Specialist Biomedical Scientist

Integrated Care System; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public health organization in Wales is seeking a Specialist Biomedical Scientist in microbiology to perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing and support research initiatives. Located in a friendly laboratory environment, the role includes training in advanced microbiological techniques and participation in quality assurance processes. Candidates with an IBMS specialist diploma are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

Full training provided

Inclusive workplace

Qualifications

• Evidence of knowledge in microbiology and susceptibility testing is essential.
• Experience in HCPC approved Microbiology Laboratory required.
• Ability to teach all aspects of diagnostic bacteriology.

Responsibilities

• Perform a variety of AST testing including disc diffusion and broth microdilution.
• Support outbreak investigations as needed.
• Participate in Quality assurance activities to ISO 15189:2022 standard.

Skills

Microbiology techniques

Antimicrobial susceptibility testing

Quality assurance

Data collection

Research and development

Welsh Language Skills

Education

IBMS specialist diploma in microbiology

MSc or equivalent post-graduate qualification

Tools

Microsoft Excel

MALDI-ToF

Real-time PCR

Job description

Our laboratory, the Specialist Antimicrobial Chemotherapy Unit (SACU), is an aerobic antimicrobial reference laboratory providing susceptibility/resistance mechanism testing results and advice for all Wales. We are a small, friendly laboratory which produce big results!We are seeking a HCPC accredited Specialist Biomedical Scientist (BMS) in microbiology. This full-time (08:30-17:00, Mon-Fri) permanent position in University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff) is ideally suited to a BMS with an interest in antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) and resistance mechanisms. The post holder will be expected to perform a variety of AST testing/confirmation methods, support outbreak investigations, clinical trials and research projects (including studies for the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility testing (EUCAST).The role will include performing AST methodology including disc diffusion, gradient strip, and broth microdilution and agar dilution (using EUCAST guidelines). The post holder will gain a thorough knowledge of resistance mechanism and detection techniques (including real-time PCR). Full training will be provided.The postholder will be expected to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), participate in Quality assurance (EQA, IQA, IQC, audits) and follow Health and safety (H&S) procedures. Informal visits are encouraged. Contact Dr Mandy Wootton on 029 2074 3610/ email:[e-mail].

Main duties of the job

The main duties of this permanent band 6 BMS role includes:1) Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) of referred bacterial isolates to the Specialist Antimicrobial Chemotherapy Unit (SACU).a) Bacterial identification using MALDI-ToFSusceptibility testing by:b) AST by disc diffusionc) AST by gradient strip MICd) AST by broth microdilutione) Interpretation of AST results using EUCAST guidelines.f) Determining if further work is required2) Antimicrobial resistance mechanism testing by:a) Using enzyme inhibitorsb) Gene detection by Real-time PCR on Rotorgene platformc) Gene detection by Real time PCR on QuantStudio 6.3) Data collection using Excel4) Recognition of antimicrobial resistance trends, especially during outbreaks. 5) Following Standard Operating Procedures/department algorithms and Health and Safety policies6) Performing quality assurance - EQA, IQA, IQC, audits etc to ISO 15189:2022 standard7) Provide assistance to clinical trials/research studies as required8) Be flexible and support other areas of the laboratory when required.9) Respond (as appropriate) to emails/telephone enquires from laboratories across Wales.10) Develop a high level of understanding of AST and resistance mechanisms and impart this knowledge to junior medical staff/workshop eventsFull training will be provided.

About us

We are Public Health Wales - the national public health organisation for Wales. Our purpose is 'working together for a healthier Wales'. We exist to help all people in Wales live longer, healthier lives. With our partners, we aim to increase healthy life expectancy, improve health and well-being, and reduce inequalities for everyone in Wales, now and for future generations.

Together, our teams work to prevent disease, protect health, and provide leadership, specialist services and public health expertise. We are the main source of public health information, research and innovation in Wales. Never more has public health been so important as we come through the Coronavirus pandemic, face the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis and tackle and prevent the harmful effects of climate change.

Our organisation is guided by our Values, 'Working together, with trust and respect, to make a difference'. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve and from those wishing to work part time or on a job share basis.

To find out more about working for us and the benefits we offer please visithttps://phw.nhs.wales/careers/

For guidance on the application process, please visithttps://phw.nhs.wales/working-for-us/applicant-information-and-guidance/

Job responsibilities

You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Knowledge

• IBMS specialist diploma in microbiology or equivalent experience
• Evidence (e.g. CPD records) of knowledge and understanding of techniques used in microbiology, especially susceptibility testing and antibiotic resistance
• Understands the importance of quality assurance systems
• MSc or equivalent post-graduate qualification in Biomedical science-related subject

Skills and attributes

• Proficient in the use of standard Microsoft software, such as Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel.
• Understands, can perform and teach, all aspects of routine diagnostic bacteriology, especially susceptibility testing and antibiotic resistance
• Evidence of research and development skills.
• Welsh Language Skills

Experience

• Post registration experience in a HCPC approved Microbiology Laboratory developing a good understanding of specialist techniques
• Comprehensive experience of standard manual/automated techniques employed for diagnostic bacteriology and susceptibility testing
• Knowledge and/or experience of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques
• Experience of varied antibiotic resistance and susceptibility testing techniques
• Experience of varied antibiotic resistance and susceptibility testing techniques

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.

Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Microbiology