Biomedical Scientist (Virology)

NHS; Bristol; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health organization is seeking a Biomedical Scientist in Bristol. The role involves microbiological analysis and supervising laboratory operations. Candidates should possess a Biomedical Science degree and relevant HCPC registration, showcasing their ability to handle clinical specimens and train staff effectively. This position offers a competitive salary and is part of a fixed-term contract.

Qualifications

• Experience of a Laboratory Information System (LIM).
• Technically adept at relevant laboratory procedures.
• Able to train less qualified or experienced staff.

Responsibilities

• Assist in day-to-day supervision and organisation of less qualified staff.
• Process clinical specimens and undertake related tasks.
• Maintain a high standard of professional competence in laboratory tests.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem solving skills

Time management skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Biomedical Science (BMS) degree or equivalent

State registration with Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Job description

The laboratory in Bristol is situated within the Severn Pathology suite of laboratories at North Bristol NHS Trust Southmead site. The laboratory receives in excess of 1 million specimens a year from a large number of clinical specialties across the Bristol and Bath hospital trusts which contribute to an interesting and varied workload.

As a Biomedical Scientist (BMS) you will work as part of the laboratory team, providing a high level of microbiological analysis in order to provide patients with the highest level of diagnosis and treatment.

You will also be responsible for the efficient day-to-day running of an area in a section of the laboratory, to be able to rotate through all the different sections in the laboratory and to supervise and train other less experienced and qualified staff.

You will also be expected to assist in any UKHSA coordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, e.g. a Bioterrorism incident or a major disease outbreak, e.g. SARS.

Main duties of the job

• To assist in the day-to-day supervision and organisation of the less qualified staff in the allocated area.
• To assist in the training of less qualified staff
• To process the clinical specimens received and to undertake the related tasks in the various sections of the laboratory, undertaking reading, reporting and the interpretation of results in accordance with agreed policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• To adhere and contribute to the delivery of the Laboratory Quality Management System (QMS)
• To observe safety regulations of the laboratory and UKHSA.

About us

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

Job responsibilities

Staff

• To assist the senior staff in the monitoring of the performance of less qualified staff.
• To be aware of the wellbeing of less qualified staff in the allocated area.

Laboratory

• Utilising Virology techniques, to work competently in all sections of the Virology Laboratory
• To be aware of anomalous results, recognising these when they occur and reporting them appropriately.
• To adhere to laboratory SOPs.
• To organise the work of the allocated area in the laboratory and to keep up to date with SOP changes.
• To maintain a high standard of professional competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out in the Laboratory.
• To maintain a high standard of technical skill.
• To ensure important or unusual results are drawn to the attention of senior staff and/or Medical staff, and to report complaints and anomalies as soon as possible.
• To deputise for more senior staff as required.
• To ensure that consumable supplies within the area of responsibility are maintained and to record batch numbers and QC data as required.
• To ensure a sound knowledge of the laboratory IT system, and to perform data entry, specimen and result enquiry and entry of results.
• To ensure compliance with Infectious diseases in pregnancy screening programme: laboratory handbook
• To be competent to work, in rotation, in Virology sections and to be flexible in regularly covering vacancies in other sections.
• To demonstrate a good understanding of basic microbiology, and to maintain and develop scientific knowledge. Also to undergo further training as may be necessary and available.
• To take responsibility for equipment and automated processors in the area of work, identifying any problems, troubleshooting and bringing them to the attention of senior staff.
• To communicate effectively with all members of the Infection Sciences team and other health care professionals as appropriate.
• To ensure the agreed quality standards of service are maintained.
• To respond accordingly to changes in laboratory protocols.
• To be able to interpret and report on routine and specialist Virology laboratory tests, in accordance with laboratory protocols and commensurate with grade.
• To liaise with medical, scientific and senior BMS staff in all matters relating to the diagnosis of infection.
• To perform and monitor quality control tests, to record results and bring any anomalies to the attention of Senior BMS staff as soon as is practicable.
• Where appropriate, to assist with research and/or audit projects.
• To assist in the production and dissemination of laboratory reports, data and statistics, including the issuing of preliminary results by phone or computer, and being aware of priorities of reports.
• To process, report and interpret NEQAS samples in accordance with SOPs.

Safety

• To attend mandatory fire, manual handling training, etc.
• To observe the immunisation policy of the laboratory.
• To report any accidents to a senior member of staff.
• To ensure that work on all samples and cultures is performed at the appropriate Containment level.
• To update knowledge by attending relevant courses and reading current textbooks and journals.
• To use equipment in a safe and responsible manner.

Other

• The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager.
• To undertake any reasonable task delegated by a senior member of staff, commensurate with the grade.
• The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the division and UKHSA.
• It should be noted that the work of the division is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.

Please see the job description for the full list of duties and responsibilities.

• Biomedical Science (BMS) degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS
• State registration with Health & care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) in accordance with HPC guidelines
• Experience of a Laboratory Information System (LIM)
• Technically adept at relevant laboratory procedures
• To continue the learning process through academic or practical experience
• Able to train less qualified or experienced staff
• Skills for communication on complex information, requiring developed interpersonal and oral/ written communication skills
• Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to re-prioritise
• Skills for manipulating information.
• Advanced keyboard skills, use of a range of software

Selection Process

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed essential criteria that have been selected from the job description, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
• 1000 word Statement of Suitability.

This should outline how 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

Only those meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:

• Experience of a Laboratory Information System (LIM)
• Technically adept at relevant laboratory procedures

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment.

Please do not exceed 1000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

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

You will be invited to a face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Knowledge, experience, skills and abilities will be tested at 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 lab based at UKHSA Bristol, Southmead Hospital, BS10 5NB. Please note that hybrid working is not available for this role.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-terrorist Check.

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.

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.

Person Specification

• Application Form and Statement of Suitability
• Questions on experience, knowledge and skills

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.

UKHSA Bristol, Pathology Sciences Building, Southmead Hospital

£31,049 to £37,796 a yearper annum, pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

2 years

Working pattern

Full-time,Part-time,Job share,Flexible working

Reference number

919-JP-300986-EXT

Job locations

UKHSA Bristol, Pathology Sciences Building, Southmead Hospital