Microbiology Quality Lead

UK Health Security Agency; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits to join a leading microbiology department as a Microbiology Quality Lead. This role involves managing quality assurance processes and ensuring compliance with laboratory standards. You will work in a collaborative environment, supporting continuous improvement and fostering a strong team spirit. With a commitment to professional development and inclusivity, this position offers a chance to make a significant impact in a vital healthcare setting. If you're passionate about quality in microbiology and eager to contribute to innovative solutions, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in quality assurance within clinical microbiology.
• Understanding of laboratory accreditation processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage the quality system and ensure compliance with standards.
• Support staff in quality assurance activities and inspections.
• Produce reports for the MMMP Quality group.

Skills

Quality Assurance

Microbiology

Laboratory Accreditation

Continuous Improvement

Education

Biomedical Science Degree

HCPC Registration

Tools

ISO 15189 Standards

Quality Management Systems

Job description

Job summary

This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the largest microbiology departments in England as a Microbiology Quality Lead (AFC Band 7 if HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist / Civil service SEO grade if non-HCPC registered).

The Manchester Medical Microbiology Partnership (MMMP) is a collaboration between the United Kingdom Health Security Agency and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. The department employs around 130 staff, handling approximately 1.2 million specimens annually across major clinical specialties including respiratory medicine, transplantation, burns, renal medicine, urology, and paediatrics. It combines traditional microbiology methodologies with laboratory automation, fostering a friendly atmosphere with a strong team spirit and opportunities for professional development. The department is a designated IBMS training laboratory, fully accredited by UKAS, with an extensive quality system in place.

You must be an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual with experience and understanding in quality assurance, ideally within clinical microbiology.

Main duties of the job

The MMMP provides comprehensive routine and specialist microbiology services to hospitals across the North West from its Manchester Royal Infirmary laboratory.

The postholder duties include:

• Supporting the Quality management system in the MMMP.
• Supporting other members of the Quality team to maintain and develop the quality system.
• Ensuring compliance with standards, regulations, and guidelines.
• Liaising with staff to achieve and maintain laboratory accreditation, advising on quality systems, accreditation, and certification, and leading continuous improvement efforts.

About us

We pride ourselves as an employer of choice, promoting equality of opportunity and actively encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.

UKHSA is committed to creating an inclusive culture where differences drive innovative solutions, achieved through celebrating diversity, removing barriers, and promoting equity and equality.

For more information, please visit our careers site.

Job description

Job responsibilities

• Managing the day-to-day operation of the quality system and making independent decisions on quality matters.
• Maintaining the laboratory's quality manual.
• Advising on quality issues across the department.
• Supporting the maintenance of UKAS ISO 15189 standards for accreditation.
• Producing reports for the MMMP Quality group.
• Supporting staff in quality assurance activities and monitoring their effectiveness.
• Promoting compliance with quality standards.
• Preparing for inspections by UKAS and other bodies, and addressing issues arising from these inspections.
• Supporting quality improvements through new protocols and procedures.
• Developing and monitoring key performance indicators.
• Disseminating quality information.
• Managing work programmes for Quality Assurance staff in coordination with Laboratory Managers.

Selection Process Details

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will need to complete an application form and provide a 1000-word Statement of Suitability, demonstrating how your skills and experience meet the essential criteria. Applications exceeding this limit will not be considered.

Applications will be longlisted and shortlisted based on criteria including qualifications and experience.

Stage 2: Interview

Successful candidates will be invited for a face-to-face or remote interview, where knowledge, skills, and experience will be assessed.

Location and Security Clearance

This role is based at Manchester Royal Infirmary. Hybrid working is not available. Candidates will need to undergo a Counter Terrorism Check and pass a security clearance.

Eligibility and Additional Information

Open to all external applicants. The role requires a criminal record check and sponsorship considerations for UK work eligibility.