Biomedical Scientist

CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting Services; Manchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading public health organization as a Biomedical Scientist Practitioner in Manchester. This exciting role involves providing critical scientific services to aid clinical diagnoses in a supportive and innovative laboratory environment. You will work with a dedicated team, utilizing advanced techniques and equipment to analyze biological samples and contribute to vital public health initiatives. With a focus on professional development and a commitment to quality, this position offers the chance to make a significant impact in the field of virology. If you are passionate about science and healthcare, this opportunity is for you.

Benefits

Civil Service pension with employer contribution

Flexible working options

Ongoing training and development

Inclusive workplace culture

Qualifications

• Must hold HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist.
• Demonstrate ongoing participation in CPD activities.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological analysis for clinical diagnosis.
• Participate in audit processes and quality assurance activities.

Skills

HCPC registration

Biomedical Science degree

Laboratory skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Biomedical Science degree or equivalent

GCSE in English and Maths

Tools

Laboratory information system

Automated laboratory equipment

Job description

Manchester, North West England, M13 9WL

Job Summary

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.

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.

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
  
  

Job Description

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.

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.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
• Biomedical Science degree or equivalent experience working in a laboratory
• Willingness to study for a post-registration qualification
• Must have GCSE or equivalent qualifications at C or above in English and Maths
• Demonstration of on-going participation in CPD activity
• Evidence of manual laboratory skills
• Evidence of working with numbers
• Evidence of IT and keyboard skills (ECDL)
• Can evidence the ability to work individually and as part of a team
• Skills for communication on complex information and administrative matters, requiring developed interpersonal and oral/ written communication skills
• Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
• Ability to work on own initiative and organise own workload with minimal supervision working to tight and often changing timescales
• Skills for manipulating information
• Advanced keyboard skills, use of a range of software
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
  
  

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.

Required

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).

Reasonable Adjustments

The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone.

To help you during the recruitment process, we will consider any reasonable adjustments that could help you.

An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work.

This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme.

If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should:

Contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs.

You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments/

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Your application may be rejected and/or you may be subject to disciplinary action if evidence of plagiarism is detected. Examples of plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence (AI), as your own.

Organisation info

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

Internal Fraud check

If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant’s personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.

International Police Check

If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and it could be time accrued over that period.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.

Nationality requirements

This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
  
  

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job Contact

• Name : Harry McCullagh
• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

Recruitment team

• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

Further information

[e-mail] If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/