Roche Diagnostics. It is a friendly environment with good team spirit, offering opportunities for personal and professional development. It is a designated IBMS training laboratory with an extensive quality system and full accreditation.

We seek enthusiastic, highly motivated HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientists. All applicants must hold HCPC registration. The post involves providing high-level microbiological analysis to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.

About Us

We pride ourselves as an employer of choice, promoting equality of opportunity and encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. UKHSA fosters an inclusive culture, celebrating differences, removing barriers, and promoting equity and equality.

More information can be found on our careers site: https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Job Responsibilities

Your key responsibilities will include:

Job Description & Responsibilities

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Clinical Governance: Participate in audits, drug trials, research, monitor QA/QC activities, and contribute to maintaining UKAS accreditation. Attend departmental meetings and support effective communication.
• Management: Manage personal work activity efficiently, maintain supplies.
• Education & Development: Engage in ongoing training, update Professional Development Plan as required.
• Clinical: Assess sample suitability, ensure data integrity, perform sample processing, analyze biological samples, operate and maintain equipment, develop new methods, work in high-risk Containment Level 3 labs, dispose of samples following guidelines, monitor stock levels, validate results, extract nucleic acids, perform serological and molecular analyses, and communicate urgent or unusual results appropriately.

The listed duties are not exhaustive; the post-holder is expected to accept reasonable additional tasks.

Selection Process Details

The vacancy will be assessed via a competency-based framework, evaluating your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities based on the essential criteria. You will complete an application form and a 1250-word Statement of Suitability, demonstrating your fit for the role with reference to the criteria. Both will be marked together.

In case of many applications, we will longlist into three categories: meets all essential criteria, meets some, or meets none. Shortlisting will prioritize HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist.

Applicants should not exceed 1250 words in their statement. Late applications will not be considered. If successful, you will proceed to an interview, which may be remote in exceptional circumstances.

Location

This role is based at our Manchester site, with security vetting requirements including Counter Terrorism Check and UK residency for the last 3 years, with exceptions possible upon advice.

Eligibility & Security Clearance

This vacancy is open to all external applicants. Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Person Specification

• HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
• Degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent experience
• Willingness to pursue post-registration qualification
• GCSE or equivalent in English and Maths at C or above
• Ongoing CPD participation
• Manual laboratory skills
• Numerical skills
• IT and keyboard skills (ECDL)
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Strong communication skills for complex information
• Problem-solving skills
• Ability to organize workload independently under tight deadlines
• Manipulation of information skills
• Proficiency with software and advanced keyboard skills

Additional Information

This post is subject to a disclosure and barring service check, and involves working in a secure, laboratory environment with specific security vetting requirements.