Biomedical Scientist (Microbiology-Virology)-Fixed term

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust; Leicester; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust is seeking an HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist to perform laboratory analyses, report results and maintain accurate records. The role involves rostering, quality control, equipment maintenance and data management within a high-quality analytical service.

You will support training and development of staff, maintain your Professional Portfolio and pursue CPD activities to meet accreditation standards.

Qualifications

• State Registered BMS (HCPC) required.
• Commitment to continuing education and training.
• Keyboard skills and computer literacy.

Responsibilities

• Carry out laboratory analyses and report results with proper documentation.
• Participate in rosters, quality control, and routine maintenance of equipment.
• Contribute to data management systems and supervise/train staff as needed.
• Maintain professional development portfolios and fulfil CPD requirements.

Job description

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Perform other technical duties as required within post-holder's training and competence.

Clinical / Scientific / Technical

• Carry out all laboratory analyses associated with the post, including reporting results, maintaining appropriate records and documentation.
• Participate in the department's rosters as required.
• Undertake quality control procedures, examine quality control results to identify poor performance and instigate appropriate action.
• Participate in the operation and routine maintenance of equipment.
• Ensure that personal work activity is managed to make effective use of time and maintain an adequate supply of laboratory consumables, reagents and equipment.
• Ensure the competent and efficient use of computerised data management systems.
• Assist in the supervision, training and teaching of staff and participate in the department's training plan.
• Maintain on-going Professional Portfolio and update Professional Development Plan. Undertake courses and other activities to satisfy HCPC Continuing Professional Development requirements.
• Assist with the development of new methods and the implementation of new technology.
• Maintain standards of laboratory policies and procedures to ensure that the department meets National External Quality Assurance and Accreditation standards.
• Assist with the production, maintenance and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures.
• Ensure that safe working practices are followed in accordance with departmental Safety Policy.
• Be aware of and adhere to Trusts policies, including those relating to discipline, grievance, sickness, absence and health and safety.
• Ensure compliance with all statutory and legislative requirements including patient confidentiality and the Data Protection Act.
• Work flexibly and undertake other duties commensurate with the grade as required.
• Participate in and contribute to own Personal Development Review.

GENERAL DUTIES

• To participate in the provision of a reliable high quality analytical service that meets nationally accepted standards (UKAS or equivalent).
• Participate in clinical audit and clinical governance.
• Assist the department with the continuous improvement of the Quality Management System

Out of hours working

• The post holder will be expected to gain competence in techniques to allow participation in the delivery of the departments' service outside core hours. This entails contracted participation in the out of hour's rotas (On call) and overnight working as rostered.

Training relevant to this post, including safety aspects in the handling of biological material, will be given.

Person specification

Training and Qualifications

Essential criteria

• State Registered BMS (HCPC)
• Demonstrates a commitment to continuing education and training

Desirable criteria

• Membership of IBMS
• Biomedical Science degree
• Demonstrates a knowledge and awareness of instrumentation, method development and new technologies

Experience

Essential criteria

• At least 12 months UK hospital laboratory experience covering duties explained in JD
• Word processing, spread sheets and laboratory information system experience.
• Aware of health and safety and confidentiality issues
• Conscientious, Meticulous.
• Demonstrates ability to organise their own work effectively
• Keyboard skills and computer literacy
• Able to demonstrate competency in appropriate laboratory techniques.

Desirable criteria

• At least 24 months post registration UK hospital laboratory experience
• Departmental specific laboratory / advanced techniques
• Training junior staff
• Experience of Specialist discipline.
• Demonstrates a knowledge and awareness of Health and safety, quality management systems and service improvement.

Planning and Organisation

Essential criteria

• Able to plan own work activities and those of clinical support staff

Desirable criteria

• Able to work under pressure or to deadlines.

Analytical and judgement

Essential criteria

• Able to make judgements regarding a range of facts or situations that require analysis. E.g. selection of appropriate samples, tests or techniques
• Can work accurately and methodically following verbal and written instructions.
• Knowledge and understanding of pathology tests and medical terminology
• Ability to perform intricate procedures e.g. pipetting

Desirable criteria

• Experience of troubleshooting appropriate instrumentation
• Knowledge and understanding of clinical microbiology laboratory tests

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

Essential criteria

• Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours

Equality and Diversity

Essential criteria

• Able to demonstrate a commitment and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs.

Other requirements specific to the role

Essential criteria

• Able to participate in out of hour's roster or other flexible working arrangements.

Desirable criteria

• Awareness of patient or customer issues.

Communication and relationship skills

Essential criteria

• Written work legible. Can communicate clearly verbally by phone and face to face. Can use tact and persuasive skills
• Evidence of working and integrating as part of a team
• Good interpersonal skills Able to communicate concisely, effectively and clearly at all levels

Desirable criteria

• Demonstrates a range of IT skills
• Training junior staff.

Skills

Essential criteria

• Able to maintain concentration for prolonged periods at various tasks

Physical Skills

Essential criteria

• Demonstrate manual dexterity e.g. sufficient to handle pipettes and unscrew caps form small tubes

Desirable criteria

• Previous experience of using pipettes to aliquot small volumes of liquid

Additional Information

UHL is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who match our job criteria.

Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be interviewed if you indicate you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please make the recruitment services team aware as soon as possible.

UHL is committed to helping colleagues balance the demands of both their work and personal needs through flexible working arrangements wherever reasonably practicable and subject to service needs.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

Please note if you are successful in obtaining this position and the post involves regulated activity you will be required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service check.

The Trust will pay for the check initially and the money will then be deducted from your salary over a three month period commencing on your first month's payment.

The current price of a check is £38 for an enhanced and £18 for a standard check.

COVID 19 Risk Assessment

Due to the current Covid pandemic we have introduced a staff risk assessment into our pre-employment process. This now forms part of the mandatory pre-employment checks that will be carried out if you receive a conditional offer.

The risk assessment is intended to ensure you are able to safely perform your duties in any of our work areas, and if you have been identified as being particularly vulnerable to coronavirus. Our main aim is to reduce risk and to ensure the safety of all new starters to the Trust as well as current staff, patients and visitors.

If it is identified that you are within a vulnerable category, we will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate this through discussions with both Occupational Health and your recruiting manager.

Covid Vaccination Status

Covid-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, family, colleagues and our patients/service users from the Covid-19 virus. We therefore continue to encourage our current and potential colleagues to get vaccinated.

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust holds the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything it does and all that it stands for. We are committed to developing a workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We welcome applications from the diverse community of Leicester, Leicester and Rutland, to help deliver healthcare services that meets the needs of our diverse communities.